Andrea Perez Castillo holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas, Mexico, and a Master’s in Viticulture and Oenology from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain. Her winemaking career began in 2012 as an assistant winemaker at Tierra Adentro Winery in Zacatecas. Following this, she pursued her master’s studies in Spain, […]
Born in 1971 in Zurich, Switzerland, Barbara Widmer grew up surrounded by a family that placed great importance on cooking, dining, and enjoying fine wines. This passion for food and wine was deeply ingrained in her upbringing and further strengthened in 1980, when her family acquired the Brancaia estate in Tuscany. Initially, Brancaia served primarily
Liz Palmer’s Exclusive Interview with Barbara Widmer of Brancaia + Wine Tasting Notes Read More »
Dr. Laura Catena is widely regarded as a leading figure in the Argentine wine industry, often described as “the face of Argentine wine.” Her contributions to the field are characterized by a profound commitment to advancing knowledge in viticulture, particularly in the domains of high-altitude cultivation, soil microbiome research, and wine ageability. As a fourth-generation
Jessica Otting, Head Winemaker at Tawse Winery, is a leading figure in Canadian viticulture. Known for her dedication to terroir-driven winemaking, she has been pivotal in sustaining Tawse Winery’s award-winning reputation, including multiple titles as Canadian Winery of the Year and other acclaimed mentions. Emphasizing sustainability and a deep connection to the vineyard, Jessica crafts
In 2024, Juan José Balbás and Clara de la Fuente entrusted the stewardship of Bodegas Balbás, one of Spain’s most historic wineries, to their daughters, Patricia and María Balbás. This transition marked a significant moment in the winery’s history, as the sisters assumed responsibility as the seventh generation of the Balbás family to lead the
Exclusive Interview with Patricia and María Balbás of Bodegas Balbás – By Liz Palmer Read More »
Susana Balbo, a trailblazer in the wine industry, renowned for her pioneering contributions as Argentina’s first female winemaker and the visionary owner of Susana Balbo Wines. Her academic journey began with a transition from nuclear physics to enology, culminating in her graduation with honors from Don Bosco University in Mendoza in 1981. Navigating the challenges
While Finland once again tops the World Happiness Report’s rankings, the United States, at No. 24, earned its lowest ranking according to the 2025 report. The report released Thursday marks United Nation’s “International Day of Happiness,” and uses data from sources such as the Lloyd’s Register Foundation World Risk Poll and the Gallup World Poll to
Discover the World’s 20 Happiest Countries in 2025 Read More »
In recognition of March as “International Women’s History Month,” I have selected several industry-leading women from around the world to interview—women who have made their mark and continue to excel in the wine industry. This one-month celebration will extend into April, given the abundance of inspiring stories to share. Throughout this series, I will publish
Liz Palmer Announces “Celebrating Women in Wine” Series Read More »
Marqués de Riscal Located in the picturesque Basque Country, the Marques De Riscal winery in Elciego, Spain, is a beacon of viticultural excellence. This historic winery, founded in 1858, has recently been voted the #1 vineyard in the world by the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 and received the Best Vineyard in Europe Award. The winery’s
Wine Review: Two Wines from Marqués de Riscal [voted #1 Vineyard in the World] Read More »
Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet The 2022 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to half a century of winemaking excellence, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Caymus Vineyards. The Caymus Vineyards was established in 1972 by the Wagner family in Napa Valley, California. Over the past 50 years, the
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