It’s one of the most common questions I get asked:Which is better – corks or screw caps?Does it affect the quality of the wine?Is cork still seen as more prestigious? The honest answer? Both closures have their pros and cons. What was once a question of prestige now reflects broader changes in wine culture and … Continue reading Corks vs. Screw Caps: Which is Better for Wine?
Author: Sarah Astill
The Charm of Gamay: A Wine Renaissance
Looking for a summer red that won't weigh you down? Enter Gamay: light, juicy, and perfect with a chill. It’s one of the best summer wines to serve chilled—bright, refreshing, and full of personality. Once dismissed as the party wine of Beaujolais Nouveau, Gamay is now enjoying a quiet renaissance, thanks in part to climate … Continue reading The Charm of Gamay: A Wine Renaissance
Rosé Season: Best Picks for Sunny Days
Photo by Andreea Ch on Pexels.com The Season of Rosé is here With the return of golden evenings and sun-warmed afternoons, it can only mean one thing: rosé season is here. No longer just a summer fling, rosé has earned its place as a year-round pour—but it truly comes into its own in warm weather. … Continue reading Rosé Season: Best Picks for Sunny Days
Explore Old World and New World Wine Styles
Often when we think about wine, it's the timeless prestige of Burgundy's limestone hills, or the grand châteaux of Bordeaux that springs to mind. Steeped in tradition, these historic regions have shaped our understanding of what great wine can be. Yet today's shelves and wine lists are just as likely to showcase the vibrant, sun-drenched … Continue reading Explore Old World and New World Wine Styles
Balfour Winery’s Leslie’s Reserve: A Sparkling Delight
Wait—Sparkling Red? While sparkling whites and rosés steal most of the spotlight, red sparklers have been quietly fizzing away for years. I first crossed paths with one in early 2022—a glass of Bouvet Ladubay's Rubis in Saumur. From the frothy Lambruscos of Emilia-Romagna to the bold, velvety sparkling Shiraz of Australia, red bubbles come in many styles—some … Continue reading Balfour Winery’s Leslie’s Reserve: A Sparkling Delight
Sustainable Wine: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Choices
🌿 Sip Responsibly This Earth Day! Happy Earth Day! Not just a call to plant more trees, Earth Day is about making thoughtful choices everyday. For wine lovers, this means thinking beyond the grape. But with terms like organic, biodynamic and carbon neutral floating around, choosing a sustainable wine can sometimes be overwhelming. So what should … Continue reading Sustainable Wine: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Choices
Understanding Terroir: The Essence of Wine’s Flavour
In my previous posts about Chenin Blanc, bud break, and spring wine choices, I’ve mentioned terroir quite a few times. But what does it really mean—and why do wine lovers talk about it so much? What Makes a Place a Taste? Terroir is a French term used to describe the environmental factors that affect a crop’s growth and … Continue reading Understanding Terroir: The Essence of Wine’s Flavour
Chenin Blanc: The Rising Star of the Loire Valley
Photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash Known for its diversity of grape varieties, the Loire Valley is well-known among wine lovers. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc in Sancerre to the rich, full-bodied reds of Chinon, the region offers a wide array of flavours and styles. But in recent years, one grape variety has been quietly stealing the spotlight in … Continue reading Chenin Blanc: The Rising Star of the Loire Valley
Bud Break: Spring’s First Sign in the Vineyard
Photo by Markus Koellmann from Pexels As winter fades and the days stretch a little longer, vineyards across the Northern Hemisphere experience the first signs of spring: bud break. It's the beginning of the new growing season—when dormant vines awaken, tiny buds begin to swell, and a new vintage starts to take shape. For wine lovers, … Continue reading Bud Break: Spring’s First Sign in the Vineyard
Spring Wines: What to Drink as the Seasons Change
As the days grow longer and the first signs of warmth return, our cravings for wine shift too. Hearty winter reds make way for crisp whites, floral rosés, and lighter reds that complement the freshness of spring. Whether you’re basking in the sunshine, enjoying a picnic, or planning a springtime dinner, here are the wines that will … Continue reading Spring Wines: What to Drink as the Seasons Change
The Curious Cork 