Interview: Michael James of 8-Bit Vintners

Contributed by: Toby Davis

Wine.  Many of us enjoy and drink it on a regular basis.  However, it hasn’t quite been a “gamer’s” drink (Mountain Dew tends to take that crown on late Friday nights).  Michael James, the founder of 8-Bit Vintners, believes otherwise.  Wine, according to James, is meant to be a fun, enjoyable experience.  Growing up a gamer himself, James’ wine selection offers that fun experience, especially those of our gaming youth.

Mike took some time away from tasting the latest batch of wine to speak to us about his company and his love of video games.

Toby Davis – So how did 8bitvintners come about?

Michael James – I was learning to make wine and planned on working in the wine industry for the rest of my life. It just so happened that I’m also a gamer. I only chose to use a gamer centric theme for the wine because it represents me and my love of game culture. It’s also much more interesting than using my last name or some obscure environmental object.

TD – What was the first game that got you started playing as a child?

MJ – The first game I remember playing was the original Super Mario Bros. for the NES. I know that’s kind of a boring answer, but its the truth. It was a family friend who lived down the street who let me play it when I was 5. I was instantly hooked and have been a gamer ever since.

TD – How does gaming affect the way the wine is made? If so could you elaborate on it?

MJ – Well I wouldn’t say that gaming affects the way the wine wine is made, but I do find artistic parallels between the people who design and develop games and winemakers. Both are incredibly passionate artistic mediums. I never understood the argument that games cant or are not art.

TD – Since you’ve started making wine, what kind of support have you seen from the gaming community?

MJ – Its been mixed, but I would say its been more positive than negative. I think some people think this is some sort of gimmick, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. I love wine and I love games. Its that simple. I didn’t want to put a cartoon animal or an environmental object that nobody could relate to on the bottle. Even if it creates a niche for the wine, I would rather have a label that speaks to my interests. It also happens to be something that a lot of other people are interested in as well. My hope is that my wine brings back good memories from a time many of us are so fond of and that it gets people who may have been intimidated by wine a reason to give it a try.

TD – With motion controls being more prevalent in today’s gaming society, what are your thoughts about them?

MJ – Well I own a Wii that’s really dusty and used primarily for virtual console. Does that answer your question? I’m just not a fan of gimmicks. I enjoy the subtle motion controls in the new Mario games, but anything that forces me to get off my couch to play a game just makes me feel like I should go outside or to the gym. Natal looks like a very cool proof of concept, but as a way to play games, I’m just not interested…yet.

TD – While you have been making wine, what has been one of your best gaming memories?

MJ – Two come to mind. The first is simply game culture related. My first PAX in ’08. It was the first chance I ever had to go to a Con and it was amazing. Meeting other gamers and sitting in on panels hosted by people Ive read or listened to since I was a kid was so cool. I made friendships at that PAX that will last forever. The second would probably be the finale of Modern Warfare. Such a cool cinematic moment that felt so satisfying. I hate leaving off the time I tried to teach my wife to play Left 4 Dead. That was a good one.

You can find out more information about 8-Bit Vintners at the company’s website, www.8BitVintners.com