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Japanese drinks giant Suntory’s Tomi No Oka winery, at its highest point, is 600 metres above sea level. Apart from producing single vineyard Koshu and red Bordeaux blends, it also has stunning views of Mount Fuji. It is my belief that Koshu, the grape, originates from China. Between 630 and 838, …

On 1 January 2019, Vincent Chaperon became the new custodian of  the world’s most famous Champagne. His formal title is Chef de Cave. What that really means is the 43-year young Frenchman is the spokesman, winemaker, ambassador and interpreter of Dom Perignon. When Chaperon assumed the top post at Dom Perignon in …

The range of wines known as Clarendelle, Inspired by Haut-Brion, has a new look. Created in 2005, the re-launched labels cover the entire range of the family of premium Bordeaux wines: red, white and rosé, and Amberwine from the Monbazillac appellation. Prince Robert of Luxembourg – photographed here at Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion – is …

Pascal Jolivet – both the man and his Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume wines – is a household name in many of the top and Michelin starred restaurants in Paris.  (Jolivet also makes one of the best wines of lesser known AOC Touraine, also part of the Loire). The two most dynamic …

Finding something to eat on a Sunday – let alone a public holiday – in France can be challenging. The next time you are in Bordeaux, it’s useful to know that Au Bureau Merignac is open  7 days a week: 11 am to 12 midnight (last order 2230 hrs) Sunday to Thursday 11 am to …

Now that I have lured you with photographs of Chateau Fourcas Hosten, I must confess to a little misrepresentation. Chateau Fourcas Hosten is not open to the public. You may not stay there unless invited.  The Listrac estate in the Médoc (north of Moulis and south of Saint-Julien) is owned by brothers Laurent and Renaud Mommeja, …

Montecillo is the oldest winery in the town of Fuenmayor.  Founded in 1870, it is also the third oldest winery in La Rioja. Fuenmayor is just 12 kilometres or 15 minutes by car west of Logrono, the capital of La Rioja. Montecillo is part of the Osborne Group, one of …

Although Chateau La Sauvageonne lies only about 50 kilometres west of the bustling city of Montpellier (famous, amongst other things, for its university, including for viticulture), getting to the village in Larzac reminds a bit of driving through the countryside of Tuscany with its narrow roads and stone houses. When you arrive …

In 1801, Chateau Margaux was acquired by Bertrand Douat, the Marquis de la Colonilla, who built the famous château as we know it today. The marquis engaged the Bordeaux architect Louis Combes whose 1815 design was a combination of classical majesty for the front of the building… and dazzling splendour …

This will be judged on 5 & 6 June 2019 at The ExciseMan Whisky Bar. The Tasting Alliance, parent organization of the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) This inaugural competition is the newest addition to The Tasting Alliance, parent organization of the world-renowned San Francisco World Spirits Competition, …