The concept of Dry January emerged in the UK in 2013 as an initiative by the non-profit organization Alcohol Change. Over twelve years, it has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Writer Eliza Dumais explores the nuances of participating in an alcohol-free January, investigating the associated benefits and psychological impacts on moderation. The engagement surrounding… Read More »
Mayacamas, meaning "call of the mountain lion," is recognized as one of Napa Valley’s premier wineries, known for producing fine mountain wines that highlight the region’s authentic character. The winery eschews trends of late harvesting for more power and flavor, opting instead for a focus on structure, balance, and ageworthiness in their wines. Historically, the… Read More »
A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying Wine Brian St Pierre’s review of Wine Confident: There’s No Wrong Way to Enjoy Wine by Kelli A White shines a light on the evolving world of wine amidst the rise of social media influencers and modern marketing strategies. While platforms have opened the floodgates for wine promotions, cluttering… Read More »
Specially trained dogs are proving to be valuable allies for winemakers in the fight against damaging pests and vine diseases. Recent trials conducted by researchers at Cornell University revealed that these canine detectives can effectively sniff out invasive species, such as the spotted lanternfly. In a study highlighting the capabilities of two dogs, Dia, a… Read More »
Gaia Estate is a prominent winery in Greece, located in two regions: Nemea, situated in the Peloponnese, and the island of Santorini. Recently, we had the opportunity to visit the Nemea winery and vineyard, guided by co-owner Yiannis Paraskevopoulos. The vineyard, set at an altitude, benefits from a more temperate climate. In Santorini, the winery… Read More »
What Availability? Finding some of the world’s best sparkling wines, particularly in the UK, has proven to be a difficult task. Despite the impressive quality and consistent accolades these wines receive at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships (CSWWC), availability remains a significant hurdle. In response to this issue, the CSWWC plans to launch… Read More »
In 1979, Jean-Marie Guffens founded the renowned Mâconnais estate, Domaine Guffens-Heynen, which later expanded to include his negociant company, Verget. By the late 1990s, Guffens and his partner Maine Heynen relocated to the Luberon, acquiring the estate Château des Tourettes. They revitalized the property by replanting vineyards at an altitude of 420 meters, benefiting from… Read More »
The Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, representing producers in the northeastern Italian wine region of Collio, has officially voted to include orange wines in its production specifications. This decision, finalized during a recent consortium assembly, marks a significant step for the region, known for being a pioneer in the modern orange wine movement. The integration of… Read More »
Randall Grahm, a prominent figure in the California wine industry, is embarking on an ambitious venture at his Popelouchum estate in San Benito County, where he aims to create wines that embody a true sense of terroir. Known for his creative and communicative approach to winemaking, Grahm is now focusing on making authentic ‘European’ wines… Read More »
Had a delightful experience sharing a glass of Fontodi Dino Chianti Classico 2020 with friends at Manteca. This wine represents Fontodi’s unique amphora selection of Sangiovese. The grapes originate from vineyards located in the valley’s cooler areas, which experience significant temperature variations between day and night. Moreover, the Pietraforte soil contributes to the wine’s finer… Read More »