A common pitfall in wine marketing is the confusion between choice and preference. Consumers often opt for a product not because it is their favored option but due to external factors, primarily price. For instance, consider someone who enjoys guitars. Upon visiting a store, they may find a guitar that perfectly suits their taste, boasting… Read More »
As part of the Porto Protocol Living Vineyards tour 2025, I had the opportunity to visit Staffelter Hof, an innovative winery in Kröv, Germany’s Mosel region. This winery, one of the world’s oldest, has embraced a new vision for organic viticulture with a focus on sustainability through the use of resistant grape varieties (PIWIs) and… Read More »
One Thousand Vines: A New Way to Understand Wine by Pascaline Lepeltier is an avant-garde exploration of wine, distinctively rich in depth and complexity. It’s a read that demands patience and dedication due to its intricate syntax and overwhelming informational density. Lepeltier, a sommelier with accolades as the Meilleur Sommelier de France and Meilleur Ouvrier… Read More »
O-Port-Unidade serves as a remarkable blend of tradition and innovation in the Port wine-making industry. Initiated by Axel Probst, a seasoned wine expert and author, this charity project encapsulates the spirit of unity among the top growers in the Douro Valley, with an aim to produce a remarkable Vintage Port while assisting local communities. The… Read More »
The recent increase in alcohol duty in the UK is expected to further elevate the prices of wine, as trade representatives have highlighted the financial implications of this decision made in the government’s latest Budget. With retail price inflation set at 3.66%, a bottle of Merlot priced at £8.50 may rise to £8.63 starting February… Read More »
The recent developments in the ongoing struggle between proponents of alcohol consumption and neo-prohibitionists have marked a significant moment for wine lovers and the industry alike. In September, two pivotal events took place that suggested a retreat from harsh restrictions on alcohol: a reassessment of U.S. dietary guidelines and a decision at the United Nations… Read More »
Emmanuel Reynaud, renowned owner and winemaker of the storied Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, passed away on November 25, 2025, at the age of 61 after battling a long illness. Early Life and Career Emmanuel began his winemaking journey at his family’s estate, Château des Tours in Sarrians, bought by his grandfather in the 1930s. His… Read More »
Here’s an overview of the Portuguese wines showcased at the recent amphora wine day held at Rocim in November 2025. Arvad, Algarve This emerging project in Algarve originally featured 20 hectares of vines, which has now expanded to 50 hectares. Their highlight is the local grape Negra Mole, known for its lighter red wines. Despite… Read More »
China’s fine-wine markets are undergoing a significant transformation, despite reports suggesting a decline due to economic issues and reduced wine consumption. Recent launches, like Penfolds’ Grange La Chapelle in Shanghai, have raised questions about the market’s health, particularly with high prices compounded by trade disputes and currency fluctuations. Some analysts warn of challenges, such as… Read More »
Each year, Herdade do Rocim hosts an amphora wine day, gathering wineries from around the globe that produce wine in clay. The 2025 edition marked my third attendance, showcasing diverse wines with a strong focus on the Alentejo region, where the talha tradition has been effectively revitalized. This year, I noticed that winemakers are becoming… Read More »