Category: Travel

Fresh Perspectives: The White and Rosé Evolution of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages

Traditionally celebrated for their structured reds, Côtes du Rhône (CDR) and Côtes du Rhône Villages (CDRV) are gaining prominence for an unexpected yet compelling shift: the emergence of their white and rosé wine!  Although representing less than 10% of total production, these whites are capturing the attention of sommeliers and wine lovers for their aromatic complexity and nuanced expressions.

This evolution rests upon three foundational elements: a diverse range of terroirs, an expansive array of authorized grape varieties, and the meticulous craft of blending. Together, these factors enable a palette of expressions and styles, from crisp and lively whites to rich and complex expressions, and from delicate, aromatic rosés to full-bodied, gastronomic wines.

WHITE WINES: FROM BRIGHT TO STRUCTURED

FRESH & LIVELY

Key grape varieties include Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Piquepoul Blanc. Grown on cool, often clay-based soils, grapes are harvested early to preserve freshness and acidity while keeping alcohol levels in check. Fermentation occurs at low temperatures (12–18°C) and in oxygen-free environments to retain varietal aromas of citrus, flowers, and white fruit, with typical grapefruit notes. The palate is lively, fresh, and balanced, perfect as an aperitif or paired with summer salads and goat cheese.

FRUITY & ROUND

A richer interpretation, featuring grapes like Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, sourced from various terroirs. Harvested at optimal ripeness, these wines are vinified at 12–18°C to maintain freshness and aromatic expression. Expect notes of exotic and stone fruits (mango, peach, apricot), with a round mouthfeel balanced by bright acidity. Excellent with ceviche, roast poultry, or soft cheeses.

RICH & COMPLEX

Whites that leave a lasting impression. Made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Viognier, Carignan Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, these wines come from diverse terroirs and are harvested at more advanced ripeness without becoming over-concentrated. They often undergo extended aging, frequently in oak. The aromatic profile is complex, combining ripe, stewed, or candied fruits, dried fruits, spices, and minerality, with occasional toasty, honeyed, or woody notes. The palate is rich and round with great length, perfect for full meals and with excellent aging potential.

ROSÉ WINES: TWO DISTINCT EXPRESSIONS

FRUITY & DELICATE

These rosés are primarily made from Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan, sometimes with authorized white varieties to enhance acidity. Grown on cool sites and harvested early to preserve freshness and keep alcohol low. Vinified by direct pressing or short maceration, these wines reveal intense aromas of citrus, tropical fruit, and candy. The palate is light, balanced, and refreshing. Best enjoyed young and ideal as an aperitif.

FRUITY & FULL BODIED

A more traditional, full-bodied rosé that emphasizes roundness, balance, and terroir expression. Made mostly from Syrah, with Grenache, Carignan, and Cinsault, these wines are harvested at full ripeness. Vinified by direct pressing or short saignée, they showcase ripe red fruit, delicate floral notes, and soft spices. The palate is structured and concentrated with good length and a deeper hue—a gastronomic rosé to enjoy within two years.

A New Chapter for the Rhône
From the high-altitude vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône to the sun-drenched slopes of the Côtes du Rhône Villages, these white and rosé wines now stand as a compelling reflection of the region’s heritage and its evolving winemaking identity. Fresh, elegant, and character-driven, they invite rediscovery and present a valuable opportunity for trade professionals seeking hidden gems with a strong sense of place.

Tasting Notes from the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages

To complement the rich discussion of the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages’ evolving whites and rosés, here are three standout examples from the 2023 and 2024 vintages that capture the essence of this movement.

Cellier des Dauphins Prestige Rosé 2024 – 90 Points / Liz Palmer
A luminous pale pink hue introduces this elegant rosé, which reveals delicate aromas of fresh strawberries and redcurrant, with subtle floral undertones. The palate delivers a crisp and balanced expression of red berry fruit, complemented by a fine mineral spine with a long fruit-driven finish. An ideal example of the Côtes du Rhône rosé style, refreshing, poised, and effortlessly approachable.

Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2024 – 91 Points / Liz Palmer
A classic Côtes du Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Roussanne, this wine captures the vibrancy of the region. The nose unfolds with fragrant aromas of white flowers, ripe pear, and stone fruit. The palate is energetic and crisp, offering a harmonious interplay of fruit and floral notes, supported by a rounded, well-structured body with a long, elegant finish. An excellent example of the aromatic precision and balance that define Rhône whites.

Gabriel Meffre Laurus Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2023 – 93 Points / Liz Palmer
A captivating nose of honeysuckle, stone fruit, and citrus zest evolves beautifully in this premium Côtes du Rhône blanc. The palate delivers a rich and textural experience, with flavours of juicy peach, crisp apple, and preserved lemon, framed by a luminous acidity with a delicate, mineral undertone. The finish is long, complex, and richly rewarding, making this a compelling example of the depth and aging potential that the best whites of the region can achieve.

