A journey through the diverse world of coffee, from cheese-infused brews to spiced concoctions and everything in between Coffee, a beloved elixir, has transcended borders to claim its place as one of the world’s most cherished beverages. The caffeine-infused embrace of coffee culture has woven itself into the daily routines and rituals of nations far and wide. While European countries …

Soaring in popularity over recent decades despite being widely misunderstood, punchy orange wine pairs handily well with full-flavoured foods Amidst a landscape of evolving tastes and perceptions, the remarkable rise of orange wine has taken the wine world by storm. Fans laud it as unusual, funky, dynamic and unbelievably flexible. Critics scoff, however, believing it is just an Instagram fad. …

As one of the most diverse cities in the world, London’s culinary scene offers an eclectic mixture of British classics and modern, multicultural cuisine London, the UK’s capital and one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is home to culture-rich ethnic communities that speak over 300 languages and dialects. Multiculturism is woven into many aspects of London life and …

From its legendary origins in ancient China to its starring role in social rituals across the globe, tea is so much more than just another drink Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world, with an estimated 2.5 to 3 billion cups consumed every day. Common tea types include black, green, white, herbal, spiced or flavoured, and …

Great wine can amp up your mood and enhance your experience, and this guide can help you choose fantastic Italian wine for major foodie and special occasions In the article Everything you need to know about Italian wine, we shared wines produced from all the 20 Italian regions and listed the ones we really liked. But in our daily lives, …

Italian wines are varied and popular, and this expert guide helps you understand Italian wines from 20 different regions and recommends the best ones to try With an impressive 702,000 hectares (1,734,680 acres) given over to vineyard cultivation, Italy produces more wine than any other country in the world. The output in 2018 was 54.8 million hectolitres, equivalent to 2,200 …

What are the best coffee beans in the world? We turn up the heat on the debate All around the world, coffee is celebrated as one of humanity’s most beloved beverages. However, as with many things in life, not all coffee is made the same – and many aficionados could fight until the cows come home about which type of …

Is coffee boon or bane? In celebration of the International Coffee Day on October 1, we look at the benefits and risks Even before the deluge of multinational coffee chains, the world was already a big fan of the beverage. Whether you call it coffee, kaffe, qahwah, kopi or kohi, the hot fragrant brew evokes a familiar sense of comfort …

Winter wouldn’t be complete without a steaming glass of mulled wine, but what you’ll be drinking depends on where you are In the depths of winter, when the nights are long and cold, there’s nothing that can quite match a warm glass of mulled wine. Spicy and aromatic, mulled wine is easy to make and share with your family and …

Reaching for your favourite Christmas drink during the festive season is the perfect accompaniment to food and spending time with friends and family When the tree is up and Christmas carols play on the radio, many of us reach for the cupboard – uncorking bottles of Port, swilling Prosecco while dancing to the festive tunes, making mulled wine in the …

Pilsner is widely regarded as one of the best beers in the world and this quick guide tells you why The year was 1842 and the place was Plzeň (aka Pilsen), an industrial town some 94km (58 miles) southwest of Prague in Czechia. It is said that in this town Josef Groll created the very first batch of golden and …

A feat to be admired, we take you through Thai wine’s remarkable journey to success Long associated with white sandy beaches, elephant rides and idyllic Instagram shots, Thailand is a popular travel destination but has not stood out as a hotspot for wine. Yet nowadays, tourists are beginning to visit one of Thailand’s major vineyards. A taste of history In …

Streets in Mexico burst alive with color and merriment for the annual Day of the Dead, and we celebrate with a fine bottle of Altos tequila The beaming smiles of skull-painted faces poking out of vibrant costumes have set the scene, reminding you that this is not an ordinary celebration. The faint aromas of orange marigold flowers and the exuberant …

Finding the right glass for your wine is easy with the help of this simple guide Navigating the world of wine glasses can be particularly daunting. For those with enthusiasm for libations of the fermented grape kind, but are far from experienced connoisseurs, knowing where to begin can be a challenge. However, even wine drinkers unversed in Oenology (the science …

Craft beer is taking the world by storm, but what actually differentiates a craft beer from a normal one? The craft beer revolution came about a decade ago, during the time when we, the consumers, were increasingly interested in knowing where our food comes from and how our clothes are made and so on. We were growing tired of homogenised …

Bulgaria is not yet a well-known wine country, but that is about to change as Bulgarian wineries are carving an admirable niche, writes Vivien Yap “Finding Bulgarian wine is like finding lost money down the back of your sofa, there is an element of pleasant surprise, in this case it is about how good the wine is,” I quip. I …

