Category: Wine

Exploring the Heritage and Hospitality of Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Joseph Phelps Vineyards stands as a benchmark of American winemaking excellence and visionary legacy. The wine estate was founded in 1973 by Joseph Phelps, a Colorado construction magnate turned vintner. Joseph Phelps Vineyards helped shape the identity of Napa Valley wines on the global stage, most notably through “Insignia” the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California.

The estate manages and cultivates 425 acres of vineyards across nine proprietary sites located in premier Napa Valley appellations, including St. Helena, Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Oak Knoll District, Carneros, and South Napa. In its ongoing pursuit of optimal terroir for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the estate acquired and planted an additional 100 acres in 1999 on the western slopes of the Sonoma Coast.  The estate is also a certified Napa Green Winery and a member of the Napa Valley Land Trust.

Joseph Phelps crafts wines from a diverse portfolio of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier, each selected to express the distinct characteristics of their respective terroirs.

Wine tourism is an integral aspect of the Joseph Phelps experience. Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed at their architecturally harmonious estate with a glass of the 2022 Chardonnay, Pastorale Vineyard, Sonoma. The estate offers a range of curated tastings that highlight both single-vineyard selections and flagship wines. I had the opportunity to participate in the “Vineyard Terrace Experience,” a member-only tasting, along with some long-time members. The terrace offered panoramic views of the Napa Valley, featuring vineyards, and provided a breathtaking backdrop that elevated the tasting experience with a sense of place.

Other wines tasted were the 2022 Pinot Noir Bootlegger’s Hill Vineyard, 2021 Vin du Mistral, Central Coast, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley and my favourite, the 2021 INSIGNIA, Napa Valley. I’m so thrilled to taste this one as this vintage is one of California’s most collectible Cabernet Sauvignons!

Joseph Phelps Insignia 2021

Tasting Notes:

This 2021 captivates the senses with vibrant aromas of black cherry, dark plum, and blackberry, subtly accented by wood and tobacco notes. On the palate, rich fruit and savoury undertones. Beautiful tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length.  This wine will express beautifully for years to come.

98 Points
Liz Palmer

Today, Joseph Phelps Vineyards forms an integral part of the LVMH portfolio, reinforcing its stature as a globally recognized benchmark of viticultural excellence. The enduring legacy of Joseph Phelps is reflected not only in the wines themselves but also in the estate’s continued pursuit of innovation, precision in craftsmanship, and its steadfast commitment to sustainable land stewardship.

Il Borro by Ferragamo: Where Tuscan Heritage Meets Wine, Art, and Eco-Luxury

Set against the rolling hills of Tuscany’s Valdarno di Sopra, Il Borro is a compelling fusion of history, environmental stewardship, and refined hospitality.

This historic estate, transformed over the past three decades by Ferruccio Ferragamo and his family, has become a benchmark in organic viticulture and upscale enotourism. With a rich medieval past, a diverse wine portfolio, and a world-class resort, Il Borro epitomizes the evolution of wine estates into holistic destinations for both connoisseurs and travellers.

A Historic Estate Reimagined

The roots of Il Borro date back to the 12th century, when the property served as a strategic stronghold during regional conflicts. Over the centuries, it passed through several noble families before being acquired in the 1990s by Ferruccio Ferragamo, chairman of the renowned Ferragamo fashion house. His vision was twofold: to preserve the estate’s architectural and cultural integrity, and to introduce forward-thinking, sustainable agricultural practices.
Today, the restored medieval hamlet is a living monument, featuring cobblestone streets, frescoed chapels, and artisanal workshops. It is also the cornerstone of the estate’s philosophy, where the past is not only preserved but elevated through innovation.

Organic Farming and a Commitment to Sustainability

Covering roughly 1,100 hectares, Il Borro includes 85 hectares of certified-organic vineyards, olive groves, and protected woodland. Since 2015, the estate’s agricultural operations have adhered strictly to organic protocols, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental protection and biodiversity.

The Ferragamo family’s approach emphasizes ecological balance, from cover cropping and composting to solar energy integration and careful water management. The vineyards are managed to ensure soil health and long-term sustainability, while the winery uses low-intervention techniques to reflect the authentic character of the land.

The Wine Portfolio: Heritage Meets Expression

Il Borro’s wine production includes both indigenous and international grape varieties, including Sangiovese are cultivated alongside Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay, resulting in a portfolio that is elegant, expressive, and rooted in terroir. Their portfolio includes 12 labels, with 10 certified organic, showcasing the estate’s dedication to quality and sustainability.

