The winemaking scene in South Africa is witnessing a significant shift as Callie Louw, a prominent figure in the industry, prepares to leave his roles at Porseleinberg and Boekenhoutskloof. Louw has decided to venture out on his own, driven by his desire to acquire and run his own vineyard. He has secured a financial partner… Read More »
A recent survey from the IWSR Bevtrac has revealed a notable rise in alcohol consumption among Gen Z adults, challenging the stereotype that they are largely abstaining from drinking. Conducted in March 2025, the survey found that 73% of Gen Z individuals reported consuming alcohol in the previous six months, an increase from 66% two… Read More »
Last time I visited Vino Gross, I explored the vineyards of Haloze and tasted wines in the cellar. This recent visit took me to Svečina, where Michael and Maria have created a lovely home and tasting room in Slovenian Styria. Their wines have gained attention for showcasing the intersection of natural winemaking with purity and… Read More »
Locals and Nomads is a charming wine bar in Lisbon that emphasizes natural wines. During my recent visit, I decided to explore this hidden gem, which claims that 80% of its clientele are non-wine enthusiasts while the remaining 20% are knowledgeable aficionados. The bar boasts an impressive selection of wines, including many natural labels sourced… Read More »
Weyborne Estate: A Story of Modern Sparkling Wine Margaret Rand travels to the Black Down Hills in Sussex to explore Weyborne Estate, a fresh entrant in the English sparkling wine scene that thrives at higher altitudes. Weyborne Estate, with its beautiful 17th-century house, became a point of interest in Sussex, attracting new owners searching for… Read More »
Heimann & Fiai, an esteemed winery in Szekszárd, Hungary, presents their 2024 Kadarka, a delightful expression of a varietal known for its lighter-style red wines reminiscent of Pinot Noir and Gamay. The Heimann & Fiai Kadarka boasts 12% alcohol content and is produced organically. It undergoes a wild fermentation with whole bunches, maturing in concrete… Read More »
DOCa Rioja has made historic strides by electing Raquel Pérez Cuevas as its first female president, coinciding with the centenary celebration of Spain’s oldest designation of origin. Pérez Cuevas expressed her pride in this milestone, emphasizing the growing presence of women in the wine industry. As she embarks on her four-year term, Pérez Cuevas will… Read More »
Oregon’s wine region, particularly the Willamette Valley, has recently faced upheaval due to immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The local wine community is now rattled by the detention of vineyard expert Moises Sotelo, an incident that has impacted many within the industry. Sotelo was apprehended on June 12 in Newberg… Read More »
“You would literally be the first person in the world to taste this wine outside of the members of the Rothschild family and the internal team.” Those were the enticing words that led to an unforgettable dinner with Guillaume Lété, the chief winemaker (chef de cave) of Champagne Barons de Rothschild. Just 22 days ago,… Read More »
The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino vintage has yielded mixed results, according to Andrew Jefford. Following the remarkable success of the 2019 vintage, which garnered some of the highest scores ever recorded by a tasting panel, the 2020 wines do not meet the same standards. The year was heavily influenced by the challenges presented by the… Read More »