Day 2. On the bus nice and early, and a drive up the coast to Paso Robles, a large wine region that’s half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco,…
California, day 1, in Santa Barbara County
I’m in California again. This time for a press trip, with some fellow UK journos: Oz Clarke, Anne Krebhiel, Jane Parkinson and Erin Smith. We arrived on Tuesday evening, and…
More on the proposals for a Sussex PDO
A glass of Sussex anyone? I’ve written before about the proposals for a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO; basically, an appellation) for Sussex wine. It’s an issue that has raised…
More highlights from Simplesmente Vinho
Some more highlights from Simplesmente Vinho to mention. There are a few more to come after this. A show full of interesting wines, for sure. Marta Soares is an artist and…
Visiting Aphros, Vinho Verde
At dinner last night, Vasco Croft, owner of Aphros, a biodynamic Vinho Verde producer, decided to invite a group to lunch. So Joao Roseira asked me this morning: how nervous…
In Porto for Simplesmente Vinho 2016
I’m in the lovely city of Porto, northern Portugal, for Simplesmente Vinho 2016. Held over this weekend at the Convento Monchique, an impressive run down Manueline building that is in…
Older New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: can it age? Should we cellar it?
While I was in New Zealand I got to try quite a few older New Zealand Sauvignons. Of course, most punters want the latest vintage of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and…
The Ruinart Lighthouse: a tasting of Champagne and Chardonnay with Frédéric Panaïotis
Yesterday I visited the Ruinart Lighthouse, which is an exhibition and tasting being held at the Violin Factory near London’s South Bank. The focus of the three-storey exhibition space is…
In NZ, day 5, Marlborough – Huia, Astrolabe and Matua
The drive from the Waipara to Blenheim is an attractive one. Alas we faced grey skies and a bit of drizzle, but it was still very interesting. There’s something special…