Il Borro Flagship Wines Include:

Il Borro Toscana IGT
A refined red blend with Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon; structured and age-worthy. This wine is also known for its depth and elegance.

Polissena
A pure Sangiovese offering vivid acidity, minerality, and typicity.

Pian di Nova
A blend of Syrah and Sangiovese, known for its vibrancy and spicy profile.

Lamelle
A crisp Chardonnay representing the estate’s fresh, mineral-driven whites.

Bolle di Borro
A méthode traditionnelle rosé sparkling wine, made from 100% Sangiovese.

In addition to its core vineyards, Il Borro expanded its winemaking portfolio with the acquisition of Tenuta Pinino in Montalcino, where it now produces esteemed Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wines.

Wine Review
Il Borro Toscana IGT 2020

Bright ruby colour with some purple nuances. Dark and spicy nose of tobacco, dark plum, and some balsamic. On the palate full and complex with some chocolate, plum and herbs. Fine tannins that are well integrated powerful and long finish. Delightful !

95 Points
Liz Palmer

Il Borro Is A Destination for Wine, Wellness, and Culture

Il Borro is not only a working estate, but also a member of Relais & Châteaux. Its hospitality offerings include suites and private villas, artfully restored within the estate’s original medieval structures. Guests are immersed in Tuscan authenticity while enjoying contemporary comforts and bespoke experiences.

Some Highlights of the Il Borro Resort:

Wine Tastings and Tours
You can explore centuries-old cellars and taste the full range of Il Borro’s wines guided by expert sommeliers.

Osteria del Borro
A gastronomic journey through regional cuisine, led by Chef Andrea Campani, who focuses on estate-grown, seasonal ingredients.

Spa and Wellness Center
Offers holistic treatments, yoga, and nature walks amidst vineyards and cypress groves.

Art and Education
There are onsite galleries showcasing works inspired by wine culture, and workshops connect guests with Tuscan craftsmanship.

Il Borro Website: www.ilborro.it

Exploring Napa Valley: A Professional Journey Through Viticultural Excellence and Enological Innovation

I’ve just arrived in the heart of Napa Valley, one of the world’s most iconic wine regions. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to exploring renowned wine estates, connecting with visionary winemakers, and tasting some of California’s most celebrated vintages.

From legendary Cabernet Sauvignons to innovative blends, Napa offers a dynamic narrative of tradition, terroir, and talent….. stay tuned, as I uncover stories behind the bottles and share insights into the craftsmanship shaping this world-class wine destination!

Rioja Wine Tourism Surges to €197 Million in 2024

Spain’s most important wine region, DOCa Rioja, witnessed unprecedented growth in wine tourism, setting new records in both visitor numbers and economic impact. According to the annual Wine Tourism Monitor presented by the Regulatory Council of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin, prepared in collaboration with Dinamiza Asesores, presented May 27 2025, the sector generated nearly €200 million, marking a pivotal moment in Rioja’s evolution as a global wine tourism destination.

The Results

In 2024, a total of 912,438 people visited one of the 214 wineries open to wine tourism in the region. This figure represents a 3.54% increase compared to 2023, with positive growth recorded in all three subzones of the designation. Rioja Oriental saw the largest rise in visitors at 10.61%, followed by Rioja Alta with a 4.36% increase. Rioja Alavesa remained stable with a slight growth of 0.82%. The seasonal pattern of tourism persisted, with September and October as the busiest months. August also saw significant visitor numbers, while March experienced a notable surge of 35.78% over the previous year, driven by Easter celebrations. Despite some growth during off-peak months, the data highlights an ongoing need to reduce seasonality.

The report shows that 63.73% of visitors were from Spain, though international demand grew by more than three points to reach 36.27%. Among foreign markets, the United States accounted for 29% of international visitors, followed by the United Kingdom at 17.75% and France at 14.67%. Mexico registered the highest percentage growth among global markets in 2024.

Visitor behaviour data indicates that 80% made reservations for their visits, and 82.37% booked directly without intermediaries. The most common visitor profile was someone interested or enthusiastic about wine (79.27%), followed by passionate wine lovers (69.51%) and food tourists (40.24%).

From the supply side, Rioja wineries offered a broad and diverse range of experiences. Winery tours with tastings and wine sales remain nearly universal services among wineries. Wine and local product tastings, corporate events, and premium experiences are also widely available. Half of the wineries offer dining services upon request, while 14.58% have restaurants open to the public.

Regarding pricing, the average cost for a basic visit with tasting was €22.29, up 7.61% from 2023. Premium visits averaged €40.40, while visits including meals reached €70.21, reflecting a trend toward higher-value offerings.

