Category Archives: Blog

Spain’s vibrant wine scene has recently garnered attention with several notable events and new ventures, particularly highlighting the intersection of culture and gastronomy. One of the most exciting developments is the five-star boutique hotel, Finca Banyols, set to open in Alaró, Mallorca, in late 2025. This luxurious establishment, situated in the UNESCO-listed Tramuntana mountains, will… Read More »

Christian Scarica, a prominent sommelier and wine director at Affinatore, shares his journey in the world of fine wine, beginning at the young age of 17 in his family’s restaurant. With encouragement from his father, Scarica learned the art of selling and serving wine, which piqued his interest in pursuing a career as a sommelier.… Read More »

I recently arrived in Chile, and on a Sunday afternoon, I joined some local wine enthusiasts and a few visitors for a casual get-together at Alan Grudsky’s home. Among the guests were winegrower Gonzalo Guzman, Peruvian sommelier Joseph Acosta, Maria José Alvarez, and French import specialist Alex Couloumy. We opened several intriguing bottles, including Gonzalo’s… Read More »

The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), the largest and most influential wine competition globally, has opened its entries for 2026. This prestigious platform, known for its commitment to benchmarking wine quality, continues to evolve, introducing new leadership within its judging panel, reducing shipping costs, and emphasizing sustainability. Since its inception over two decades ago, the… Read More »

Alvaro Espinoza, a pioneer of biodynamic farming in South America, operates the Antiyal winery in Alto Maipo, Chile. Together with his wife, Marina, and their two sons, he has cultivated a winery that thrives on the principles of biodiversity. Recently, a short film showcased their beautiful estate, highlighting its commitment to sustainable winemaking practices and… Read More »

Wimbledon has come and gone, but an incident during the tournament reminds us how shifting circumstances can alter paths—like when Grigor Dimitrov had to retire with a muscle injury while leading against Jannik Sinner, who eventually won the championship. This brings to mind the concept of contingency, which means that events unfold in a way… Read More »

Artémis Domaines, the vineyard division of the wealthy French industrialist François Pinault, has recently unveiled its new domaine, Domaine des Cabottes, which will feature some of the most celebrated vineyards in the Côte d’Or. This announcement comes on the heels of Artémis’ acquisition of the historic Burgundy négociant house, Bouchard Père et Fils, in 2022.… Read More »

The World of Fine Wine recently unveiled the winners of the 2025 Star Accreditation as part of the World’s Best Wine Lists Awards, celebrated during a ceremony at The Savoy, London. This prestigious acknowledgment honors restaurants and wine bars for their exceptional wine programs, evaluated by an esteemed panel including Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers,… Read More »

I’ve just arrived in Santiago, Chile, and while my room at Hotel Magnolia is getting ready, I took the opportunity to enjoy a glass of wine from their list. The Clos des Fous Pour Ma Gueule Riesling 2018 from Itata, Chile, caught my attention. This wine is part of a project by renowned terroir expert… Read More »

Robin Sherriff’s The Science of Fermentation is a visually engaging exploration into the realm of fermented foods and drinks, published by Dorling Kindersley. This book excels in being both comprehensive and accessible, making it a delightful read without overwhelming the reader with dense text. It offers various practical, illustrated guides that empower readers to try… Read More »