I just returned from the Struma Valley in southern Bulgaria, where I attended the grand opening of Aya Estate’s new winery. This impressive establishment features beautifully designed architecture that blends harmoniously with the stunning landscape nearby. Surrounding the historic town of Melnik, the area boasts scenic views, particularly as you drive south from Sofia through… Read More »
Louis Roederer 2025 releases: Children of chalk Simon Field MW shares his admiration for fine wine as he attends the Louis Roederer 2025 launches in two major cities. The event, led by chef de cave Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, showcases new additions to the Roederer collection, including the latest Collection, Cristal, and Coteaux Champenois, alongside a selection… Read More »
In January 2025, renowned Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli unexpectedly shut down his London restaurant, Locanda Locatelli, after 23 years of operation. The closure was so sudden that it left many patrons with reservations disappointed, as they were informed the restaurant could no longer serve them. Reports suggest that ongoing discussions about rent culminated in a… Read More »
With climate change having a significant impact on wine production, the alcohol content in wines has noticeably increased over the past several decades. This narrative contrasts the alcohol levels of iconic wines from past decades with those of today, highlighting a stark evolution influenced by various factors. Historical Comparison of Alcohol Levels Taking two notable… Read More »
New Zealand is a relative newcomer in the significant wine-producing landscape, gaining international recognition primarily in the mid-1980s. Despite the earliest vines being planted in 1819 and the establishment of the oldest winery, Mission Estate, in 1851, New Zealand had not been acknowledged in iconic wine references until more recently. The modern winemaking story in… Read More »
With climate change impacting vineyard conditions, alcohol levels in wine have increased significantly over the past fifty years, leading to a need for reevaluation by both winemakers and consumers regarding what these changes mean for the wine experience. Rising Alcohol Levels A comparison of two iconic vintages showcases this trend vividly: Château Latour and Penfolds… Read More »
The 41st Cape Winemakers Guild Auction is set to take place on October 3-4, 2025, showcasing an exceptional selection of 48 unique lots from South Africa’s premier winemakers. The auction has already raised the bar for South African fine wines, with a remarkable number of lots achieving pre-tasting scores of 95 points or higher from… Read More »
The invitation to taste wines produced in distant lands may raise eyebrows, but it’s an opportunity one shouldn’t miss. Over an extensive period, I’ve sampled an impressive selection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Coonawarra, each marked by the region’s unique dark red soils. My preparation involved long walks through London’s Regent’s Park and St James’s,… Read More »
Jason Haas of Tablas Creek and Andrew Bayley, the General Manager of Beaucastel’s UK operation, recently hosted an insightful tasting that explored the partnership between the Rhône Valley and Paso Robles, California. This event was organized by The Wine Society, a retailer known for its close ties with both vineyards. The story begins in 1967… Read More »
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 »