Is Chardonnay: More than Oak?

Photo by seb on Pexels.com “I don’t like Chardonnay, but I love Chablis.”Sound familiar? Chardonnay’s reputation took a hit in the 1980s, when big, buttery, oak-heavy styles were all the rage. The ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) movement caught on, and the grape is still dismissed by many today. But is it fair to write Chardonnay … Continue reading Is Chardonnay: More than Oak?

Bergerac’s Vineyards: Tours, Tastings, and Local Delights

Sunshine (and rain!), vineyards, local food - what more could you want from a holiday? Often overshadowed by its neighbour Bordeaux, Bergerac is perched on the banks of the Dordogne, and was designated a Town of Art and History by the Ministry of Culture in 2013. Its rolling vineyards bask in warm summers, with just … Continue reading Bergerac’s Vineyards: Tours, Tastings, and Local Delights

Chianti: From Fiasco to Fine Wine

Chianti — for many, the name still conjures a squat straw-covered bottle, the fiasco. While once symbolic of the region, that image is now more relic than reality. Today, Chianti is experiencing a quiet renaissance — far from rustic or forgettable, it’s become one of Italy’s most expressive and characterful reds. After tasting Chiantis ranging from … Continue reading Chianti: From Fiasco to Fine Wine

Celebrating Wimbledon with English Wine

Strawberries, sunshine, and Centre Court – there’s nothing quite like Wimbledon to usher in a classic British summer. While Pimm’s may be the usual courtside companion, English wine is deserves the spotlight too - no longer a wildcard, it is playing like a pro. Whether you’re watching from Henman Hill, your sofa, or a garden picnic, these … Continue reading Celebrating Wimbledon with English Wine

A Guide to Romanian Indigenous Grapes

I didn’t expect to come home from Romania raving about wine – but one pour of Fetească Neagră changed that. Wandering around Bucharest and Brașov, there were plenty of opportunities to pause, take in the scenery—and sip something local. I tasted white, red, and rosé, though sparkling wine is also part of Romania’s offering. Let’s … Continue reading A Guide to Romanian Indigenous Grapes

Discovering Orange Wine: The Amber Trend

Orange wine - it's the buzzword taking London by storm, but did you know it's made from white wine grapes? To achieve its trademark amber hue, winemakers keep the grape skins and juice in contact for days or months - similar to red winemaking. This is a stark contrast to white winemaking, where the skins … Continue reading Discovering Orange Wine: The Amber Trend

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

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