In his final column for The World of Fine Wine, Michel Bettane reflects on his two-decade journey with the magazine and expresses profound concerns about the future of wine, stating, "The world of wine is on the brink of the biggest struggle for its survival since the phylloxera era." Bettane has been a voice for… Read More »
Pyramid Valley is a distinctive vineyard located in North Canterbury, New Zealand. My first encounter with this gem occurred during my initial trip to Aotearoa in November 2007, amidst my role as a science editor. After a symposium in Dunedin, I often took the chance to extend work trips, which led me to explore regions… Read More »
The tasting of Iberian fortified wines, including Port, Sherry, Madeira, Montilla, and Carcavelos, reveals a rich and diverse category that is increasingly niche but steeped in history. Despite a general decline in the popularity of these wines, they maintain a unique and important status in the winemaking world. Historically, fortified wines have their origins steeped… Read More »
A significant change is unfolding in the UK’s wine culture, marking a return to the familiar and traditional as consumers navigate through uncertain economic times and global socio-political challenges. This shift signals a movement away from the adventurous exploration of alternative wines and styles that characterized the previous decade. Over the last ten years, there… Read More »
Having built a successful architectural career, Ondine de la Feld faced an unexpected transition when her uncle asked her to take over Tenuta di Tavignano, a respected winery in Italy’s Marche region, after the passing of his wife. Initially hesitant, she finally agreed in 2014, driven by her husband’s appreciation for land and tradition. Ondine’s… Read More »
Cedar Creek Winery, part of the Mark Anthony group, is significant in the Okanagan Valley wine scene, which also includes renowned names like Mission Hill and CheckMate. Recently, the winery experienced a change in leadership as new winemaker Andrés Gálvez Pizarro, originally from Chile, took the reins from Taylor Whelan, who transitioned to overseeing winemaking… Read More »
Austria’s Best Single-Vineyard Wines The Single Vineyard Summit (SVS) in Kamptal, Lower Austria, has been a significant event showcasing the quality of Austrian wines, bringing together producers and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by the ÖTW (Austrian Traditional Winemakers), the summit seeks to elevate Austrian wines through regulation and promotion of single-vineyard sites. Michael Moosbrugger, president… Read More »
Château Rayas is celebrated in the world of wine for its legendary status and an aura of mystery surrounding its legacy. This esteemed Rhône estate, under the stewardship of Emmanuel Reynaud, who passed away in November 2025, has gained widespread admiration for its wines characterized by elegance and depth. Winemaking in this region often reveals… Read More »
ProWein, once the premier wine trade fair, has found itself facing stiff competition from Vinexpo, especially after Vinexpo’s relocation to Paris. This shift allowed Vinexpo to attract more global participants, partly thanks to Paris’s robust accommodations and transport system. Düsseldorf, the host city for ProWein, struggles with infrastructure, especially during the event, which can attract… Read More »
The concept of non-intoxicating wine has a rich history that predates today’s growing trend towards no-alcohol and low-alcohol beverages. Debate often arises regarding the definition of wine itself, particularly about products that bypass fermentation processes. A notable early example is Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch’s Unfermented Wine, created in 1869 using pasteurization, effectively transforming grape juice… Read More »