On a rare visit to London, Paul-Vincent Avril, the proprietor of Clos des Papes, presented a selection of his esteemed red and white wines at Berry Bros & Rudd cellars. He shared insights into the philosophy and techniques that shape his winemaking. After returning to his family estate in 1987, following enology studies in Burgundy,… Read More »
At a recent event in London, I had the opportunity to taste a variety of Moldovan wines. Despite being one of the few wine regions I hadn’t yet visited, I previously concluded an extensive exploration of Moldovan wine, having tasted 178 different samples. Moldova boasts a remarkable 109,700 hectares of vineyards situated between latitudes 45… Read More »
English professional golfer Matt Wallace shares his passion for wine, which ignited during a unique pro-am tournament. At Château Montrose in 2018, Wallace was paid in wine instead of cash, allowing him to taste various vintages. This experience sparked a curiosity about the complexities of wine from the same vineyard. Wallace and his fiancée, Emily… Read More »
As tastings go, a recent event featuring 20 years of Kumeu River’s Hunting Hill Chardonnay was truly exceptional. Paul Brajkovich attended the session, representing the family, while Stephen Browett, an ardent admirer of Kumeu River wines, hosted the tasting at Farr Vintners. Browett has been a fan since his first visit to Kumeu in January… Read More »
The third Chenin Blanc International Celebration took place in July 2025 in the Loire Valley, beginning in Angers at L’École Supérieure des Agricultures. Hosted by Philippe Porché, president of Fan de Chenin, the event gathered 250 delegates to honor the late Evelyne de Pontbriand, the pioneering president of Savennières, who helped establish the celebration. Following… Read More »
Penfolds is recognized as one of Australia’s premiere wine producers, renowned for its flagship wine, Grange (Bin 95), which has been crafted since the 1950s. They offer a variety of Bin wines, including Bin 389, a blend that used to be quite affordable but has gradually become pricier while remaining cheaper than Grange. Bin 389… Read More »
Knox Alexander and Isabelle Clendenen, the children of the late Jim Clendenen, are continuing the legacy of Au Bon Climat, the iconic California winery that played a pivotal role in establishing Santa Barbara County as a key player in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery, known as ABC, is deeply rooted in international markets,… Read More »
Peruvian cuisine showcases a vibrant blend of flavors from its diverse geography, ranging from the majestic Andes mountains to the rich Pacific coast. Known for its bold and varied tastes, this culinary landscape combines over 6,000 varieties of potatoes, numerous chili peppers, and an abundance of seafood. Signature dishes include cebiche, ají de gallina, and… Read More »
This special masterclass was presented by Paz Levinson, a renowned sommelier from Argentina currently working with Ann Sophie Pic in France, alongside Christina Rasmussen of Littlewine, who participated in an ‘Argentina Reloaded’ tour. The initiative aims to reshape perceptions around Argentine wines, which are often narrowly associated with value-for-money Malbec. While Malbec remains significant in… Read More »
When Champagne house Moët & Chandon sought to extend its reach internationally, South America was a prime target for establishing a winery. The countries considered included Chile, which has been crafting sparkling wines since 1879, Argentina since 1902, and Brazil since 1913. Ultimately, the decision favored Mendoza, Argentina, following some experimental harvests in the late… Read More »