Category Archives: Blog

Jim White from Cloudy Bay recently presented at the 2025 Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference, focusing on the promising future of disease-resistant grape varieties (DRVs), often referred to as PIWIs. This topic is gaining traction in Europe and gaining attention in Australia and New Zealand. White emphasized the environmental benefits, stating that this could signal… Read More »

Argentina has solidified its reputation as a vinous powerhouse in South America, showcasing its strength at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The country achieved a remarkable increase in top-tier medals (95+ points), obtaining seven Platinum awards, including two prestigious Best in Show, and 37 Gold medals. Moreover, it garnered 195 Silver medals throughout… Read More »

On my first night in Australia, I ventured to Pastel Wine Bar in North Adelaide after enjoying a drink at East End Cellars. Accompanied by Ali Fraquelli, who is involved with Jim Barry in Clare and co-creator of the exquisite Yarn English sparkling wine, the ambiance of Pastel was inviting, particularly on a bustling Saturday… Read More »

In a comprehensive review, Michael Schuster explores the rising profile of Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay, previously overshadowed by the region’s reputation for red wines. This narrative focuses on a collection compiled by Cameron Douglas MS, New Zealand’s first Master Sommelier, highlighting the quality of wines from the 2019 vintage. Beginning in 2010, the Gimblett Gravels Association… Read More »

Therianthropy, a mythical process of shapeshifting, aptly represents the transformation of nature into wine at Therianthropy Wines. Established in late 2019 in Creemore Hills, Niagara, Ontario, this collaborative garagiste project, spearheaded by winemaker David Eiberg, emphasizes low-intervention wines crafted from sustainably sourced grapes across Ontario. Every aspect of their winemaking process reflects commitment to natural… Read More »

Sogrape is a prominent wine company known for its diverse wine portfolio, but it also boasts exquisite offerings such as Barca Velha, widely regarded as Portugal’s most celebrated still red wine. This iconic wine has been crafted since the 1950s and is only released in outstanding vintages. Recently, these exceptional wines were showcased at the… Read More »

A quiet revolution is taking root in Montalcino, where recent changes in vineyard quotas are poised to significantly enhance the production of Rosso di Montalcino. After adjustments approved at the end of 2024, this shift offers a promising future for what has typically been seen as Montalcino’s second wine. Rosso di Montalcino, akin to its… Read More »

A Fine Wine Journey Through Marlborough, New Zealand Ken Gargett embarks on a journey through Marlborough, New Zealand’s most renowned wine region. Highlighting its primary export, Sauvignon Blanc, he notes its significance to the country’s wine identity. The region produces three distinct types of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: Bulk operations, which treat wine as a commodity.… Read More »

I recently had the opportunity to taste some remarkable wines from Brendon Keys of BK Wines at East End Cellars in Adelaide. This visit followed my earlier experience of sampling one of his wines at Mother Vine, which is closely associated with East End Cellars. Brendon, along with his wife Kirsty, has developed a reputation… Read More »

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 »