I visited Matello/Goodfellow Family Cellars last a couple of years ago (see report here), and it was great to go back on this trip to catch up with Marcus Goodfellow…
Walking through the historic Eyrie Vineyard, Dundee Hills, Oregon
For the last few days I’ve been in Oregon, staying in a house with a view of one of the great historic Pinot Noir vineyards of the world. It’s the…
Mount Abora Saffraan 2014 Swartland, South Africa
This is a lovely wine. It defines smashable. I had it while I was solo dining last week, and if you are solo dining then you need something like this…
Two rarities from Eyrie Vineyards, Oregon: Pinot Meunier Rosé fizz and Chasselas Doré
I’ve just arrived in Oregon, after landing in Vancouver via Calgary last night. It’s a fair drive down, but on the way back I’ll be stopping in Seattle for the…
In the Okanagan, BC, Canada: Laughing Stock and Bella
The last couple of visits in the Okanagan were really interesting. The first was at Laughing Stock Vineyards on the Naramata Bench. Cynthia and David Enns (above) were financial people…
Flying long haul budget: what’s the WestJet experience like?
I’m flying quite a bit at the moment. This year I’ve been to New Zealand, Portugal twice, France three times (Beaujolais, Alsace, Champagne), Germany, Spain, South Africa (twice), California (twice)…
Brilliant new SA wines at an amazing lunch at Schoon de Companje
Finished my South African trip with an incredible informal lunch at Schoon de Companje, Stellenbosch, with a group of wine producers. Present were Ryan Mostert, Samantha Suddons, Reenen Borman, Mick…
Video: judging the Standard Bank Top 10 Chenin Blanc competition
Here’s a short film of the judging of the Standard Bank Top 10 Chenin Blanc competition
A new ‘icon’ Chenin from South Africa: Dirty Little Secret
This is the much talked about high-end South African Chenin Blanc from one of the grape’s greatest ambassadors. I managed to catch up with Shawn Mathyse, a young winemaker who…