Wine tourism experiences continue to expand: 61.46% of wineries offer special tastings, and 45.83% provide gastronomic activities such as pairing menus or cooking workshops. Seasonal experiences like grape harvests or grape stomping are available at more than a third of wineries. However, there was a decline in sports-related activities and games such as escape rooms.

Wine tourism events gained prominence in 2024, with more than 60 events hosted at wineries attracting over 30,000 attendees. These included themed tastings, concerts, special pairings, and festivals like Villabuena Wine Fest and Noches de San Lorenzo. Half of the surveyed wineries participated in wine-related events; 40.48% took part in music events; and 21.43% joined gastronomic activities.

Organizationally, 63.83% of wineries have a dedicated wine tourism department staffed by professionals with an average of over nine years of experience. English is spoken at 85.11% of wineries; French at 26.60%; Basque at 13.83%. Surveyed wineries reported a total of 344 direct jobs linked to wine tourism. An additional 65 external collaborators provide services such as guiding or sommelier work.

Profitability was rated positively by 78.48% of wineries; most consider wine tourism already profitable or expect improved results soon. Wineries sold an average of 9.5% of their wine through wine tourism channels; for some, this share exceeded 75%. Nearly all surveyed wineries (97.47%) plan improvements to their tourism projects. Other planned actions include enhancing guided tours, updating promotional materials, staff training, and creating new spaces like shops or tasting areas.

Investment in wine tourism surpassed €3.5 million in 2024—a rise of over 70% from the previous year and more than triple that invested in 2022.

Economically, wine tourism generated €65.74 million for Rioja’s wineries in 2024, a rise of just over six percent from the previous year, with €45.43 million coming from visits and shop sales; €20.3 million from other activities such as events or restaurant services; business events alone contributed more than €2.5 million.

The average spend per visitor in winery shops reached €40.05; basic winery visits averaged €22.29.

Across the entire destination [including spending on accommodation, dining, transport, shopping and other services], the economic impact of wine tourism reached €197.2 million in 2024: an increase of more than €11 million over last year.

The report also profiles visitors: according to a national survey, nearly three-quarters had visited Rioja within the past three years; main travel motivations were interest in wine culture followed by gastronomy and enjoyment of landscape or heritage sites; most traveled as couples or with friends using private cars for both arrival and local travel; average stay was just under three nights with hotels and rural guesthouses preferred; Haro, Logroño and Laguardia were top destinations within Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa subzones.

Average daily spending per visitor was estimated at €155, with winery visits as the most popular activity, followed by tastings, paired meals and vineyard walks.

The 2024 Wine Tourism Monitor affirms DOCa Rioja’s stature as a benchmark for sustainable, high-value wine tourism. With continued investment, professional development, and a strong push toward premium and international markets, Rioja is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of enotourism in Europe.

Exploring Three Unique Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wineries

As part of the 2025 Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest, I set out to explore three significant wine estates:  Teruzzi, Poderi Arcangelo, and Il Palagione. Each winery presents a compelling narrative of terroir expression, sustainable viticulture, and the enduring legacy of Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Tuscany’s iconic white wine and the first Italian white to receive DOCG status.

Vernaccia

Vernaccia is a varietal that holds a unique position in the Italian wine lexicon. This grape variety, cultivated almost exclusively in the San Gimignano area, produces Tuscany’s only DOCG-classified white wine. Its hallmark lies in its vibrant acidity, floral aromatics, and mineral depth.

Grape & Vinification: The Vernaccia grape is gently pressed and fermented at low temperatures to preserve its delicate aromatic compounds.

Aging Regulations: Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG requires a minimum aging of 11 months in the cellar and 3 months in bottle before release.

Organoleptic Profile: Typically, light to medium-bodied, this wine expresses crisp citrus notes, golden apple, and a distinctive bitter almond finish.

General Tasting Notes: Floral and citrus aromas, with nuances of pear, herbs, and minerality. The palate is marked by freshness, structured acidity, and a long, saline finish.

Optimal Serving Temperature: Chilled between 8°C for an aperitivo and 12°C with meals to highlight either freshness or textural complexity.

Teruzzi: A Vanguard of Vernaccia Innovation

Teruzzi, founded in 1974 by Enrico Teruzzi and his wife Carmen, is today owned by Terra Moretti. The estate spans 180 hectares, with 96 under vine, including 62 dedicated to Vernaccia. This makes Teruzzi the largest estate dedicated to Vernaccia. Teruzzi blends advanced winemaking technology with deep respect for San Gimignano’s traditions.