Hog Island Oysters by the Sea: A Quintessential California Coastline Experience

Situated along the windswept shore of Tomales Bay in Northern California, Hog Island Oysters is far more than a traditional oyster farm; it’s an immersive coastal experience that captures the character and heritage of the California coastline. Through its seamless blend of natural beauty, artisanal craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place, Hog Island Oysters has established itself as a landmark for both culinary and cultural exploration.

Hog Island Oysters is part rustic oyster shack, part inviting waterfront eatery, complemented by a working oyster farm and its accompanying facilities. Perched right on the water’s edge, it offers sweeping views across Tomales Bay. The crisp, salty air, the sight of seabirds gliding overhead, and the sound of waves create a serene backdrop, making it an ideal setting for an afternoon of shellfish and sunshine.

I found it more than a beautiful destination; it is also a working farm that has sustainably cultivated some of California’s finest oysters for over 40 years. Grown in the cold, mineral-rich waters of the bay, these plump, briny gems can be sampled right where they’re harvested. From shucking classes to “shuck your own” picnics,

We settled at a rustic wooden table by the water, a plate of a dozen freshly shucked oysters that were plump, savoury, and tasting like the very essence of the sea. Paired with a crisp glass of local sparkling wine, it was a moment that encapsulated the very best of the California coast. Hog Island Oysters is a reminder that life’s finest pleasures are often the simplest: a plate of fresh oysters, a panoramic view, and the sound of the sea. What more could one ask for?

A Napa Valley Icon: Oakville Grocery & Wine Merchant

While exploring Napa Valley recently, I couldn’t resist stopping by Oakville Grocery, a true icon of the region! Established in 1881, this historic spot is California’s oldest continually operating grocery, and you can feel its heritage the moment you walk through the door. It’s a beautifully curated space, packed with artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, house‑made salads, olive oils, and a bounty of delicious, locally sourced delights. It’s a paradise for food lovers, a time‑honoured piece of Napa’s charm, and an absolute must‑visit when you’re in wine country!

Right next door is Oakville Wine Merchant; this is a must‑visit for wine lovers! I found over 60 wines by the glass, featuring some of Napa’s finest producers! Housed in a charming 150‑year‑old Victorian building, it also serves as the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum. The tasting room combines historical significance with contemporary hospitality.  It’s a perfect spot to sample wines, examine their labels, and gain deeper insights into Napa Valley’s rich winemaking heritage.

Oakville Grocery and Oakville Wine Merchant occupy a prime location along Highway 29, in the heart of Napa Valley, within close proximity to iconic estates including: Opus One, Robert Mondavi, and Silver Oak. After attending the “Opus One Experience,” I found this historic venue to be a welcoming space for pausing, contemplating, and deepening my understanding of Napa Valley’s rich winemaking legacy.

I highly recommend visiting Oakville Grocery and Oakville Wine Merchant as essential destinations for anyone exploring Napa Valley. These two historic buildings embody a living testament to Napa’s rich heritage and cultural identity. Offering not only an exceptional selection of artisanal foods and world-class wines but also a deep connection to the region’s history, they provide a memorable complement to the celebrated wines and enduring traditions that have shaped this iconic terroir.

For further details: https://www.oakvillegrocery.com/

Charting the Future of Global Wine Tourism

Wine tourism has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, establishing itself as a profitable and dynamic sector of the global wine industry. As a driver of sustainable development, it also plays an important role in rural development, job creation, and the direct empowerment of local communities.

Despite its growing importance, both science and practice continue to face challenges due to a lack of reliable data and sound evidence. At the international level, a significant information gap exists in the field of wine tourism, making it challenging for policymakers and the industry to develop evidence-based strategies and business models.

To address this need, Geisenheim University, together with UN Tourism, the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), the Great Wine Capitals Global Network (GWC), and WineTourism.com, has launched a global research initiative. Based on an annual international survey, this initiative provides current data and insights on wine tourism.

“Our shared goal is to provide wineries and tourism organizations with directly actionable insights through an annual report. This year’s survey focuses on innovations and emerging trends that have recently fundamentally changed the wine tourism experience,” emphasizes the initiator of the cooperation, Prof. Dr. Gergely Szolnoki, Geisenheim University.

The strength of this initiative lies in the collaboration between international organizations, academic institutions and industry representatives – a unique cooperation that combines diverse expertise and global perspectives.

The results of the study will be published as an open-access report and simultaneously presented at various events, including the UN Tourism Wine Tourism Conference in Bulgaria from 6 to 7 October 2025 and the Great Wine Capitals Annual Conference in Bordeaux from 2 to 6 November 2025.

Wineries across the globe are encouraged to participate in this survey, as their contribution is vital to developing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of global wine tourism.

Link to the study:   https://www.soscisurvey.de/winetourism2025/

Hall Wines, Napa: A Legacy of Innovation Rooted in Napa Heritage

Nestled just off Highway 29 in St. Helena, Hall Wines is established on the storied Bergfeld Vineyard, an estate whose viticultural history dates back to 1885. This historic site was once home to the Napa Valley Co-Operative Winery, a pivotal institution that, at its peak, produced nearly 40% of the region’s total wine output, marking it as a cornerstone of early Napa Valley wine production.

