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Russia Wine Market Expands as Premium Preferences and Domestic Vineyards Reshape the Industry

Russia Wine Market Expands as Premium Preferences and Domestic Vineyards Reshape the Industry

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Announces Top 10 World, Writing & Media, Books, and Product & Ingredients Nominees for the 2026 Spirited Awards

NEW ORLEANS, LA (May 20, 2026) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is proud to announce the Top 10 Writing & Media, Books, Spirit & Cocktail Ingredients, and World’s Best Cocktail Menu and Spirits Selection Nominees for the 20th annual Spirited Awards®. Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards has become one of Read more... The post Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Announces Top 10 World, Writing & Media, Books, and Product & Ingredients Nominees for the 2026 Spirited Awards appeared first on Tales of the Cocktail Foundation .

French beer overtakes wine consumption

French beer overtakes wine consumption

Behind the Cork™ - Chateau dAqueria Tavel Rose

2025 Château d’Aqueria Tavel Rosé ($25) Château d’Aqueria is the largest estate of Tavel. It has been making wines in Tavel since the end of the 16th century. While Tavel is a specific wine region in France, the region only makes one highly distinct style of wine. So, the name "Tavel" is also used to refer to the type of wine itself. Tavel was the first appellation created in France (1936). Unlike the ultra-pale, light rosés, Tavel wines undergo a longer grape-skin maceration (often 12 to 72 hours). This gives them a dark pink or ruby hue, higher tannins, and rich, spicy, berry flavors. It is often referred to as a "rosé for red wine drinkers.” This Château d’Aqueria Tavel is made from grapes that are handpicked from Château d’Aqueria’s own vineyards. They are then destemmed, followed by a maceration to extract color. The varieties, Grenache (50%), Syrah (20%), Clairette (10%), Mourvèdre (10%), Cinsault (5%), and Bourboulenc (5%) are blended two by two to enhance aromatic complexity. T

🎧Ep 607: Wine Legends – The People Who Solved the Great French Wine Blight

In this show rather than one wine legend, I talk about a team of people who saved the wine world from The Great French Wine Blight of the 1860s – 1890s, which turned out to be caused a destructive, insect called phylloxera that came to Europe on American grapevines. I discuss the contributions of eight people who worked together and across continents to collectively save the European grapevine, Vitis vinifera, from extinction. Today, we drink Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah all because of the efforts of these people. This podcast is the story of what they did and how they did it. I discuss the contributions of: Jules-Émile Planchon Gaston Bazille CV Riley Hermann Jaeger George Hussman TV Munson Leo Laliman Pierra Viala All played key roles in identifying the cause of vine death in France, and finding the solutions that would work best. This is an important story of wine legends all wine lovers should know about! Enjoy! Full show notes and all back episodes are on

Ontario Chardonnay Review: Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery Chardonnay 2023_PR SAMPLE

I received three vintages of Chardonnay from Ontario’s Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery as part of my Ontario Chardonnay Review. I reviewed the 2020 and 2021 vintages previously (see article), and today I am reviewing their 2023 vintage. Without further delay, here are my tasting notes for this wine. My Wine Tasting Note Wending Home Estate Vineyards & Winery...

Moldova Celebrates 25 Years of National Wine Day, Strengthening Its Position as a Rising Global Wine Destination

The Republic of Moldova will mark the 25th anniversary of National Wine Day under the slogan “United by Wine” from October 3-4 2026 in Chișinău, celebrating a milestone that reflects the country’s transformation into an increasingly recognized player in the global wine industry. As one of the few countries in the world to dedicate a national […] The post Moldova Celebrates 25 Years of National Wine Day, Strengthening Its Position as a Rising Global Wine Destination appeared first on Liz Palmer .

