A brief visit to the First Class lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5 allowed for a delightful wine tasting experience featuring several exceptional selections. Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV, FranceThis champagne was bright and juicy, showcasing vivid citrus notes complemented by a touch of toastiness. Its intriguing fruit character, balanced beautifully by dosage and acidity, provided… Read More »

The 2023 vintage in the Douro Valley has emerged as one characterized by "welcomingly wet" conditions, leading to a series of notable releases in the Vintage Port category. Significant producers such as Quinta do Noval, Taylor’s, and Symington Family Estates have unveiled their 2023 Vintage Ports, with Quinta do Noval making a full classic declaration.… Read More »

As buds spring to life across the UK’s 1,000+ vineyards, owners are optimistic not only for a bountiful harvest in 2024 but also for an exciting summer filled with events to celebrate the return of the sun. The UK now features over 300 vineyards and wineries that welcome visitors, offering numerous options for day trips… Read More »

A remarkable property in Napa Valley is up for sale at $14,950,000. This expansive estate spans 18.9 hectares in the Calistoga AVA and boasts breathtaking views of Mount St. Helena and the Palisades. It includes 2.5 hectares of thriving Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards that yield over 20 tons of grapes annually, along with an impressive output… Read More »

Terres d’Imaginaire is a promising new winery located in Anjou, spearheaded by 32-year-old Mathilde Magne in Rochefort-sur-Loire. Launched in 2022, Mathilde’s venture follows experience gained working with esteemed figures like Sylvain Pataille and Stefano Amerighi. With 9.2 hectares of vineyards, the winery produces around 30,000 bottles annually, emphasizing biodiversity in its vineyard practices and a… Read More »

In the dynamic wine industry of China, the influence of women is increasingly recognized as crucial. The narrative surrounding the evolution of Chinese winemaking emphasizes both the creativity and resilience of its female leaders. Understanding the nuances of Chinese wine often involves examining the geographic regions impacted by extreme weather conditions. Certain areas, like Gansu… Read More »

Pablo Chevrot, vice president of Les Aligoteurs, is dedicated to promoting the Aligoté grape variety, particularly in Bourgogne. Together with his brother Vincent, they manage Domaine Chevrot, located in the Maranges appellation, where they cultivate approximately 20 hectares of vineyards using organic practices. They are the third generation in their family to work this land,… Read More »

European grape growers are experiencing profound challenges due to climate change, significantly more so than winemakers from other regions. A study led by Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich from the University of British Columbia revealed that Europe has borne the brunt of rising temperatures and increasing heat extremes, surpassing the effects felt in other parts of the… Read More »

Head to Vale Mendiz in the Pinhão Valley of the Douro, and you’ll encounter one of Portugal’s key wine estates: Quinta do Noval. The estate was revitalized in 1991 under the ownership of AXA’s wine division, following a turbulent few decades that required significant renovation of its vineyards. Christian Seely, who originally began his journey… Read More »

Matt Walls revisits Domaine Beaurenard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape to explore its exceptional Cuvée Spéciale Boisrenard. This estate, where the camaraderie amongst winemakers is a cherished value, contrasts sharply with a recent experience Walls had with an Italian winery, where the winemaker’s unacceptable public comments led to a loss of enjoyment in one of their wines. The… Read More »