In 2003, Craig and Kathryn Hall, visionary entrepreneurs and passionate stewards of fine wine, acquired the estate. Their commitment to honouring the property’s legacy while embracing sustainable innovation culminated in a decade-long transformation. By 2013, the Halls had completed an ambitious and sensitive restoration, seamlessly integrating the original stone winery with a state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winemaking facility. The new tasting room, a modern architectural landmark, is LEED® Gold-certified, reflecting the estate’s environmental ethos.

The estate itself encompasses approximately 33 acres at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. Collectively, the Hall family cultivates over 500 acres across Napa Valley, dedicated to Bordeaux varietals. These vineyards span both valley floor and hillside sites and are farmed with a meticulous, low-yield philosophy rooted in sustainable viticulture, ensuring both quality and longevity in every bottle.

Arriving at Hall Wines: A Journey into Art, Architecture, and Napa Hospitality

Hall Wines sits in the heart of the Napa Valley “wine strip,” a stretch of road synonymous with legacy, innovation, and some of the most storied names in American wine. Just minutes from the Napa Valley Museum of Art & Culture, the estate blends its commitment to fine wine with an evident passion for contemporary art and sustainability.

Upon arrival, I was immediately greeted by one of Napa Valley’s most striking landmarks, “Bunny Foo Foo”, a towering 35-foot stainless steel rabbit sculpture by the late artist Lawrence Argent. Gleaming in the California sun, this whimsical figure stood at the estate’s entrance, playfully setting the stage for what would become a richly immersive and sensorial experience.

Driving up the estate’s long, manicured entryway, I arrived at the modern hospitality center, an architectural statement in glass, wood, and stone, unveiled in 2014 after a multi-year transformation. Inside, sleek design meets vineyard warmth. Expansive glass walls draw the eye westward over the estate’s vines, while curated art installations offer moments of quiet reflection.

Adjacent to the contemporary space is the restored Bergfeld stone winery, a 19th-century “ghost winery” brought back to life with care and respect for its historic bones. The juxtaposition of heritage and innovation is palpable throughout the estate.

Members Lounge

Hall’s Member Lounge provides an artisan sanctuary: open seven days a week, accessible by appointment only, and offers exclusive library wines and relaxed seated tastings. Members can bring food and enjoy comfortable couches overlooking the vineyards on the stunning terrace.

My tasting began on the outdoor terrace, along with some Hall Wines members, where the afternoon sun filtered across rows of Cabernet Sauvignon vines. What a stunning view! I found that Hall’s approach to hospitality is layered and thoughtful while offering a spectrum of experiences catering to both connoisseurs and wine enthusiasts, as follows:

Members Lounge Tasting for the day included:

2021 HALL Ellie’s Cabernet Sauvignon
92 Points Wine Enthusiast

2020 HALL Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon
The painting featured on the label was designed by Jack Reynolds, who was 18 months old as a Father’s Day gift for his father, Mike Reynolds, who was the winemaker at HALL Wines at the time. Mike Reynolds, now the president of HALL Wines.

2019 HALL Bergfeld St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
95 Points Owen Barren

2021 HALL Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
96-98 Points (in barrel) Jeb Dunnuck

What a stunning wine – my overall favorite !!

WINE REVIEW

2021 HALL Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon

The wine reveals the depth and intensity characteristic of this high-elevation site. In the glass, it presents a deep garnet hue. Aromatically expressive, it opens with layers of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and crushed violets, interwoven with graphite, cocoa, and hints of cedar. The palate is structured yet polished, showcasing ripe blackberry and cassis, supported by fine-grained tannins and well-integrated oak. A persistent mineral core and vibrant acidity carry through to a long, resonant finish. A compelling mountain Cabernet built for aging but already delivering elegance and power in equal measure – Stunning!

97 Points
Liz Palmer

Other Hall Wines tastings and Experiences include:

St. Helena – Platinum Experience – Discover HALL’s Expressions of Place
This is an exclusive, seated experience which features the coveted Platinum Collection and top-rated Artisan Collection Cabernets.

St. Helena – Cabernet Collector Experience
This is also an exclusive tasting experience which showcases HALL’s top-rated Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons, which are paired with seasonal bites.  This is perfect for collectors looking to explore Napa Valley’s premier appellations.

St. Helena – Signature Tour – A Walk Through Winemaking
With this experience, you take a guided walk through HALL’s vineyards and winemaking facilities, where you gain some insight into Hall’s sustainable practices and rich history.  After the walk, you participate in a tasting of their four award-winning wines paired with seasonal bites.

St. Helena – Reflections of the Valley – Bar Tasting in our Modern Gallery
With this experience, you savour a curated flight of award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a standup tasting at their modern bar. Don’t forget to view the stunning vineyard views.

Hall Winery stands at the intersection of Napa’s storied past and forward-thinking future. The estate is simultaneously a cathedral of Cabernet, a canvas for art, and a leader in sustainability. From its first impression to final sip, Hall Wines is more than a tasting; it’s a narrative told through art, architecture, and world-class Napa Valley wine.