Wine and desserts in Riga In late February, I had the unique experience of judging at the annual Wine+Dessert Latvia contest in snowy Riga, where I tasted 14 desserts along with their paired wines—a first for me (albeit in modest spoonfuls). This competition, which has been thriving since 2010 and now includes Estonian participation, was… Read More »
Rippon, a stunning vineyard overlooking Lake Wānaka, is known as one of New Zealand’s most photographed estates, and with good reason. The name Wānaka translates to “a teaching place” in Māori, which aptly describes the educational experience offered by Nick Mills during my visit in September 2024. Originally purchased in 1912 by Percy Sargood, the… Read More »
Rosa Kruger has forged a remarkable path in the world of viticulture, propelled by a passion for old vines and a commitment to social change. Growing up as the great-great-granddaughter of Paul Kruger, she initially faced the conservative values of her family and pursued journalism and law, but ultimately chose to abandon traditional careers to… Read More »
Many people fantasize about owning a vineyard or having their own wine label. Consequently, it’s no wonder that celebrities are drawn to the allure of winemaking. From Hollywood stars acquiring vineyards in Napa Valley to pop music icons introducing widely popular wines, celebrity involvement in the wine industry has reached new heights. With substantial financial… Read More »
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy, the 2025 Masters champion, held the traditional Champions Dinner at Augusta National, where he selected a remarkable menu and four prestigious wines. This dinner, attended exclusively by past Masters winners and the chairman of Augusta, is not only a way for the champion to pay homage to their victory, but… Read More »
De Lille Cellars D2 2017 from Columbia Valley, Washington State boasts an alcohol content of 14.2%. Having visited the winery in 2015, I was eager to revisit this wine with nearly eight years of bottle age. This blend consists of 66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Malbec. The wine presents beautifully… Read More »
Italy emerged as the dominant force at the 2025 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC), winning over half of the available gold and silver medals. The competition, now in its twelfth year and held at Goodnestone Park in Kent, attracted entries from 1,000 wines across 23 countries. Italy claimed an impressive total of 93… Read More »
The 2022 vintage for Barbaresco, with its unique character and challenges, stands in stark contrast to the previous year’s experience. This new vintage marked an evolution for many winemakers, grappling with the aftermath of an intensified drought while also facing the unpredictable whims of nature. Roberta Ceretto recalls the numerous hurdles, “Every month brought a… Read More »
A remarkable achievement for South Africa was highlighted at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), showcasing the nation’s exceptional white wines. With 45 Gold medals awarded, the competition marked a new high for South Africa, further cementing its reputation in the global wine industry. Fiona McDonald, DWWA Regional Chair for South Africa, noted that… Read More »
Rully 2024 Vintage: A Focus on Terroir and Character David Lefort, the president of the Rully wine growers’ syndicate, has begun a second four-year term, aiming to enhance the understanding of Rully’s terroirs. In 2024, his efforts resulted in the release of detailed maps that provide insight into the village’s subsoil, essential amid recent dry… Read More »