London fine wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd (BBR) announced the appointment of Rob Symington from Symington Family Estates (SFE) as its new UK managing director, effective from September. This transition follows his role as co-CEO of SFE, where he served alongside production director Charles Symington since February 2025. Rob will retain his position as… Read More »
In recent years, an observable trend in the wine market has been the significant shrinkage of the mid-priced segment. While affordable and premium wines still dominate the shelves, a conspicuous absence of interesting mid-range options raises questions about their disappearance. Reflecting on my early wine-drinking experiences, I recall a time when navigating the wine market… Read More »
Dining at LOC, a natural wine bar and restaurant in Adelaide, offers a unique and intimate experience. This establishment operates without a permanent chef, instead hosting short residencies by chefs ready to create multi-course menus using just an induction hob and microwave on a communal table in the dining room—there’s no dedicated kitchen. The wine… Read More »
Fifteen years after Ets Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired Château Bélair-Monange, the estate has made remarkable advancements in quality and reputation in St-Emilion. During a July visit in 2024, co-owner Edouard Moueix shared insights on the careful vineyard management required due to the heavy rains that spring, leading to rapid vine growth and potential rot. With vines… Read More »
One of the most acclaimed wineries in the Alentejo region, Mouchão, has a unique history that sets it apart from its peers. I had the pleasure of tasting wines with Ian Reynolds, the owner, and winemaker Hamilton Reis. Founded in the mid-19th century by Thomas Reynolds, Mouchão originally served as a cork estate encompassing 900… Read More »
The 15th annual International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C+), held from July 17, 2025, in Ontario, was a significant event celebrating wines from both local and international regions. The festivities included tastings, food pairings, and a keynote address delivered by Clive Pursehouse, the North American Editor, who also moderated a panel. The discussions revolved around… Read More »
Ever since it was announced that Elaine Chukan Brown was writing a book about Californian wine, anticipation has been high. Having known Elaine for years and co-presented with her at several conferences, I was eager to see how her insights would translate into print. The book, part of the Classic Wine Library series recently acquired… Read More »
A tuk-tuk driver in London, identified as Iuliu Kubola, has pled guilty to three burglary charges after stealing an estimated £24,000 worth of wine from a restaurant. The 61-year-old was caught on CCTV secretly placing bottles in a wheelie bin and wheeling them away in a pedicab. City of London police reported that Kubola broke… Read More »
This morning started with a 4:30 AM alarm and a trip to Billingsgate Fish Market, where I found a great selection, including some large prawns and five fine sea bass. After enjoying a scallop and bacon roll accompanied by milky coffee (not wine), I headed to spend time with my family. We prepared the fish,… Read More »
Sales of still wine produced in England and Wales have surged, experiencing a notable 10% increase in 2024, largely attributed to a record harvest the previous year. Across the UK, overall wine sales volumes rose by 3% in comparison to 2023, marking a respectable achievement despite recent economic challenges and regulatory shifts. Nicola Bates, CEO… Read More »