An established vineyard and winery in Norfolk, England, known as Chet Valley, is now on the market for £1.65 million. This disposal presents a prime opportunity for anyone looking to enter the burgeoning English wine scene, particularly with its focus on Pinot varieties. Currently owned by John and Bridget Hemmant, who introduced vineyards to the… Read More »

Quinta de Tourais is located in the Baixo Douro, specifically at the entrance of the Douro Valley when traveling from Porto. This area is known for its cooler and wetter climate, which distinguishes it from the rest of the Douro region. The Quinta, nestled opposite the town of Regua across the river, boasts a rich… Read More »

Piedmont, primarily known for its red wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, is beginning to shine a light on its white offerings, particularly the grape Timorasso. This variety, once overshadowed by more productive grapes like Barbera and Cortese, is experiencing a renaissance in the Colli Tortonesi region, situated just east of Langhe. Historically mentioned by Pietro… Read More »

California’s Tablas Creek Vineyard has made a historical achievement by producing a complete set of 14 single-varietal wines using grape varieties permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the renowned French appellation. This accomplishment is a significant milestone in the pursuit of crafting viniculture identity in the U.S. Inspired by Château de Beaucastel, a noted producer within Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Tablas… Read More »

Elysé Brigandat, the chef de cave at Champagne Valentin Leflaive, brings a unique perspective to Champagne, balancing his roots in the Aube region with a deep admiration for Burgundy’s wines, especially Pinot Noir. Under the auspices of renowned producer Olivier Leflaive, who is now 80, Brigandat is tasked with developing a portfolio of single-site Champagnes,… Read More »

Back in February 2025, I attended the Pinot Noir 2025 conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. Among the many insightful presentations, one stood out: Nigel Greening of Felton Road delivered a compelling talk that addressed the significant challenges facing the wine industry today. His reflections are both honest and enlightening, calling for a reevaluation of how… Read More »

Duncan Savage has solidified his reputation as one of the leading wine producers in South Africa, demonstrating exceptional skill year after year, even through challenging vintages like 2023. Having commenced his winemaking journey in 2011, Duncan made a significant transition in 2016 by establishing his own winery in Salt River, Cape Town. His approach to… Read More »

Andrew Jefford explores the significance of skin-contact white wines, inspired by a bottle of Georgian qvevri wine. He reflects on the common practice of separating white grape juice from its protective skins, a process that has become so refined that we often forget the original essence of whole-grape wines. Historically, great red wines have always… Read More »

The Henschke family has recently launched their 2021 single-vineyard releases, which align with the profound excitement surrounding what many consider one of South Australia’s finest vintages. In 2021, Australian winemakers and enthusiasts recognized it as an extraordinary year, particularly noted for exceptional Riesling from the Eden and Clare Valleys, followed by a host of remarkable… Read More »

As I navigated the winding roads through the vineyards of Viognier and Syrah towards Domaine Verzier in Chavanay, a solitary figure became visible at the hill’s summit—Maxime Verzier. Upon reaching the winery, I noticed a statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the Madone d’Izeras, overseeing the surrounding vines while a crane loomed overhead, signifying… Read More »