Austria’s Best Single-Vineyard Wines The Single Vineyard Summit (SVS) in Kamptal, Lower Austria, has been a significant event showcasing the quality of Austrian wines, bringing together producers and wine enthusiasts alike. Organised by the ÖTW (Austrian Traditional Winemakers), the summit seeks to elevate Austrian wines through regulation and promotion of single-vineyard sites. Michael Moosbrugger, president… Read More »

Château Rayas is celebrated in the world of wine for its legendary status and an aura of mystery surrounding its legacy. This esteemed Rhône estate, under the stewardship of Emmanuel Reynaud, who passed away in November 2025, has gained widespread admiration for its wines characterized by elegance and depth. Winemaking in this region often reveals… Read More »

ProWein, once the premier wine trade fair, has found itself facing stiff competition from Vinexpo, especially after Vinexpo’s relocation to Paris. This shift allowed Vinexpo to attract more global participants, partly thanks to Paris’s robust accommodations and transport system. Düsseldorf, the host city for ProWein, struggles with infrastructure, especially during the event, which can attract… Read More »

The concept of non-intoxicating wine has a rich history that predates today’s growing trend towards no-alcohol and low-alcohol beverages. Debate often arises regarding the definition of wine itself, particularly about products that bypass fermentation processes. A notable early example is Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch’s Unfermented Wine, created in 1869 using pasteurization, effectively transforming grape juice… Read More »

One of the foremost wineries in the Okanagan region is Martin’s Lane, which is part of a group called Iconic Wineries of British Columbia, owned by Anthony von Mandl. This group also includes other notable wineries such as Mission Hill Family Estate, Cedar Creek, CheckMate, Road 13, Liquidity, and Red Barn. When I first visited,… Read More »

Spearhead winery, nestled on the Southeast Kelowna slopes in Canada’s Okanagan Valley, is renowned for its cooler climate, ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Established as a boutique winery, Spearhead produces around 5,000 to 6,000 cases a year, focusing mainly on small-lot Pinot. Winemaker Grant Stanley, who honed his skills in New Zealand before… Read More »

South Africa is renowned for producing some remarkable wines, particularly in the world of Chardonnay. The cooler climate regions like Elgin and Hemel-en-Aarde emerge as key contributors to this success. Below are notable Chardonnay selections from these areas, which I highly recommend seeking out on wine lists. Notable Producers and Their Exceptional Chardonnay Crystallum, Hemel-en-Aarde… Read More »

On January 20, 2026, tensions were reignited between the U.S. and France as President Trump threatened to impose a staggering 200% tariff on French wine and Champagne. This aggressive stance emerged amidst escalating diplomatic disputes, particularly after French President Emmanuel Macron opted out of a U.S.-led peace plan concerning Greenland. Economic analyses suggest that such… Read More »

Indigenous grapes are both highly fashionable, attracting those in search of something unique, and problematic, as they often struggle to gain international recognition. While international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay have successfully spread to various climates and produce a range of wine styles, indigenous grapes tend to remain local and may struggle… Read More »

Marlborough has gained a strong reputation for its Sauvignon Blanc, becoming the region’s most dominant grape variety. However, concerns have arisen regarding the brand’s integrity, particularly due to a plethora of less compelling, cheaper wines produced from lower-quality fruit. This cheap fruit often results from producers buying grapes that have failed to meet standards or… Read More »