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I SISTRI CHARDONNAY 2022

Sunlit lemon over cool river stone: I Sistri 2022 moves with pear and melon breadth, then snaps to a clean, mineral line. Lees bring satin, oak stays a whisper, and the finish hums long and precise. ...

November 17, 2025 – White Spirits and Wine Are Surging in Thailand

Wine capsules may be increasingly out of favor with some drinkers, but a new neuromarketing study covered in The Drinks Business shows that nine out of ten consumers still perceive capsule-topped bottles as higher quality. Meanwhile, Nikkei Asia, The Drinks Business, and VinePair highlight a global shift, from Japan’s rising domestic-grape prestige to Thailand’s growing wine market and Champagne’s addition of Pink Chardonnay, that underscores how fast consumer preferences and regional identities are evolving....

SUSHISAMBA – London (Heron Tower & Covent Garden)

A two-site London fixture blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cooking with big-city drama: glass-lift views and Europe’s highest outdoor dining terraces at Heron Tower, and a striking Opera Terrace aerie over Covent Garden Piazza—plus Kobe beef, robata signatures, and late-night SAMBA ROOM cocktails...

Château Fortia – Historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape Estate with a Modern Sustainable Vision

Château Fortia, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most historic estates, has been instrumental in shaping both the region’s identity and the French AOC system. Today, under the stewardship of winemaker Sandra Rochel and general manager Anna Olejnik, the estate continues to craft terroir-driven wines while embracing sustainable viticulture and offering visitors an authentic Rhône Valley experience....

2022 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Baron

Built for a hot year, Cuvée du Baron 2022 puts ripe black cherry and plum on a smoky, savory frame, then tightens to a stony, warm finish. It’s plush, frank, and unmistakably southern Rhône—terroir speaking with the volume turned up. ...

November 10, 2025 – Did Japan’s Sake Laws Create a U.S. Brewing Boom?

Japan’s century-old brewing laws have frozen innovation at home and unexpectedly ignited a U.S. sake renaissance, with nearly 30 American breweries now crafting experimental rice ferments that Japan’s own rules forbid. Meanwhile, Andrew Jefford’s twin essays in Decanter urge calm amid health alarmism and climate-driven alcohol creep, reminding readers that pleasure, proportion, and balance—not panic—remain the truest measures of wine’s worth....

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November 17, 2025 – White Spirits and Wine Are Surging in Thailand

Wine capsules may be increasingly out of favor with some drinkers, but a new neuromarketing study covered in The Drinks Business shows that nine out of ten consumers still perceive capsule-topped bottles as higher quality. Meanwhile, Nikkei Asia, The Drinks Business, and VinePair highlight a global shift, from Japan’s rising domestic-grape prestige to Thailand’s growing wine market and Champagne’s addition of Pink Chardonnay, that underscores how fast consumer preferences and regional identities are evolving....

November 10, 2025 – Did Japan’s Sake Laws Create a U.S. Brewing Boom?

Japan’s century-old brewing laws have frozen innovation at home and unexpectedly ignited a U.S. sake renaissance, with nearly 30 American breweries now crafting experimental rice ferments that Japan’s own rules forbid. Meanwhile, Andrew Jefford’s twin essays in Decanter urge calm amid health alarmism and climate-driven alcohol creep, reminding readers that pleasure, proportion, and balance—not panic—remain the truest measures of wine’s worth....

November 2, 2025 – Meet the Winemaker Making $25 Wines Taste Like $50 Bottles

Kermit Lynch reflects on a lifetime spent championing soulful, terroir-driven wines in Wine Spectator’s two-part feature, railing against enological conformity while celebrating harmony, individuality, and the enduring joy of the table. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Chronicle spotlights Kenny Likitprakong’s under-$25 California gems, Wine Business follows Charles Smith’s “REAL Wine” transparency crusade, and Phys.org reports that bacteria might soon help erase wildfire smoke from tainted wines....

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I SISTRI CHARDONNAY 2022

Sunlit lemon over cool river stone: I Sistri 2022 moves with pear and melon breadth, then snaps to a clean, mineral line. Lees bring satin, oak stays a whisper, and the finish hums long and precise. ...

