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
The Flavour Connection: Coffee and Wine Unveiled
Have you ever wondered why your love for strong, black espresso seems to go hand-in-hand with your fascination for a bold glass or red wine? Coffee and wine share more than you might think. From how we taste them, to why we're drawn to them, the worlds of coffee and wine often collide in the … Continue reading The Flavour Connection: Coffee and Wine Unveiled
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
Decoding Wine Lingo: Top 10 Terms You’re Missing
Ever heard someone swirl their glass and say “Ah, fantastic minerality”, and you just smiled and nodded, secretly wondering if they were talking about rocks? Wine-speak can get intimidating fast, but the truth is: you don’t need a diploma or a dictionary to talk about wine confidently. A few key terms go a long way—and once you … Continue reading Decoding Wine Lingo: Top 10 Terms You’re Missing
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
Discover Renishaw Hall: Derbyshire’s Hidden Vineyard
Tucked into the gentle green folds of Derbyshire sits a vineyard you might not expect to find this far north. Renishaw Hall, a historic estate best known for its grand architecture and classical gardens, is also quietly home to one of England’s most northerly vineyards—a surprising little haven of cool-climate winemaking. I recently spent a … Continue reading Discover Renishaw Hall: Derbyshire’s Hidden Vineyard
🍴 What the Fork Do I Drink With That?
Let’s face it — some foods just don’t play fair with wine.You lovingly pick a bottle, pour a glass… and then one rogue ingredient ruins everything. Bitter veggies, fiery heat, stinky cheese — the usual suspects that send pairings sideways. But don’t panic. With the right bottle and a little insider know-how, you can turn … Continue reading 🍴 What the Fork Do I Drink With That?
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 Curious Cork 