Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red grape, known for its bold flavours of dark fruit, smoky notes and full-bodied character. International Pinotage Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of October, is an opportunity to raise a glass to a variety that overcame years of criticism to win recognition around the world. From four seeds to… Read More »

A new supermarket-focused wine brand, All Good Things, is drawing on Australia and New Zealand. Its packaging is simple and eye-catching, while its listed prices of around £9.75–£10 appear to leave room for promotions; the wines seem to be selling for about £8. All Good Things Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Western Australia 12% alcohol · 81/100… Read More »

Pressing Matters: A Guide to the Hot Topics in Wine In Pressing Matters: The Debates, Controversies, and Mysteries that Have Shaped the World of Wine, Alan Ramey offers readers a vital exploration of the most pressing questions in the wine industry. Expecting solid answers about complex issues like the detectability of terroir or the superiority… Read More »

Launched in March 2025, Zacal Mezcal describes itself as “the spirit for wine lovers.” Co-founder Andrew Maidment emphasizes that, similar to wine, a mezcal’s identity is influenced by its soil, altitude, and climate, leading to nuanced varietal expressions. However, this raises the question of whether terroir or varietal expression is more crucial for mezcal. Esteban… Read More »

The autumn of 2026 has ushered in an exciting array of wines from California, showcasing remarkable releases that include ageworthy Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, mountain-grown Cabernets, Bordeaux blends from Sonoma County, and both Rhône-style whites and reds. With a unique blend of tradition and innovation, these selections warrant attention from wine enthusiasts across the globe.… Read More »

I had the opportunity to visit Montes in Chile, accompanied by Rodrigo Barral, the chief viticulturist, and Santiago Izcúe, the winemaker. The vineyard, situated in the stunning Apalta Valley, showcases a unique amphitheater-like arrangement of vines across picturesque hills. Montes spans 120 hectares in Apalta and an additional 450 hectares in Marchigüe, which is closer… Read More »

London is home to a vibrant cocktail scene, providing a treasure trove of bars that cater to all tastes and preferences. From luxurious hotel bars to trendy spots that attract a hip crowd, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of standout cocktail bars in the capital. A Bar with Shapes for a Name… Read More »

The Terre del Barolo cooperative, established in 1958 in Castiglione, began its journey with its first vintage in 1959 and has since become a significant player in the wine industry. The cooperative launched the Arnaldo Rivera project in 2017, named after its founder, who also served as the mayor of Castiglione Faletto for 37 years.… Read More »

A collective excitement filled the air as plates of golden chicken nuggets adorned with sauces were served, paired with elegant wines characterized by floral and mandarin notes. This was no ordinary gathering; it was the Crystal Palace Wine Club’s innovative junk food and wine pairing night, a hit among London’s trendier young adults. The club,… Read More »

Dobričić is a unique grape variety from the Croatian island of Šolta, which was nearly extinct until the early 2000s. Once upon a time, it played a significant role as one of the parent grapes of Croatia’s flagship variety, Plavac Mali. Vicko Kaštelanac, a winemaker on the island, emphasizes the grape’s intriguing qualities by referring… Read More »