I recently had my first experience at Hector’s, an exceptional wine bar nestled in De Beauvoir Town, Hackney, just a short stroll from the Dalston Junction overground station. This location, combined with nearby wine spots like Dan’s, Newcomer, and Brilliant Corners, makes this area a top destination for wine enthusiasts. The ambiance at Hector’s is… Read More »
London is currently hosting the judging for the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2026, highlighting significant updates in leadership and judging methodology. This year’s competition sees a surge in participation, with over 16,700 wines from 57 countries being evaluated by 246 judges representing 36 nations. Judging will take place over two weeks, starting with standards… Read More »
The 1970 Vintage Port is heralded as a remarkable year in the history of Port wine, marking a high point following a decade that had already set a new standard for quality. Axel Probst explores this iconic vintage, detailing the favorable conditions and unique circumstances surrounding its production. The Douro Valley, which had only recently… Read More »
The Route des Grands Crus in Burgundy, renowned for its prestigious vineyards, overlooks several lesser-known yet charming villages that produce delightful wines. Among these are Monthélie, Auxey-Duresses, and St-Romain, collectively forming an area described as "behind the hill" thanks to their tucked-away locations. Monthélie is characterized by its scenic slopes filled with vineyards that extend… Read More »
I recently gathered with my two brothers-in-law and my nephew to test a bottle of Champagne that is available at Tesco in the UK for just £8 (around €9.25 or $10.85), taking advantage of various discounts and deals. The big question: Is it any good? You can watch our tasting session to find out! For… Read More »
With its ample winter snows and an extended growing season, the 2021 vintage in Barolo proved to be exceptional for Nebbiolo, according to Andrew Jefford. A recent tasting of 50 wines by Jefford, along with Bruno Besa and Michael Palij MW, showcased the quality of this year as they delved into tasting notes and scoring.… Read More »
Daniele Arcangeli is a prominent judge at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). With over 20 years of experience in the fine dining sector across Europe and the UK, Arcangeli has made his mark as an award-winning Italian sommelier and wine buyer. Currently, he serves as the head sommelier and wine buyer at Ekstedt… Read More »
Luis Lopes, known for his work with the acclaimed Dão winery Dominio de Açor, has embarked on a personal project since 2013, producing elegant wines from the regions of Dão and Bairrada in Portugal, along with one from Spain. The project’s name is inspired by a Portuguese phrase, "Beber e chorar por mais," meaning "drinking… Read More »
The 2025 vintage for Bordeaux dry whites has been hailed as a pleasant surprise, showcasing remarkable freshness and aromatic clarity, often better balanced than expected given the hot, dry conditions faced that year. Despite the challenges posed by significant summer heat and drought, many producers adeptly crafted wines that maintained adequate acidity and moderate alcohol… Read More »
Karol Nizio is crafting outstanding natural wines on his family estate in Poland, near the Ukrainian border. His parents transformed a dilapidated manor into a hotel and restaurant in 2010. Two years later, they expanded by acquiring adjacent land and planting vines. Karol became involved in 2016, shifting the winery’s focus from conventional methods to… Read More »