2022 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Baron

Built for a hot year, Cuvée du Baron 2022 puts ripe black cherry and plum on a smoky, savory frame, then tightens to a stony, warm finish. It’s plush, frank, and unmistakably southern Rhône—terroir speaking with the volume turned up. ...

Domaine de la Roche “La Croix Blanche” 2020

Old-vine Gamay with a granite heartbeat: La Croix Blanche 2020 stacks dark berries and lavender over graphite and cool stone, carrying its weight with quiet authority before a long, composed finish. ...

Château Fortia – Historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape Estate with a Modern Sustainable Vision

Château Fortia, one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most historic estates, has been instrumental in shaping both the region’s identity and the French AOC system. Today, under the stewardship of winemaker Sandra Rochel and general manager Anna Olejnik, the estate continues to craft terroir-driven wines while embracing sustainable viticulture and offering visitors an authentic Rhône Valley experience....

Le Domaine de la Roche – Beaujolais, France

Nestled in the heart of the Lantignié appellation, Le Domaine de la Roche is a vibrant, organic-driven estate where the passion of two friends crafts wines that truly show the soul of Beaujolais. A heartfelt favorite during our tour—this charming cellar delivers authenticity, scenic beauty, and unforgettable tastings. ...

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône Valley

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe stands as one of the most iconic estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, rooted in the stony plateau of La Crau since 1898. Family-run for over a century, the Brunier dynasty continues to craft some of the Rhône Valley’s most age-worthy, terroir-driven wines....

Restaurants

SUSHISAMBA – London (Heron Tower & Covent Garden)

A two-site London fixture blending Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cooking with big-city drama: glass-lift views and Europe’s highest outdoor dining terraces at Heron Tower, and a striking Opera Terrace aerie over Covent Garden Piazza—plus Kobe beef, robata signatures, and late-night SAMBA ROOM cocktails...

La Scène Thélème – Paris, France

A one-Michelin-star table steps from the Arc de Triomphe, La Scène Thélème blends French technique with Japanese accents in an intimate, art-minded space—polished service, measured pacing, and strong lunch value....

Le Comptoir de la Mère Germaine – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Le Comptoir de la Mère Germaine blends bistronomic flair with South American accents in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Located on the village square and firmly rooted in local wine culture, it’s a compelling stop for Rhône Valley travelers seeking both tradition and innovation. ...

The Ultimate Guide to Valle de Guadalupe Restaurants, Wineries, and Wines for the Perfect Long Weekend Escape

Discover the beauty and flavors of Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's premier wine country. From boutique wineries to exquisite dining, luxurious stays, and stunning scenery, this guide explores the best that the region has to offer. This guide is being constantly updated. Originally Posted On February 21, 2024...

Jerome Wine Tasting Guide: Where to Visit and Why  

Jerome is Arizona's up-and-coming wine region, and it is a must visit! Explore unique wineries and discover delicious finds in this charming historic town. ...

The Early Stages of The Writing of Sideways

We're coming up on the 20-year anniversary of the release of the cult wine movie Sideways. Not many movies, or books, or other art for that matter, stand the test of time and are recognizably alive 20 years after and still resonate with people....

Wine Gadgets

VoChill: A Functional & Elegant Wine Chiller

With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore solutions for keeping your wine refreshingly chilled....

Easy Guide to Wine Decanting, Plus How to Choose the Right Decanter

There are so many decanters on the market, and so many styles of wine, sometimes it’s difficult to know which sized decanter to use with which grape variety, and how long each type of wine needs to be decanted. ...

5 Wine Carrier Bags to Help You Carry and Transport Wine

Transporting wine can be a nerve-wracking experience. The sound of bottles clinking together is enough to make any wine lover panic....

Interviews

Anton Van De Plas and The Gandona Winery Story: The Cork and Journey Interview

Brett and Tina sit down with Anton Van de Plas and go over the rich history of the Napa Valley wineries including Gandona Winery...

John Steach and his Coravin Adaptor: The Cork and Journey Interview

Brett gets on a Video Call and Interviews John Steach the inventor of the Coravin Argon Wine Adapter and go over how it is revolutionizing the wine industry almost as much as the Coravin has....

Jack Galante: The Cork and Journey Interview

Tina and Brett sat down with Jack Galante at his Caramel Valley Winery and dive into his origins and legacy in the world of wine....