Kieran Bonner’s book, Euphoria and Symposia: The Dialectic of Desire in Thinking, Drinking, and Well-Being, delves into the complex relationship between drinking and intellectual reflection, exploring how inebriation can lead to moments of transcendence and unity. Bonner, an Irish-Canadian sociologist, argues against the stigma of intoxication that has permeated modern perspectives, drawing on historical and… Read More »

Zachys, a renowned auction house, recently conducted a historic auction that achieved a remarkable total of $11.16 million (£8.3 million) for a rare collection of 19th-century Bordeaux wines. This collection, owned by the late Jacqueline (de Rothschild) Piatigorsky, a descendant of the Rothschild family famous for Château Lafite, featured wines that were esteemed for their… Read More »

Once past the lavish descriptions, the 2008 Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2 emerges as an exceptional wine crafted by an outstanding winemaker. The interplay of two historical figures, Montesquieu and Montaigne, serves as a backdrop to this wine review. While both were fond of wine, their interests generally lay in philosophy, contrasting with the practical artistry… Read More »

Decanter’s October 2025 issue highlights the winners of the Hall of Fame and Rising Star awards, honoring Nicolas Joly and Wu Xiuyong. The magazine introduces six emerging talents from New Zealand and provides insights into the intimidating world of restaurant wine lists. The travel section explores Spain’s Basque Country, celebrated for its culinary delights, while… Read More »

Three noteworthy additions to the Smart Traveller’s Wine Guide series, published by Academie du Vin Library, deliver valuable insights for wine enthusiasts looking to explore some of Europe’s top wine regions. The first book, Rioja by Fintan Kerr, stands out as an accessible guide that captures the essence of this famous Spanish wine region. Written… Read More »

As Vagabond prepares to unveil the UK’s largest urban winery in Canada Water, London, the trend of urban wineries is gaining momentum across the globe. This innovative concept redefines winemaking, making it accessible to city dwellers and challenging traditional notions of what constitutes great wine. Historically, urban wineries have been present in various forms, from… Read More »

I recently tasted the Graham Beck Cuvée Clive 2018 from Western Cape, South Africa, and I was thoroughly impressed. Having sampled previous vintages, this particular one stood out for its remarkable power and complexity. The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, boasting 12% alcohol. As a prestige cuvée from Graham Beck, a… Read More »

I had the pleasure of meeting Filipa Pato and chef/sommelier William Wouters in Burgundy during a vertical tasting of Montrachet. It was there I was introduced to their bottle of Nossa Calcário, made from old-vine Baga. Captivated by its elegance and vibrancy, I made my way to Bairrada, Portugal to meet the group of producers… Read More »

I recently had the opportunity to taste Bolivian wines for the first time, guided by Nayan Gowda, the winemaker at Jardín Oculto, who has been crafting these wines since 2000. Along with some Bolivian friends, I sampled an impressive array of wines from this unique region. Jardín Oculto sources grapes from ancient vines that grow… Read More »

In a significant gesture of solidarity, the Académie Internationale du Vin (AIV), comprised of approximately 100 prominent figures from the global wine community, has made a united call to world leaders. They are urging decision-makers to reject the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) agenda aimed at ‘denormalising’ wine. This appeal comes just ahead of the UN’s… Read More »