July 2025

AliveTaste’25 – A Celebration of Portugal’s Wine Culture and Gastronomic Excellence

I recently had the honour of attending the 9th Edition of AliveTaste’25 in Portugal, an extraordinary celebration of Portuguese wine, gastronomy, and cultural excellence. My journey across the country offered profound insights into the evolution of its wine culture, from the Atlantic-influenced Vinho Verde to the dramatic terraces of the Douro Valley, and culminated in […]

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A Montefalco 2025: Celebrating an Entire Region Beyond the Sagrantino Grape

The third edition of A Montefalco took place on June 17–18, 2025, in the beautiful medieval village of Montefalco, Umbria. Building on the success of the reimagined event that began in 2023, this year’s celebration honoured not only the current vintage release of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG but also the full diversity of wines produced across

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AliveTaste’25 – A Celebration of Portugal’s Wine Culture and Gastronomic Excellence

I recently had the honour of attending the 9th Edition of AliveTaste’25 in Portugal, an extraordinary celebration of Portuguese wine, gastronomy, and cultural excellence. My journey across the country offered profound insights into the evolution of its wine culture, from the Atlantic-influenced Vinho Verde to the dramatic terraces of the Douro Valley and culminated in

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Porto Reimagined: How Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel Is Defining a New Model for Wine Tourism in Northern Portugal

An exclusive interview by Liz Palmer with Francisco Viana Brito, General Manager Northern Portugal has long lured travellers with its riverside romance, cobbled streets, and legendary port wine. But now, a new chapter in luxury hospitality is unfolding along the banks of the Douro. At the heart of it sits Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia, a

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Celebrating Excellence in Global Wine Hospitality: 2025 Regional Winners of The World’s Best Wine Lists Announced

The World of Fine Wine has just unveiled the winners of the 2025 World’s Best Wine Lists – Regional Category Awards, which honour outstanding achievements in global wine hospitality. Following a rigorous evaluation process, leading establishments across six major global regions: Asia, Australasia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America, and South & Central

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An Exclusive Encounter with Opus One: A Vertical Tasting of Napa’s Crown Jewel

Tucked into the western benchlands of Oakville, Opus One stands as a beacon of sophistication and legacy in Napa Valley winemaking. During a recent visit, I was invited to experience a rare vertical tasting that spanned some of the estate’s most celebrated vintages. This exclusive encounter offered more than a glimpse into the artistry behind

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The Opus One Experience: Napa’s Crown Jewel of Wine Tasting

History and Vision The story of Opus One is not simply that of a winery; it is the embodiment of a groundbreaking partnership that transformed American winemaking. Conceived in 1978 and officially founded in 1980, Opus One was born from the visionary alliance between two legendary figures: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild

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Global Wine Tourism Soars in 2024 Despite Historic Lows in Production and Consumption

The global wine tourism sector demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience in 2024, according to The Global Wine Tourism Market 2024 report, published by Vinetur on July 16, 2025. Despite a challenging year for wine production and consumption worldwide, wine tourism emerged as a dynamic and vital segment within the broader tourism and beverage industries. Market

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Carol Duval-Leroy Named Officer of the Legion of Honour for Her Pioneering Role in Champagne

In a momentous acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to viticulture and French cultural heritage, Carol Duval-Leroy, President of Maison Duval-Leroy, has been named Officer of the Legion of Honour, one of France’s highest civilian accolades. This prestigious distinction not only honours her unwavering dedication to the Champagne region but also recognizes over three decades of

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Rethinking the Tasting Room Experience: Does Waiving Fees Drive More Visitors?

I’ve come across some compelling insights from the SVB 2025 DtC Wine Report that shed light on evolving strategies in the tasting room experience. According to the report, wineries were asked under what circumstances they would waive tasting fees. Predictably, scenarios such as making a purchase or joining a wine club were frequently cited, widely

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