Let’s say “arrivederci” and not “addio”…
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I ‘m not one for long goodbyes, so I’m going to keep this pretty short. As of this Friday, I will be ending my nearly three year association with the Wine Library to begin a new phase in my oenological life. I ‘m joining with a lcoal importer/distributor to form “Tom Ciocco Selections” (or whatever I eventually decide to call it). Really getting on the “road” to source exciting wines has always been a dream of mine, and when the proverbial opportunity knocks, sometimes one is compelled to answer the door…
But before I “sign off”, let me take this opportunity to thank Gary and Sasha Vaynerchuk for their vision, leadership, trust, flexibility, as well as the fantastic work environment that they continue to provide for all of their employees. When one does as many things right as they do, it’s no wonder that they have been able to build the best wine shop in the country. They gave me nearly carte blanche to purchase some pretty obscure wines (Pelaverga anyone? 
), as well as the opportunity to write straight from my heart and my head free of dictates and any sort of censorship or oversight. I’d also like to send my highest esteem and best wishes to all of my colleagues (who shall remain nameless for fear of leaving someone out) - folks with which I have worked side by side, and from whom I have certainly learned a great deal and hopefully in turn, I have been able to teach a bit as well…
After speaking to Gary this morning, it seems that “Terroir” will continue in some form or another, though clearly with another brain and ten fingers behind the keyboard. Who this person or persons will be is still “under construction”, but I’m sure that whatever the new format will be it will not disappoint - not if I know Gary…
And so to all of you good folks - Thank you sincerely for reading my ramblings and obsessions. Thanks for your compliments, criticisms, corrections, and correspondence. I have thoroughly enjoyed the lively exchanges, and what goes for my colleagues, goes for all of you as well -thanks for giving me the opportunity to teach and more importantly, LEARN about one of the most exciting , challenging, and culturally rich pursuits in the world - WINE!
So keep drinking great wine - experiment, challenge your pre-conceptions, and don’t ever forget to SHARE (and keep at least one eye out for a bottle or two that might have been selected by a certain someone whose initials are “TC” 
! )
Best wishes to one and all-
TOM CIOCCO
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I’m sad for me, but REALLY happy for you. This sounds like a great opportunity and something you will enjoy. I envy you your current job and even more your new one!
Your blog is one of the wine blogs I read daily. I’ll miss your post, your knowledge and, most of all, your kindness. I hope you find a way to continue sharing with the wine blogging world.
Here’s to a great future for you. Thanks for a great blog.
Comment by Orion Slayer — September 26, 2007 @ 3:21 pm
Orion-
Thanks very much. Though I don’t know you or any of the other regular posters personally, but I’m going to miss you all nonetheless. I toast your health: Be well and drink well!
TOM CIOCCO
Comment by Tom C — September 26, 2007 @ 3:26 pm
Go for it, Tom! I’ll be looking for your selections. Thanks for all the great posts.
Comment by Kent Benson, CSW — September 26, 2007 @ 5:16 pm
Tom,
I have not commented much, but I have always enjoyed your blog entries.
Good luck with the new gig. It is always a gig, just a stop on the path.
I hope Gary lets you leave a short post as to how to get in touch.
Cheers!
Dan (from Houston)
Comment by Dan — September 26, 2007 @ 8:39 pm
Tom,
Best wishes for your new endeavor. I’ll be looking at those back labels for your selections. I enjoyed your blog, but enjoyed even more the great selection of Italian wines you picked for the WL shelves. Bring on the Ruche, Marzemino, Lagrein, Ribolla Gialla, Teroldego, and all those other fascinating, delicious, food-friendly, and undeservedly obscure Italian wines.
Comment by NickG — September 26, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
:’( sincerely
Comment by Ferrigno — September 27, 2007 @ 1:00 am
PS: I didn’t know pelaverga… shouldve written about it, since it is a pretty ofensive curse in mexico
HAVE A GREAT LIFE!
Comment by Ferrigno — September 27, 2007 @ 1:01 am
Some very flattering comments - THANKS EVERYBODY! Hope to meet all of you some day!
TOM CIOCCO
Comment by Tom C — September 27, 2007 @ 10:58 am
we will miss you tom!!!
hope you do great !!
thanks for the knowledge!
Comment by Diego de la P... — September 27, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Good luck in your travels both literally and proverbially. Terroir was my favorite part of the website (no offense Gary) and your presence will be sorely missed.