🎧Adelaide Hills: Lofty Ambitions

Buckle up, we're heading back out into wine country, this time to the intriguing Adelaide Hills wine region in South Australia. It gets talked about a lot - but what's it really all about? Is it all about piercing, textural Chardonnay? Or fine sparkling wine? What about the perfumed Pinot Noir, the scented Shiraz..? And let's not forget the likes of Gruner Veltliner, Nebbiolo, Gamay, Barbera, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and all those natural wines. There's a real buzz around the Adelaide Hills - but how to get our heads round it all?! Happily, we have some brilliant guides in the shape of Brian Croser (Tapanappa), David LeMire MW (Shaw + Smith), Emma Wood (Wirra Wirra), Kelly Wellington (Hahndorf Hill), Liam Van Pelt (Ashton Hills), Peter Saturno (Longview) and Xavier Bizot (Daosa/Tapanappa). (Thanks also to the Adelaide Hills Wine Region for making this sponsored episode happen and giving us access to such great producers.) They talk us through things like altitude, rain, field blends,

Obnoxious, In a Good Way, Part 2 (More from Del Dotto Vineyards)

Remember when I kind of wanted to hate that big-ass Napa Cab from Del Dotto Vineyards? Well, there’s now a sequel to that story. Not too long ago, Shannon and I managed to escape the confines of our typical (yet blissful!) domestic scenario for a date night, and once again I decided to indulge her […] Source

Allied Blenders and Distillers reports record FY26 revenue and profit growth

Allied Blenders and Distillers delivered its strongest financial performance yet in FY26, reporting record revenue, EBITDA, and profit after tax, driven by continued premiumisation and strong consumer demand across its Prestige & Above portfolio. The company posted revenue from operations of ₹3,490 crore for FY26, marking an 11.5% growth over ₹3,141 crore reported in FY25. EBITDA for the year grew by 25.8% to ₹68 crore, while profit after tax stood at ₹42 crore, reversing the losses recorded in the previous fiscal year. The company’s premiumisation strategy continued to play a major role in its growth trajectory, with higher contributions coming from premium and prestige brands. Allied Blenders and Distillers has been focusing on strengthening its portfolio across whisky and other premium spirits categories while expanding distribution and consumer reach across markets. The fourth quarter of FY26 also reflected strong momentum for the company. Revenue from operations during Q4FY2

Hallertau Blanc SMaSH Beer Review & Tasting

We brewed another SMASH beer to figure out what Hallertau Blanc hops bring to a beer. This German hop variety was released in 2012 from the Hop Research Center and is known for white wine characteristics. For this batch, we kept things simple with a single malt and a single hop. The goal was to […] The post Hallertau Blanc SMaSH Beer Review & Tasting appeared first on Brew Dudes .

How Cognac Became a Black Cultural Icon

A closer look at Cognac’s place in Black America

How to find the perfect wine wedding gift

The post How to find the perfect wine wedding gift appeared first on Virgin Wines .

Best of Cork Talk: Grassy Creek Vineyards

This episode is another Best of Cork Talk episode featuring Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery in State Road, NC! When we first sat down with Jim and Cynthia Douthit (episode: Growing for Future Generations), it was during the height of COVID and the conversation was recorded remotely. Even then, their dedication to farming, commitment toContinue reading →

How Much Does a Private Event Venue Cost in Seattle?

“How much does a private event venue cost in Seattle?” We get this question more than any other, and the internet is terrible at answering it. Most venues bury private event pricing behind a contact form, which makes private event planning a nightmare if you’re trying to compare options or justify a budget to your […] The post How Much Does a Private Event Venue Cost in Seattle? appeared first on Reubens Brews .

May 2026 - Cooking With Rum

Chef Susan Whitley shares with us in the May 2026 issue of "Got Rum?" two delicious recipes: Apricot ‘n Rum Chicken and Creamy Roasted Carrot Soup. Bon appetit!

