Sometimes, seizing the opportunity is essential, much like Ferris Bueller’s iconic philosophy. Recently, after serving as a judge at a wine competition with fellow panelists Cokie Ponikvar and Christopher Waters, I took the chance to enjoy a meal at Treadwell, a top restaurant in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Over the years, I’ve visited Treadwell multiple times, and each… Read More »

It’s game three of the group stages in the World Cup, where teams are fighting for their chance to advance. Some teams are already assured of their place in the next round, while others will be battling it out to secure their spot. The excitement is palpable, and it’s a perfect time to enjoy some… Read More »

ST-JULIEN Simon Field MW shares his tasting notes from the 2025 Bordeaux en primeur tastings, focusing on the St-Julien wines. Château Beychevelle 4ème Cru (52% CS, 43% M, 5% PV) This wine presents a generous blend of damson, Morello cherry, and hints of vanilla from new oak. The shorter maceration and measured extraction have resulted… Read More »

2025 Bordeaux Tasting Notes: Left Bank—Pauillac Simon Field MW shares his impressions from the 2025 Bordeaux en primeur tastings, focusing on the wines of Pauillac. PAUILLAC Château d’Armailhac 5ème Cru A joyful wine, with honest aromas and distinguished pedigree. Herbal notes, polished tannins, and a silky mouthfeel create an understated charm. | 93–94 Château Clerc… Read More »

In a recent panel tasting of English sparkling wines, judges Susie Barrie MW, Matt Hodgson, and Dror Nativ MW sampled 66 different wines, yielding impressive results with 11 classified as "Outstanding" and 40 noted as "Highly Recommended". This tasting marks a significant point in the evolution of UK sparkling wine, showcasing the growing sophistication and… Read More »

In the 2025 Bordeaux growing season, an initially challenging year marked by intense heat and drought shifted dramatically due to beneficial late-season rains and cooler temperatures. This transformation resulted in a vintage described as both charming and luminous, particularly notable for the Cabernet-led wines from the Left Bank. Simon Field MW captures this duality, indicating… Read More »

During our recent exploration of London Fields, one of the capital’s vibrant gastronomic hotspots, we made a stop at Yuki Bar. This stylish venue has consistently impressed its visitors with an excellent selection of natural wines and well-crafted dishes. The bar maintains a focused approach, sourcing its beverages from six select suppliers to ensure a… Read More »

Master sommelier George Miliotes, known for his work at prestigious restaurants, now leads Wine Bar George at Walt Disney World in Florida. His philosophy centers around making fine wine accessible to everyone, breaking down the barriers that often associate wine with snobbery. First Memorable Wine Experience Miliotes recalls a pivotal moment in the late 1970s,… Read More »

I recently attended the Island Wines Summit in Tenerife, where the opening tasting was led by Josep Roca from El Cellar de Can Roca. His engaging presentation captivated the audience as he shared the stories behind the wines, particularly resonating with those who experienced it in Spanish. Here are some highlights from the tasting: JR… Read More »

Winemakers in California are expanding their horizons beyond traditional wine production, engaging in various beverage projects that include crafting beer, whiskey, and even vermouth. This diversification allows them to explore new creative outlets while appealing to a broader customer base. One notable example is Nick Gislason, the winemaker at Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley. He… Read More »