Comment by Alco Holland — September 27, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Tom,
I didn’t leave much in the way of comments, but I received a tremendous amount from your blog by way of knowledge. Thanks so much for all you put into it, and my very best wishes for your next venture.
Dave.
Comment by Dave — September 28, 2007 @ 3:34 am
Tom,
Thank your for all your WL selections, posts, and knowledge. We’ll all miss you. Hopefully Gary will find a good replacement. Tough choice!
Best of luck with your new endeavors. I’m sure that with your passion and knowledge you’ll be hugely successful. I’ll look for the unknown varietal TC selections for sure. Hopefully they’ll be available nationwide.
Tanti auguri!
Comment by Carlitos — September 28, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
Tom,
I have never left you a comment or shared any insight(yours pales mine in comparison) but I’d just like to say thank you for always having something good on your mind to write about. You’ve always come through in these blogs and shone different sides of wine–many, if not all, of which most readers had no clue about. Your writing style is as proficient and interesting as your technical knowledge of, well, everything in the wine world. Thanks a bunch man and I hope you start your own blog wherever you may go!
Comment by Kelly — October 1, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
Tom,
All the best in your new venture. Prospero and I will miss seeing you at the store. I still think you should consider writing-your blog was the highlight of the website.
Lynn
Comment by Lynn Menna — October 1, 2007 @ 5:23 pm
Tom:
I will miss the blog and will especially miss your special picks via e-mail. You have shown me some incredibly interesting wines (Grignolino is one of my “regulars” now!). Good luck with your new endeavour and keep in touch.
Comment by Russ J — October 1, 2007 @ 9:13 pm
Good luck to you, Tom. AQnd thanks for all the article. Be sure to keep in touch, by way of the WLTV forums.
Comment by Tom T. — October 1, 2007 @ 9:29 pm
Never commented because I really never had anything to add, read more for learning that participating. Sorry to see you go and wish you success in future ventures!
I especially loved your Georgia article. Good luck!
Comment by Ryan D — October 4, 2007 @ 8:29 am
‘just wanted to join in and say good luck with your new endeavors. Have fun.
Comment by Jason Coleman — October 5, 2007 @ 6:15 pm
Hi(…err Bye?) Tom,
All the best!
Sad to see you go, but happy to see things work out for you. You’ve truly been a great source of knowledge for me ever since–I’m sure you’ve forgotten by now–you recommended that verdicchio to me a couple summers ago. I’ve seen you a few times since then, sometimes even nodding and smiling, but you always seemed so focussed and deep in thought. I’ll miss the blog and the interaction with you, a veritable pundit in all things vino Italiano and more. Thanks for it all…the laughs, the knowledge, and the outrageous. Is there any chance of our being able to contact you A.W.L…After Wine Library?
Andre
Comment by Andre — October 6, 2007 @ 11:57 pm
Hey man thanks for your hard work i know it comes a little easier when you’re doing what you love! Until recently i’ve been finding myself reading more and more of your writings. Good shit! It really approches wine at a different angle and ties it all in with GV’s show and WL itself…So fitting. Good luck,and god speed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by wine-ot — October 11, 2007 @ 11:45 am
Good Luck Tom! I have really enjoyed learning from your blog, and hopefully in the future you will return to writing. You really do excel at it! Bonne Chance, Bon Travail et Bon Voyage!
Comment by Adam Raabe — October 12, 2007 @ 9:02 am
Tom-
Thanks for all the sharing of your passion! I suggest you write about your selections as you choose them in a similar format.
Thanks again!
Comment by Ryan Mullins — October 12, 2007 @ 8:24 pm
Tom
I was visiting my daughter in Maplewood on Oct 5 and made my usual trip to the WL and asked for you to help me load up on the usual and unusual Italian wines that you are so adept at recommending and was shocked to hear that you had departed. It sounds like a great opportunity for you and I wish you the best. Thanks for all your help and advise in selecting some great Italian wines. Your descriptions were so vivid that I could almost taste the wines before popping the cork. I wish you the best and hope that we can remain in touch.
Rich
Comment by Rich Husted — October 13, 2007 @ 8:38 am
Best of wishes on your new endeavor. I know you will make it a successful one. While I may have disagreed with some of your ideas, I always thought you presented them extremely well. “Arrivederci.”
Comment by Julius — October 14, 2007 @ 9:12 pm
Thanks for writing about many topics that seem to be overlooked by a lot of books written for people outside of the business. Your blog has been fun and educational- good luck and take care.
JP
Worcester, Ma.
Comment by luvgrapesqeezings — October 29, 2007 @ 8:54 pm