Wine is navigating a tumultuous landscape, marked by challenges such as climate change, increasing production costs, regulatory burdens, and a decline in consumption driven by changing lifestyles. Despite this, the global market for wine remains robust; Mintel estimates that the UK wine market alone was valued at nearly £15 billion in 2024, revealing that consumers… Read More »
Toklas, a modern-Mediterranean restaurant near Somerset House in London, recently hosted its first wine dinner to showcase its new wine list, curated over 18 months by Head of Beverages Agustina Basilico and consultant Heidi Mäkinen, a Finnish master of wine. The focus was to offer unique and high-quality wines while promoting sustainable practices and minimizing… Read More »
The 2004 Champagne vintage, initially overlooked, has proven to be a remarkable collection of wines that embody finesse and purity over power and intensity. As these wines reach maturity, a tasting conducted by experts Essi Avellan MW, Simon Field MW, and Joanna Simon reveals that the 2004 vintage deserves recognition for its surprising elegance and… Read More »
The UK-based urban winery Renegade, located in East London, has initiated a fundraising effort aimed at securing £800,000 to elevate its operations. Founder Warwick Smith revealed that discussions with potential investors have begun, with some commitments already made toward this new funding round. Since its inception over eight years ago, Renegade expanded in 2021 by… Read More »
Vergelegen is a significant wine estate located in Somerset West, South Africa, which has recently undergone a transformation aimed at revitalizing its potential. The estate spans 3,200 hectares and offers stunning views of the Hottentots Holland mountain range and Cape Point. Established in 1700, it is home to a national monument, a stand of camphor… Read More »
Champagne producers reported a troubling 9.2% decline in sales for 2024, reflecting a "gloomy political and economic context." In the domestic market, sales fell by 7.2%, hitting a record low of 118.2 million bottles—the weakest performance since 1985. Export numbers were even more challenging, decreasing by 10.8% to 153.2 million bottles, marking the lowest demand… Read More »
Gérard Bertrand: Tales from the Temple Amid the pyramids at Clos du Temple winery, known for producing one of the world’s most expensive rosés, Margaret Rand interviews Gérard Bertrand, exploring themes of family, rugby, and his relentless pursuit of perfection. When visiting Bertrand’s winery, one might be struck by the peculiar mix of high culture… Read More »
This Polish wine seminar, presented by Adam Michocki at the Cool Climate Wine Summit in Copenhagen in January 2025, highlighted the dynamic evolution of Poland’s wine industry. Adam, who runs Central Wines, an agency focused on importing wines from Central Europe to the UK, engaged with notable Polish winegrower Kamil Barczentweicz during the event. Poland… Read More »
Following the November preview tastings in Montalcino, the reports for the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino and the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva coincide with their commercial release this month. A first look at the 2020 Brunello reveals graciously structured, seductive wines that are immediately harmonious. The summer preceding the harvest was hot and dry, with… Read More »
The UK sparkling wine scene has experienced rapid growth and transformation, contrasting with the traditionally slow evolution of the wine industry. A new UK Sparkling Wine Guide has been published recently, highlighting this dynamic category. This guide, consisting of 73 pages filled with rich information, begins with a comprehensive introduction to UK sparkling wine, accompanied… Read More »