Category Archives: Blog

In his article on the issues facing Bordeaux (and potential solutions), featured in the October edition of Decanter, Andrew Jefford highlighted five examples of families and individuals actively working to improve the region’s reputation. These efforts include winemaking families reevaluating various aspects, from their viticultural methods, winemaking processes, packaging strategies, to a novel initiative aimed… Read More »

The oldest wine merchant in the UK, founded in 1698, has recently revealed its plans to enter the online wine auction scene. Berry Bros & Rudd is set to launch its first auction on 28 October, showcasing a private collection from Ian Mill KC. This distinguished barrister has dedicated decades to curating a collection of… Read More »

Tom Stevenson discusses a revolutionary sparkling wine stopper. By Tom Stevenson In Kiboni’s Corky 2.0, Tom Stevenson believes he may have discovered the ultimate solution for re-sealing bottles of sparkling wine. Even though there is often a magnum of high-quality sparkling wine open in my fridge throughout the week, I occasionally forget to use a… Read More »

Crystal Springs of Napa Valley has been officially designated as an American Viticulture Area (AVA), a significant label that specifies the regional origin of wines produced in the United States. The initiative to create the Crystal Springs appellation was led by Steven Burgess, the previous owner of Burgess Cellars, who has had a complicated history… Read More »

Vintage Port represents the highest achievement of the Douro region. Crafted from the finest vineyards during exceptional years, this wine undergoes two years of aging in casks before being bottled, destined to mature quietly for an extended period until it reaches its peak. While young Vintage Ports can be appreciated for their vibrant fruitiness and… Read More »

Simon Field MW, Anthony Rose, and David Williams express their admiration for the variety presented during a tasting of some of the finest Cabernet Francs globally. By David Williams Cabernet Franc has gained popularity among both growers and enthusiasts due to its ability to maintain freshness in a warming planet, showcasing its potential for significant… Read More »

Ghosts of Napa Valley is a documentary film created by Jason Wise, the acclaimed director known for the award-winning Somm series. The film offers a whimsical yet eerie exploration of haunted stories in the Napa Valley region. It features three companions – sommelier Claire Coppi, wine writer Shakera Jones, and winemaker Meghan Zobeck – as… Read More »

Caves Jean Bourdy is a historic estate located in the Jura region, with roots extending back to 1579. It has been managed using biodynamic practices since 2006 and encompasses 10 hectares of vineyards. In 2022, Laura Bourdy, representing the 16th generation, took over management, leading to a rebranding of the estate as Domaine Laura Bourdy.… Read More »

Beyond the well-known landscape of exquisite wines, an unexpected opportunity is surfacing in an unlikely location. By Chris Howard With the launch of its initial wines—the first ever produced in the Himalayan region—the Bhutan Wine Company is emblematic of a groundbreaking initiative. Chris Howard explores the origins of this exceptional endeavor and its implications for… Read More »

Website: https://houseofarras.com.au/ The dialogue surrounding sparkling wines has long been overshadowed by Champagne, but that narrative is beginning to shift. Emerging regions and diverse styles are now garnering serious attention. At the forefront of Australian sparkling wine is Ed Carr, who previously led Constellation’s, now Accolade’s, sparkling wine program which included Arras, located in Tasmania.… Read More »