On Thursday, January 30, over 80 wine brands from New Zealand and 150 from Australia came together for a combined tasting event at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London. This marked the first time the two countries had showcased their wines side by side. The event attracted over 750 trade visitors and offered a unique … Read more
The first time I realized I loved older wine came with a jolt—a profound experience that felt almost personal, as though I had discovered something long hidden. I was at my father-in-law’s home in Carlsbad, California, holding a glass of 1995 Château Cheval Blanc, a rare and prestigious red wine from Saint-Émilion. At the time, … Read more
Decanting wine involves transferring it from the bottle to a decanter, where it can interact with oxygen to “open up.” This process helps release aromas and flavors, enhancing the wine’s complexity. The decanter, which can vary in shape and size, is designed to allow the wine to breathe effectively. The process is particularly useful for … Read more
Refrigerators are commonly used to store food and wine, but they may not be ideal for aging wine. Most refrigerators maintain a temperature between 33 and 40°F, which is too cold for wine aging. Leonara Varvoutis, a sommelier, explains that this temperature can shock the wine, affecting its taste and complexity. As a result, wine … Read more
Wine, like all fruits, has a limited lifespan once opened. Jonathan Ross, wine director at The Global Ambassador, compares opening a bottle of wine to slicing an apple. Both begin to degrade upon exposure to oxygen. While apples brown, wine’s delicate flavors start to fade, eventually turning into vinegar. Danya Degen, general manager and sommelier … Read more
Charles Woodson’s ambition transcends the confines of football. As he stood in the underground barrel room of Robert Hall Winery, holding a glass of his own cabernet sauvignon, he reflected on a life dedicated to greatness. Woodson, now 48, is not focused on living forever in a physical sense, but rather on creating a legacy … Read more
Starting Saturday, the cost of wine and spirits will rise due to an increase in taxes and duties. The new system will base alcohol duties on the strength of drinks, leading to higher levies on stronger beverages. Industry representatives, such as the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), have criticized the move, calling it a … Read more
After 12 years of crafting wines, Jason Charles has announced the closure of his Vinca Minor Winery. The 2024 vintage will be his last, marking the end of a notable era in the Bay Area wine industry. While the California wine sector faces challenges, Charles emphasized that his decision was based on personal aspirations rather … Read more
Viognier is a highly aromatic white grape variety known for its floral and fruity characteristics. It often features notes of orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, and violets, along with ripe fruit flavors like apricot, peach, mango, and tangerine. In cooler climates, Viognier can develop subtle spicy and herbal undertones, including hints of ginger, clove, and lavender. … Read more
On January 28, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted a special reception at Drumthwacket, the governor’s mansion, to celebrate New Jersey’s thriving wine industry. The event was organized in partnership with the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) and local officials, highlighting some of the state’s finest winemakers. Key figures in … Read more