Monthly Archives: January 2026

The concept of non-intoxicating wine has a rich history that predates today’s growing trend towards no-alcohol and low-alcohol beverages. Debate often arises regarding the definition of wine itself, particularly about products that bypass fermentation processes. A notable early example is Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch’s Unfermented Wine, created in 1869 using pasteurization, effectively transforming grape juice… Read More »

One of the foremost wineries in the Okanagan region is Martin’s Lane, which is part of a group called Iconic Wineries of British Columbia, owned by Anthony von Mandl. This group also includes other notable wineries such as Mission Hill Family Estate, Cedar Creek, CheckMate, Road 13, Liquidity, and Red Barn. When I first visited,… Read More »

Spearhead winery, nestled on the Southeast Kelowna slopes in Canada’s Okanagan Valley, is renowned for its cooler climate, ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Established as a boutique winery, Spearhead produces around 5,000 to 6,000 cases a year, focusing mainly on small-lot Pinot. Winemaker Grant Stanley, who honed his skills in New Zealand before… Read More »

South Africa is renowned for producing some remarkable wines, particularly in the world of Chardonnay. The cooler climate regions like Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde emerge as key contributors to this success. Below are notable Chardonnay selections from these areas, which I highly recommend seeking out on wine lists. Notable Producers and Their Exceptional Chardonnay Crystallum, Hemel-en-Aarde… Read More »

On January 20, 2026, tensions were reignited between the U.S. and France as President Trump threatened to impose a staggering 200% tariff on French wine and Champagne. This aggressive stance emerged amidst escalating diplomatic disputes, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron opted out of a U.S.-led peace plan concerning Greenland. Economic analyses suggest that such… Read More »

Indigenous grapes are both highly fashionable, attracting those in search of something unique, and problematic, as they often struggle to gain international recognition. While international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay have successfully spread to various climates and produce a range of wine styles, indigenous grapes tend to remain local and may struggle… Read More »

Marlborough has gained a strong reputation for its Sauvignon Blanc, becoming the region’s most dominant grape variety. However, concerns have arisen regarding the brand’s integrity, particularly due to a plethora of less compelling, cheaper wines produced from lower-quality fruit. This cheap fruit often results from producers buying grapes that have failed to meet standards or… Read More »

We live in unusual times, and one peculiar development that is now taking the wine world by storm is the rise of NoLo wines—those with no or low alcohol content. As the definitions around these terms vary widely, there’s currently no universally accepted terminology. For instance, in the U.S., "non-alcoholic wine" is classified as having… Read More »

2024 Burgundy: Chablis Tasting Notes The 2024 Chablis vintage has been characterized by significant challenges, particularly hail and mildew, which impacted yields across various domains. Despite these adversities, many producers have managed to create wines with vibrant characteristics, capturing the essence of this cooler vintage. Domaine Bessin-Tremblay (La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne) Antoine Bessin reflects on the devastating… Read More »

Greystone in North Canterbury, New Zealand, has garnered attention for its innovative approaches to winemaking, particularly under the leadership of its winemaker Dom Maxwell and viticulturist Liam Burgess. The estate covers 120 hectares, with 40 hectares dedicated to vines, primarily composed of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. They transitioned to organic farming… Read More »