Category Archives: Blog

How much alcohol can one safely consume without harming health? This question resurfaces amid shifting guidelines, as the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction (CSSA) recently recommended that Canadians limit their intake to two drinks per week—well below past recommendations and those of other nations. This echoes the UK’s 2016 guidelines, which lowered the… Read More »

A Baccarat decanter featuring a remarkable 72-year-old Cognac from Maison Martell will be up for auction during Christie’s online sale set for November 22 to December 6. This extraordinary offering is among a selection of fine wines and spirits, including numerous lots from the cellars of Raby Castle. The Cognac is a unique Grande Champagne… Read More »

Reflecting on his journeys through France just prior to the French Revolution, English agricultural reformer Arthur Young (1741–1820) documented intriguing insights into the country’s viticulture and wine during the late 1700s. Young made three significant trips through various wine regions to assess French agriculture, with a focus on viticulture, which was crucial to the nation’s… Read More »

Chianti Classico producers have launched an engaging Massive Online Open Course aimed at anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge of the region’s renowned wines and olive oils. This free course is tailored for sommeliers, wine professionals, journalists, and wine enthusiasts alike. It consists of five modules featuring short, informative videos produced by leading experts, including… Read More »

Stef Yim, a prominent figure in the vibrant wine scene of Etna, Sicily, brings a unique background to his winemaking journey. Born to a Hong Kong father and a Japanese mother, he spent his childhood in California. After starting his career as a sommelier, he dived deeply into the world of hospitality, fully immersing himself… Read More »

On a recent trip to Sweden, I had a chance to explore Malmö before catching a train to Copenhagen for my flight home. I decided to visit L’Enoteca, a wine bar conveniently located near the station. This wine bar features a cozy atmosphere and an impressive selection of intriguing wines, many of which are available… Read More »

Essential Reading for Burgundy Enthusiasts Laurent Gotti’s The Grand Crus of Burgundy: Detailed Atlas and Characterization of the Climats is an invaluable resource for wine lovers, particularly those focused on Burgundy. The book aims to unpack the complexity of Burgundy’s grand cru vineyards through intricate maps that illustrate vineyard ownership and the unique features of… Read More »

Evelyne de Pontbriand, a prominent figure in the Loire Valley winemaking scene, has passed away at the age of 73. She died peacefully in her sleep on November 5, 2024, in Angers, leaving the local wine community in shock. Born after World War II into a distinguished lineage of female winemakers, Evelyne initially pursued a… Read More »

Donald Trump’s recent victory in the presidential election has brought attention back to the topic of import tariffs, particularly concerning wine. As he is set to become the 47th president of the United States, speculations are rife about whether he will implement new tariffs on wine and other goods. Trump himself expressed a fondness for… Read More »

The vast and previously overlooked region of northeastern Portugal is finally unlocking its immense potential. By Simon J Woolf Simon J Woolf explores the innovative producers of Trás-os-Montes. “People here don’t want to sell their vineyards,” Frederico Machado notes. “They have faith that their children will eventually come back and wish to work the land.”… Read More »