The mythical and magical spirit of mezcal continues to make its mark on the international spirits industry – and for good reason Tequila, a distilled alcoholic drink created from the blue agave plant has made a name for itself around the world – and anyone who has tasted this distinctive beverage neat or as a shot with salt and lemon …

As one of the travel world’s most underrated gems, Taiwan’s capital delivers on culture, diversity, history and, most importantly for foodies, cuisine If you’re visiting the geographical area known as Taiwan, the Republic of China (ROC) or Chinese Taipei for the first time, a trip to capital city, Taipei, is an absolute must. It is, of course, the cultural, political …

Prague is one of Europe’s hottest travel destinations – and its sugary-based cuisine, in particular, keeps travellers coming back for more While the Velvet Revolution in 1989 was when Czechoslovakia changed forever, it wasn’t until 1993 that the Czech Republic came into existence. This name change provided the impetus for many travellers to give the former Soviet state a chance …

Switching up the spirit industry, one of Sweetdram’s leading liqueurs, Escubac, is a perfected blend of botanicals that we can’t recommend enough Those in search of drinks with a difference will be highly appeased by Sweetdram’s modern liqueurs. The first product to have been released from Sweetdram, Escubac, is an innovative botanical spirit, created with sufferers from gin fatigue in …

Bogota is a city of fascinating contrasts where you’ll discover juxtaposing architecture, a diverse population and cuisine as varied as its culture Approaching the 500th year since its foundation, Bogota has remained Colombia’s capital city since the country declared its independence from colonial Spain in 1810. But despite the separation, Spanish influence on Colombian cuisine prevailed. Over time, this influence …

With a foot in both Europe and Asia, Istanbul’s cultural and geographical diversity collide, providing a rich and varied cuisine Consisting of two distinct parts that are separated by a waterway, Istanbul retains a European and Asian identity. It’s a terrific bonus for visitors as they get to experience two cities in one location. But that’s not the only advantage …

Over time, the southern part of Slovakia has been perfecting the art of wine production, specialising in unusually dry and sweet varieties Slovakia has been fermenting grapes into their finest form since the days of the Ancient Roman Empire. The barrelled blends from this country have Ancient Roman, German, Italian Renaissance, Hungarian and 20th-century Czechoslovakian influences. Today, about 50 000 …

From steamy street stalls to sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurants, Bangkok is every foodie’s dream Thai cuisine has made a name for itself around the world – and despite any attempts to replicate the intricate flavours or specific seasoning, the most authentic Thai cuisine can only be found in Thailand. While rural Thailand focuses on more unique and interesting ingredients, you’ll find …

A trendy cultural hub that brings depth and diversity in its cuisine, San Francisco is of the culinary capitals of America, here are 10 things you can’t miss San Francisco is considered the tech capital of America – drawing people with different cultures and backgrounds from across the world into a vibrant, global city. So it’s no surprise that there’s …

Havana Club, the leading rum producer has released the fourth instalment of its ultra-prestige rums, Havana Club Tributo 2019 A country bursting with energy and enthusiasm, Cuba is a buzzing symbiosis of culture, history and sublime natural beauty. Whether you’re taking in the rich colours of Havana’s winding alleys, lapping up the sun on Playa Varadero or cruising around town …

Singapore is one of the world’s best destinations for keen foodies. Its diverse culture and ethnicity have shaped this vibrant city into a food paradise Here, eating is an obsession and people are willing to queue in line for the best food, sometimes for hours. From wallet-friendly local delicacies to Michelin-starred cuisine, it is impossible to sample everything the city …

With over 12,500 restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, Sao Paulo is today one of the most exciting gastronomic capitals in the world Even with the rise of fine-dining establishments, the city is still serving up traditional food and snacks like coxinha and feijoada in most cafes, bars and markets. Be sure to try them all when you’re …

Barcelona is home to a bounty of local, must-eat foods. Join us as we dive head first into the colours, aromas and flavours of the Mediterranean Welcome to Barcelona! Check out these ten food and drinks you simply must try in this vibrant Catalonian city. Paella One of Spain’s famous culinary exports, paella has become a global phenomenon that’s synonymous …

Boasting bold, exotic flavours, Dubai is the destination for travellers wanting to indulge in the city’s traditional Arabic cuisine Dubai has established itself as a fast-growing cosmopolitan city that offers various attractions for tourists across the world. This has also brought Middle Eastern cuisine to the forefront of the international food scene. If you find yourself seeking an authentic food …