Their vineyards are planted at varying elevations and have a variety of soil compositions, contributing to complex and age-worthy wines. Teruzzi’s flagship, Terre di Tufi, a white Toscana IGT blend, is considered a “Super Tuscan Bianco” and is emblematic of the estate’s modern vision. I found that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG “Isola Bianca” stood out for its mineral-driven profile, citrus blossom aromatics, with saline finish, highlighting the varietal’s capacity for structure and finesse.

With state-of-the-art vinification equipment and a commitment to sustainable practices, Teruzz exemplifies how tradition and technology can harmoniously co-exist. The wine estate produces high-quality wines while respecting the local heritage and ancient history of Tuscany’s great winemaking tradition. Teruzzi epitomizes the vision of the Moretti family, a commitment to advancing estates with a strong place of origin, heritage, nobility and personality, like that of San Gimignano!

Teruzzi Website: https://www.teruzzi.it

Tasting Notes:

2019 Teruzzi ‘Isola Bianca’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG
Fruity notes on the nose, integrated with a strong mineral presence. On the palate, the wine is fresh and structured with a floral backbone, citrus lift, and a persistent almond-tinged finish.

Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer

Poderi Arcangelo: A Sustainable Family-Run Estate

This family-owned estate operates under a holistic organic model that integrates vineyard biodiversity, agritourism, and farm-to-table cuisine. Poderi Arcangelo blends Tuscany’s agrarian past with a modern commitment to sustainability. Nestled atop a hill, surrounded by organic vineyards and olive groves, the estate is a winery and offers agritourism that including glamping, three farmhouses, and an organic barn. They are known for their organic wines, extra virgin olive oil, and commitment to sustainability, offering guests a chance to experience the authentic side of Tuscany, including truffle hunting with the estate’s dog. They also offer wine tastings and cooking classes and feature a restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine.

Following a guided vineyard and cellar tour, we enjoyed a light lunch paired with estate wines overlooking the rolling Chianti hills. It is also interesting to note that their Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is produced from organically grown grapes and fermented in stainless steel to preserve the purity of fruit and terroir. I found in most of their Vernaccia di San Gimignano notes of golden apple, acacia, and wet stone – a perfect match for the regional dishes!

Website: https://www.poderiarcangelo.it

Tasting Notes:

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG ‘Primo Angelo’ 2024
Pale straw yellow. A penetrating and delicate aroma with notes of fresh fruit and white wildflowers. Dry, fresh, and full-bodied with excellent aromatic persistence. Characteristic almond bitterness in the finish.

Score: 92/100
Liz Palmer

My day concluded with a visit to Il Palagione, an artisanal estate producing high-elevation Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The wine estate is located between 300 and 350 meters above sea level. The vineyards benefit from optimal sun exposure and dramatic diurnal shifts, which translate to freshness and aromatic complexity in the wines.

Il Palagione: Artisanal Vernaccia and Altitude Precision

Situated on a hilltop along the road connecting San Gimignano to Volterra, Il Palagione offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley and San Gimignano.

Dating back to 1594, Il Palagione is a historic family-run estate located between 300–350 meters above sea level. The estate spans 50 hectares, of which 17 are vineyards, and focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and Chianti Colli Senesi wines.

Their high-altitude vineyards and small-scale artisanal approach result in expressive, age-worthy wines. Tastings and tours are hosted in their ancient barn overlooking the Tuscan hills.

Production:

Il Palagione focuses on organic production of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, Vernaccia Riserva, and Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG wines, as well as extra virgin olive oil.

Il Palagione is known for producing limited quantities of Vernaccia that are expressive, textured, and cellar-worthy. The Hydra Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG stood out for me.

Website: https://www.ilpalagione.com

Tasting Notes:

Il Palagione ‘Ori’ Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva DOCG 2010
Poised and elegant. Notes of lemon zest, quince, poached pear. Balanced and creamy with a subtle oak finish and savory undertones. Wonderful wine 15 years later !!

Score: 94/100
Liz Palmer

My visit in San Gimignano offered more than a tasting tour; it was a masterclass in regional identity and winemaking evolution. Each estate presented its own narrative, illuminating Vernaccia’s potential as a terroir-driven, age-worthy white wine. From Teruzzi’s modern vision and large-scale innovation, to Poderi Arcangelo’s organic embrace of Tuscan tradition, and Il Palagione’s artisanal, high-altitude expression, the experience was an inspiring reminder of how deeply wine can reflect both land and legacy.