The ninth annual Willamette Valley Wine Auction recently took place, celebrating the 2023 vintage with a two-day event that drew collectors and industry professionals alike. This year, the auction raised over $614,000, benefiting the Willamette Valley Wineries Association’s marketing and education initiatives. Held on May 14-15, the auction included live and silent auctions, and featured… Read More »

To commemorate its centenary as an AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée), the village of Mercurey in Côte Chalonnaise organized a series of events throughout 2023, celebrating its notable evolution and significance in the Burgundy wine region. On May 30, 1923, the court ruling formalizing Mercurey as an AOC was established, following a legal challenge by local… Read More »

Bubala is a charming chain of three vegetarian restaurants located in London—Kings Cross, Spitalfields, and Soho—specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at the Soho location for lunch, and it easily ranked among the best meals I’ve experienced in a while, especially for an informal setting where the focus is… Read More »

No one seems to doubt that polvo à lagareiro, octopus with potatoes and olive oil, is a traditional dish within Portugal’s culinary heritage. It is special enough to be served at festive occasions like Christmas Eve, yet simple enough for everyday meals. However, its exact origins and history remain elusive. The dish is believed to… Read More »

Is democracy the safest form of government, or could autocracy have its merits? These urgent questions mirror broader issues influencing the wine world just as they do all aspects of society. Yet, while many debates seem locked in contrasts, there’s a different dichotomy in wine aesthetics currently taking shape. When you indulge in a special… Read More »

A recent masterclass took place at Vinho da Casa in Lisbon, showcasing a selection of wines from across Portugal. Held in May 2025 at the Torel Palace Hotel, this event featured various winemakers who provided insights into their wines, offering a glimpse into the diverse wine production in the country. Quinta das Bágeiras Pai Abel… Read More »

During a recent morning stroll through Lisbon, I took the opportunity to visit Garrafeira Nacional, a well-known wine shop. There, I selected a couple of bottles to take home and film a tasting on camera. The experience was both enjoyable and enlightening, showcasing the vibrant wine culture of the city, which is rich with history… Read More »

The Tuscan coast, extending approximately 275 kilometers along the Tyrrhenian Sea from Liguria to Lazio, encompasses five provinces: Massa-Carrara, Livorno, Lucca, Pisa, and Grosseto. Each of these regions produces wine, but not all vineyards are situated directly on the coast. Renowned wine regions like Bolgheri allow visitors to enjoy both wine tasting and a quick… Read More »

What does the future of fine wine hold as genetic engineering advances? Aki Kaji delves into the intriguing possibility of producing Montrachet using gene-edited Chardonnay and the implications this could have on the wine industry. Genetic engineering involves precise techniques that alter organisms at the genetic level. Recent developments have shown promise in creating genetically… Read More »

Louis Martini founded the winery that bears his name in 1933, shortly after the repeal of Prohibition. Before this, he had established L.M. Martini Grape Products Company in 1922, producing sacramental wine and grape juice concentrate when making and selling wine was illegal. With the repeal anticipated, Martini prepared to create a winery in Napa,… Read More »