Combining locally sourced produce and a range of exciting beers, dining at a gastropub is a must-have experience on any foodie’s UK itinerary Gastropubs are undoubtedly one of the UK’s most exciting culinary establishments, and if you aren’t sure which one to go to, the 2019 Estrella Damm Top 50 Gastropubs list should come in handy. In this article, we …

After much indulgence in December, January is often the month in which you start to exercise and go dry. Our writers are doing just that in fact. So, they got together and shared their top 3 favorite Mocktail recipes that are actually good for you. Moscow Mule Mocktail There is nothing quite like starting the year with a refreshingly bright …

Order a glass of scotch, and chances are you’ll be twisting your tongue trying to pronounce the name of it. But these confusing names actually have a purpose Liking whisky is one thing. Understanding the differences between all the various types of whisky is something else entirely. Then there’s the small matter of actually knowing how to pronounce what is …

Apart from being popular musicians, what do Cliff Richard, Sting, Bob Geldof and Fergie have in common? There seems to be something about the world of wine that’s immensely attractive to rock stars. For some it’s a quick hobby to promote their new song, but for others it’s a second way of life. Here are some of the most famous …

Tired of the same old Pinot? There are plenty of other options from around the world, and they’re becoming ever more popular. Here are a few to look out for Next time you’re anxiously scouring a wine list, trying to look as if you know what you’re doing while desperately looking for something that sounds a) vaguely familiar and b) …

As alcohol consumption is associated with various health risks, governments around the world have raced to create guidelines and encourage moderate drinking A few years ago the recommended alcohol guidelines in the UK were brought down: instead of 21 units (168g) per week, men were advised to stick to 14 units (112g). The main reason stated was health, as drinking …

Looking to impress your friends on a night out? These three simple steps will make everyone believe you’re a wine connoisseur, and fool even the sommeliers Your night out is going well. Your guests are suitably impressed with your restaurant choice, and you are currently in the midst of proving that you are a truly classy individual. You are halfway …

Creativity is the beating heart of the cocktail industry, and it shows in the constantly changing trends that define it. Here are six of the biggest ones Just like the drinks themselves, conventions in the cocktail world tend to get shaken. Whether it’s a vibrantly coloured Blue Lagoon or a hangover-busting Bloody Mary, the drinks are changing almost as fast …

The days of pub food being greasy fish and chips are long past. Here are 10 gastro pubs that’ll have you wondering why you ever bothered going to a restaurant. The best London pubs are no longer just places to meet with friends after work for a drink. They have become award-winning eating destinations and experiences in their own right. …

We all like a pint or two of craft beer at the end of a long day or to end the week, but if someone asked how they’re made would you be able to answer? Here’s our guide to the more unusual, but now widely available, craft beer styles in pubs and bars. Buying a pint of beer in your …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Whisky might be a global drink, but it’s far from a global recipe. Here’s our guide to various different versions of this drink around the world Whisky is a drink enjoyed by all around the world, but it’s not the same everywhere you go. With each type varying in taste, production, age and country of origin, it’s no wonder …

Near Cape Town lies the melting pot of Stellenbosch, from midnight hikes to wine cupcakes, Stellenbosch is a leading foodie and wine tourism destination Stellenbosch is a historic town about an hour’s drive away from Cape Town. This picturesque corner is one of the world’s leading wine tourism destinations with over 150 wineries dotted across its rolling hills and grassy …

From Aeropress to regular drip, there are many ways to make a good cup of coffee but which one is best? We love coffee, but often that’s where the similarity ends between coffee lovers. That’s because we all like varying types of coffee at different times of the day. But one of the biggest gulfs that can set coffee lovers …

September is California Wine Month and we celebrate it with lesser-known wine regions across California Within California, there are 138 American Viticultural Areas producing whopping 85 percent of the wine made in the United States. Most people know about the Napa and Sonoma valleys, and few have heard of other wine-growing regions like the Amador County and Madera County, so it’s time to …

Rum is synonymous with Cuba, and Havana Club is synonymous with Cuban rum, so we sent Robin Brown to Cuba with Havana Club to drink rum in copious quantities Is there any coincidence that the word ‘rum’ is the main constituent of the word ‘rumba?’ It gets even more conspiratorial too: the word ‘rumba’ originates from the Spanish word rumbear, …

Celebrating the International Beer Day (August 3), we put together the 9 best ways to enjoy a nice cold brew in California in 2018 1. Visit a local brewery in San Diego California’s number one beer county, San Diego is home to over 150 operational brew houses loved by residents and visitors alike. Located in the heart of Little Italy, …

