Alto Adige, known to many as Südtirol, is a captivating region on the border of Austria and Italy. This culturally rich area has a fascinating history, having spent much of the last two centuries under Austrian control before becoming part of Italy after World War I. Its unique blend of Germanic and Italian influences is… Read More »

Simon Field MW recently spoke with Axel Heinz about the exciting evolution at Château Lascombes, a second-growth Bordeaux estate known for its rich history yet long-standing underperformance. After an impactful tenure at Ornellaia and Masseto, Heinz made a somewhat surprising return to Bordeaux in 2023, stepping into the role of winemaker at Lascombes, recently purchased… Read More »

Heinrich, a notable producer from Austria’s Burgenland region, made significant strides in 2014 by transitioning to a style that emphasizes elegance and natural winemaking techniques. At the VinNatur event in Paris in November 2025, I explored a selection of their wines with Adam Juruc, who crafts these wines alongside Gernot Heinrich. Due to stringent Austrian… Read More »

Elaine Chukan Brown’s newly published book, The Wines of California, offers an extensive and nuanced overview of the state’s wine industry, intertwining its political and social history. This 468-page work, part of the Classic Wine Library series by Académie du Vin Library, presents a detailed exploration of California’s wine landscape, reflecting on both its historical… Read More »

During a recent tasting event, winemaker Pedro Ribeiro showcased a selection of wines from Herdade do Rocim and their associated wineries, an exciting experience ahead of the amphora wine day in 2025. Herdade do Rocim’s main estate is situated in Vidigueira, an area traditionally renowned for producing fresh white wines. The estate also has vineyards… Read More »

Decanter has released its first Festive Wine Guide, which features 230 exceptional wine selections primarily focused on availability in UK high street shops. This guide serves as an essential resource for planning the Christmas and New Year festivities in 2025, enhancing your celebrations with expert pairing advice. The holiday season is often filled with joy… Read More »

The region of Goriška Brda in Slovenia is home to one of its top wine producers, Edi Simčič. During my second visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Aleks Simčič, the current head of the winery, along with his sons, Jure and Jakob, who are also integral to the business. The winery’s history began with… Read More »

Based in Brda, Slovenia, on the Italian border, the Bjana project is gaining recognition for its sparkling wines. Founded by Miran and Petra Sirk in 1990 during a time of financial hardship, the project slowly expanded thanks to Miran’s previous job as a slot machine manager. He invested his earnings into Bjana, growing production from… Read More »

At Polychrome, Taittinger’s new restaurant in Reims, President Vitalie Taittinger aims to transform how Champagne is integrated into dining experiences. The restaurant, which opened in July after the renovation of an iconic Art Deco structure, is designed to celebrate the harmonious pairing of food and Champagne. Taittinger believes that the richness of Champagne can elevate… Read More »

In the December 2025 issue of Decanter, we explore the personal stories of younger generations who are taking over family-owned vineyards globally. The feature, introduced by Andrew Jefford, highlights ten wineries where the new leaders share their unique experiences and challenges as they step into their parents’ roles. The transition to new leadership often showcases… Read More »