Category Archives: Blog

Central Otago, the world’s most southerly major wine-growing region, has garnered acclaim for its unique Pinot Noir, characterized by distinct and captivating flavors. Nestled amidst awe-inspiring landscapes of ravines, mountains, and lakes, this New Zealand region defies the maritime influence typical of many other wine areas. Spanning 2,055 hectares, with 1,655 hectares devoted solely to… Read More »

A recent human trafficking trial in France has led to the conviction of three individuals for their mistreatment of harvest workers in the Champagne region. This trial has drawn significant attention, particularly regarding the conditions faced by over 50 workers, many of whom were undocumented migrants. The court in Châlons-en-Champagne sentenced the defendants for their… Read More »

Gérard Perse, the esteemed owner of Château Pavie, passed away at the age of 75 after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by the estate via social media on July 19, 2025. His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey that saw him elevate Château Pavie into one of the most distinguished estates in Bordeaux.… Read More »

Roger Boulton, an emeritus professor from the University of California Davis and a leading figure in wine chemistry, delivered an insightful presentation at the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, focusing on precision fermentation management. He highlighted two major challenges faced during fermentation: sluggish or incomplete fermentations and the production of hydrogen sulfide due to elemental… Read More »

Scent creator Jo Malone CBE has unveiled her latest venture, Jo Vodka, a trio of luxurious sensory spirits designed to elevate the drinking experience. Known for her successful fragrance brands, Jo Malone and Jo Loves, Malone collaborated with Master Distiller Joanne Moore to create three distinct vodka expressions. The collection is anchored by its signature… Read More »

Franco and Francesca Masiero established their biodynamic winery in 1996 in the Veneto region, nestled within the volcanic hills near Vicenza. Since 2015, their daughter Giulia Masiero has joined the family enterprise. The winery spans three hectares, cultivating various varietals including Pinot Noir, Merlot, and old vine Garganega, Tai Rosso, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio across… Read More »

It has been four decades since New Zealand’s wine industry first garnered international acclaim for its unique Sauvignon Blanc, and the current landscape of fine wine production has expanded significantly beyond Marlborough’s famous varietal. Ken Gargett’s comprehensive exploration of New Zealand wine reveals a thriving industry that now boasts a diverse array of regions and… Read More »

The Heretics is a new English still wine producer based in Crouch Valley, Essex, with a focus on expressive and vibrant wines. Their Pale Rosé 2023 displays a delicate pale hue, highlighting its fine and fresh profile with expressive notes of cherry and plum. This wine is characterized by its bright energy and crystalline citrus… Read More »

Sandridge Barton is the new name for a renowned winery in Devon, formerly known as Sharpham, and is now making waves in the English wine scene. My affinity for this establishment dates back to 1998, when I first visited while camping nearby. It was my introduction to serious wine, guided by winemaker Duncan Schwab, who… Read More »

French wine is currently experiencing a significant crisis, described by industry leaders as one of the most serious in its history. This distressing situation was brought to light during a recent meeting with France’s agriculture minister, Annie Genevard. The challenges faced by winemakers stem from a combination of structural and cyclical issues. Producers are currently… Read More »