Riesling is one of the oldest types of white wine in the world, and the Germans do it better than anyone Despite centuries of expert winemaking, Germany remains a country solely associated with beer. While there might not always be a cry from the public for German wines, the enthusiasm of wine geeks and experts is very real and infectious. …

Germany isn’t your typical wine country, but they make some of the best wine in the world German wine may be one of the world’s best-kept secrets. For over 2,000 years, the Germans have pioneered vineyard practices and winemaking techniques to create some of the most complex, delicious wines on the market. It can be confusing to navigate a German …

For exotic dishes paired with refreshing craft beers, East West Brewing Co. is the best guide to eat and drink well in Vietnam’s capital city First-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City are often overwhelmed by the sheer energy and variety of food and drink on offer. For foodies and beer-loving souls, the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene lends further …

Scotland’s traditional dishes are a little unconventional, but they’re definitely worth a try As Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is full of food options. From eccentric dishes like black pudding and haggis to classic seafood meals of smoked salmon or haddock, there’s sure to be something for every craving. Haggis Scotland’s national dish is a classic for the locals but can …

London has a healthy population of Americans and naturally, the city offers an excellent range of classic American dishes Across London, restaurants serve up dishes inspired by foodie capitals like New Orleans, Nashville, Kansas, and Boston. Forget the classic burgers and pizza, and try one of these American originals instead: Gumbo The state of Louisiana is considered one of the …

From hearty dumplings to colourful confectionary, Moscow serves up culinary delights to please a tsar With the ban on imported ingredients from the EU, Russia has turned to sourcing local produce and reinventing traditional dishes by giving them a fresh twist. The city’s restaurants are very diverse–you’ll find Soviet-themed canteens, glamorous upmarket establishments, and family-owned eateries alike. If you’re ready …

Indulge in wine pairing, Cava making and brandy tasting while enjoying a grand food and drink holiday in the heart of Catalonia, Spain With 195 Michelin-starred restaurants in the country, Spain is a force within the food and wine industry. From Basque masters to young avant-gardists, every chef makes full use of the abundance of local produce to showcase creativity. …

Shaped by passion, the chardonnays of Margaret River in Western Australia have gained worldwide recognition, Agnes Emri shares the best wine producers Nestled in Western Australia, just south of Perth, Margaret River needs little introduction. In the last 50 years, it has transformed from a remote Australian outback town to a renowned wine region with over 150 wineries to explore. …

WorldTravelGuide works with Wine Paths to unearth the seven must-try wine experiences in the sun-kissed Sicily The largest island in the Mediterranean and blessed with dry summers and warm winters, Sicily is a year-round holiday destination. The rugged island is an amalgamation of ancient monuments, imposing volcanoes, delightful cuisine and stunning natural scenes, appealing to discerning travellers and celebrities alike. …

Experience warm hospitality, stunning scenery and fresh alpine air on a two-day Australian wine tour in the high country of Victoria’s northeast In this fourth feature of our “Go Beyond the Cellar Door series”, we explore the Strathbogie Ranges and the nearby Nagambie Lakes. The former is a cool climate wine region with high altitudes and granite-rich soils. This unique …

Bordeaux is synonymous with fine wines and French elegance, WorldTravelGuide works with Wine Paths to highlight the best kept secrets of Bordeaux Be it getting named Europe’s Best Destination in 2015, opening an exclusive wine museum called La Cité du Vin or recently reducing the train journey from Paris to just two hours, this charming city in the south-west of …

Next up in our “Go Beyond the Cellar Door” series, we head down under for a selection of bucket-list-worthy experiences at some of Australia’s top wineries With wineries doubling as art galleries, award-winning restaurants and luxury hotels, there’s never been a better time for an immersive food and wine adventure in Australia. For those with a taste for the finer …

In this “Go Beyond the Cellar Door” series, we scout the best vineyards in Australia in search of fine wines; and first on the list is our beloved Pinot Noir A perennial crowd-pleaser, Pinot Noir is a red wine that pairs well with all types of food – from duck to seafood and cheese – and is even light enough to be …

Henry Jeffreys tries Spätburgunder - Pinot Noir - from German wine region Mosel, and recommends the best supermarket and specialty wines

Argentinian winemakers have always loved heights, but now – as the latest IWSC results show – their wines are very much in the mainstream. By Adam Lechmere

Absinthe, associated with madness and murder, has a fearsome (and undeserved) reputation. Felicity Carter visits some Parisian haunts of the green fairy.

