This was a good start to my visits in Nagano prefecture, Japan. Akihito Kido was born in Aichi prefecture, and he studied winemaking and viticulture at the University of Yamanashi….
Japan: an overview of Japanese wine, and why we should be interested
I’m in Japan. The purpose of this trip is to explore Nagano, which is one of the three main Japanese wine regions. Some perspective on the Japanese wine scene. Winegrowing started…
Marlborough, where big can be good: Brancott Estate, Deutz and Stoneleigh
Global drinks giant Pernod Ricard are major players in the New Zealand wine scene, but as this tasting showed, in Marlborough, big can be good. They have a few Marlborough…
Thorne & Daughters, one of South Africa’s most exciting producers
John Seccombe is the man behind Thorne and Daughters. John has a calm, reassuring presence, and a voice made for radio, and the locals – who can’t pronounce his name…
Interesting Marlborough: Two Rivers with David Clouston
Dave Clouston’s Two Rivers is a great example of a boutique-sized Marlborough winery focusing on making interesting wines from good vineyard sites, while at the same time keeping a savvy…
A world without mirrors, and the importance of receiving criticism well
Imagine living in a world without mirrors (and, of course, cameras and smart phones sort of count here, too). How would you see yourself? To catch a reflection of yourself…
Video: Simplesmente Vinho, an artisanal wine fair in Porto
I’m in Porto for the sixth edition of Simplesmente Vinho, a fair showcasing the best authentic and natural wines from Portugal and Spain. There are 101 producers here, covering…
Harvest at Gabrielskloof: collecting grapes
The producers working in the Gabrielskloof cellar in Botriver – Peter-Allan Finlayson, Marelise Niemann and John Seccombe – all buy grapes from growers spread across the various Cape wine regions….
Can outsiders help Central Otago Pinot Noir discover itself? A seminar with Ted Lemon, PJ Charteris and François Millet
One of the highlights of the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration was a seminar focusing on how outside experience with Pinot has had an influence on the region. ‘This room…