Alvaro Espinoza and his wife, Marina, recently returned from Costa Rica when I had the pleasure of visiting their stunning Antiyal farm, El Escorial, in the Alto Maipo region of Chile, just an hour’s drive from Santiago. Alvaro is a pivotal figure in the establishment of organic and biodynamic farming practices in Chile, with Antiyal… Read More »
Peter Hall (1943–2025): A Wine Friendship Andrew Jefford reflects on a long-standing friendship with Peter Hall, a pioneering figure in English winemaking, and the impact of his work at Breaky Bottom in Sussex. The relationship began on October 1, 1989, a still, misty day that marked the first of countless visits to Hall’s enchanting farm,… Read More »
The innovative wine preservation system from Coravin, launched in 2013, has significantly impacted wine hospitality. Over the past decade, Coravin has expanded its product line, allowing restaurants and bars to enhance their wine-by-the-glass offerings without committing to full bottles. This development has encouraged a broader selection of wines for consumers. In response to the growing… Read More »
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 »