Camino Wine Co Centenary Vines Grenache 2024

  Devilishly rounded and curvaceous on the second day of tasting, give this Camino Wine Co Grenache a decant before diving in. Give it that grace and you'll be in heaven. Sourced from a 1912 planted Lyndoch vineyard in the Barossa's south, Jason Barrette has access to some excellent parcels.  This 2024 carries on from where the 2023 left off. I was quite impressed by that release, and we come back for much of the same joy and the delish factor. It kicks off like a working-class Grenache of sorts with a rustic edge, yet it waltzes with royalty with some air under its wings. Be sure to give it that time. Made with 25% whole bunches, dive into a pool of raspberries, mulberries, cherries, raspberry rope, and cola with flecks of orange peel skimming the surface. Some pan juices and charcoal add some savoury appeal as woodsy spices curl around the palate, driving the moreishness. Firmish, cocoa tannins have the last word, but all I want is to dive back in. Clever stuff. Big love. 9

Indian Products Take Centre Stage at TFWA Singapore

•⁠  ⁠From Rampur and Amrut to Indri, Seven Islands and Mahua-finished malts, Indian companies showcase premium ambitions at the world’s leading duty-free exhibition India’s alcoholic beverage industry made a powerful statement at the TFWA Exhibition and Conference in Singapore this year, underlining how Indian spirits are rapidly moving from a domestic-volume business to a globally recognised premium category. From award-winning single malts and luxury brandies to innovative Mahua-finished whiskies and travel retail exclusives, Indian companies used the global duty-free platform to showcase their growing confidence, expanding international footprints and premium aspirations. What stood out most at TFWA Singapore was the increasing presence of Indian companies across categories. A decade ago, Indian participation at global travel retail exhibitions was limited. Today, Indian brands are competing alongside established global names in whisky, rum, vodka and brandy, w

Sakura Sake Shop launches Japan’s first low-carbon sake

Sake retailer Sakura Sake Shop, has teamed up with global carbon management platform Zevero, to launch 作 for 2126 (ZAKU for 2126) – which it claims is Japan’s first low-carbon sake. The post Sakura Sake Shop launches Japan’s first low-carbon sake appeared first on The Drinks Business .

Tim Smith Old Vine Mataro 2025

  Plentiful, gracious, delicate and silky describe this excellent Tim Smith Mataro best. Incredible value for $45, it comes from 130+ year old vines. The label has taken on a little facelift, too, and is now known as the Old Vine Mataro. Mulberries, blackberries, and blueberries are pinned to the core with an array of savoury pleasures moving and swaying throughout. Pretty scents of dried purple flowers and berry pie aromas slide into the flavour profile. Earthy nuances, dried herbs, cured meats and pan juices join forces in a seamless waltz. Soft woodsy spices reach long, leading to a persistent finish. Oh, this is a peach. Go here! 95/100 Region:  Barossa RRP:  $45 Source: Sample Winery Website Subscribe to   Qwine here Follow:  Instagram ,  LinkedIn  and  X

May 2026

Best Wines for Outdoor Dining (Because Food Tastes Better Outside)

There’s something about eating outdoors that makes everything taste better—picnics in the park, beach lunches, or slow patio dinners at sunset. The best wine for picnic or outdoor dining isn’t heavy or complicated. It’s fresh, easy to chill, and simple to share. At Corus Imports, we focus on Georgian wines that naturally fit these moments—crisp whites, refreshing reds, and textured wines that travel well and pair effortlessly with casual food. Here’s your simple guide to choosing the perfect...

What Wine Should You Order at a Restaurant? (Without Feeling Lost)

Opening a wine list at a restaurant can feel intimidating. Long names, unfamiliar regions, and price ranges that don’t always make sense—it’s easy to overthink it. The truth is, knowing how to order wine isn’t about memorizing bottles. It’s about understanding a few simple patterns so you can confidently choose something you’ll actually enjoy. At Corus Imports, we believe wine should feel approachable anywhere—even in a restaurant with a 200-bottle list. Here’s your simple guide to ordering...

#221 | 13 years of Beautiful Beer

Starting this June we’re opening entries for the 2026 Brewers Choice Awards So what better time to revisit our visit to the 2024 winners of our ‘Brewery of the Year’ category – Wiper and True. The brewery, which is known for beers such as its Kaleidoscope Pale Ale, Milkshake Milk Stout and a wealth of...