The celebrated Rioja bodega has just celebrated its 30th anniversary in one of the world’s best restaurants. Adam Lechmere reports

Brooklyn is a hipster haven for bars selling natural wines. Elin McCoy chooses six of the best

Escaping the beery weekends of Prague, Judith Baker discovers the charms of bars and breweries in the eastern Bohemian town of Pardubice

Whether you’re an Oktoberfest diehard or have yet to lift your first masskrug, there will come a time when you want to relax. Andrew Eames gets away from it all

How do you find your way through the thousands of beers on the shelves? Rupert Ponsonby has the definitive guide to modern (and ancient) beer

Robin Brown, worldtravelguide.net’s managing director and a serious beer aficionado, gives us his Top Ten from the tasting

From hoppy lagers to exotic fruit beers via IPA, stout and brown ale, Adam Lechmere recommends the finest brews going

Step away from the shot glass – at least until you read our guide to pairing mezcal with food, by Ella Buchan

There are exciting new trends sweeping through the conservative world of Cognac. Barnaby Eales finds eight to try

Whether it’s from the Bolivian highlands or the Caribbean coastal ranges, finding the best coffee is as difficult as choosing a wine, says Fiona Beckett

Forget wine or beer - Doug Wood, the UK’s first milk sommelier, explains why the best thing served with steak tartare is a glass of semi-skimmed

Blind tasting is a dark art, but it can tell you all you need to know about a wine. Peter Dean lifts the curtain

Australian wines used to be big, brash and broad-shouldered but now they’re finding their delicate side

Just how important is the size and shape of your wine glass – and how many do you really need? Margaret Rand takes a look

If you thought craft beer was a western thing, you’re missing out. Mark Dredge discovers the best bars from Chiang Mai to Yangon

Whisky is produced all over the world and there are some splendid distilleries in unexpected places, as Colin Hampden-White discovers

Once the drink of sailors and pirates, rum is now one of world’s most diverse and exciting spirits. By Peter Ranscombe

We’ve all seen Vieilles Vignes or Viñas Viejas on the bottle - but what does it really mean, asks Margaret Rand

The ubiquitous Korean spirit comes hedged around with rules and protocol. Matilda Battersby takes a tour

Awards celebrate variety and imagination in packaging and design, as well as that elusive “Wow” factor. By Adam Lechmere

The big spirits story at the IWSC this year is not gin – even though that continues to defy gravity in its popularity – it’s mezcal. By Adam Lechmere

From baijiu to shochu, the subtle delights of Asian spirits are grabbing the attention of western drinkers, writes Roger Morris.

Is there anywhere more beautiful, or more welcoming, or simply more fun to be than Margaret River? Christina Pickard doesn’t think so

It’s famed for its nightlife - and now Barcelona is getting seriously into the natural wine scene with some brilliant wine bars. Barnaby Eales takes a tour

Moroccan cooking comes in a wealth of flavours and styles, and there’s an equally varied list of wines to accompany it. By Fiona Beckett

From five-star luxury to boutique winery stays, Tuscany has it all. Filippo Bartolotta explores one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.

While Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary, Treve Ring raises a glass to the country’s wonderful vinous heritage

Whether it’s port in the Douro Valley or English sparkling in Sussex, wine and yoga make a perfect match, as Nina Caplan discovers

There are more than 10,000 gins on the market – how on earth do you choose between them? Peter Ranscombe explores Glance along the shelves in your local bottle shop or gaze at the optics behind any bar and it’s impossible to miss the growth of gin. What was once nicknamed “mother’s ruin” has become one of the fastest-growing spirits …

Lucy Shaw raises paddles with the high rollers in Napa – and Adam Lechmere finds eight California wines for those on a more modest budget Padding around in a white suit, Francis Ford Coppola injected a dose of Hollywood glitz into this year’s Auction Napa Valley, which raised $15.7 million for local charities in the California wine region. The Godfather …

From floral to fruity, sweet to dry, perfumed or mineral, there’s a white wine to suit your mood, your meal, and the time of day. Adam Lechmere dives in There’s never been a better time to drink white wine, and not just because these early summer days are so fresh and full of promise. From lip-smackingly fruity Aussie Rieslings to …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Do you know St Julien from St Estèphe? Darren Smith has this handy guide to the styles of the different appellations of one of the world’s great wine regions If wine can seem forbidding, Bordeaux can seem especially so: closed off, imperious and expensive, like the chateaux themselves. But at its best, whether we’re talking about top-level Cru Classé …

The first wine from the actor’s estate above the Napa Valley has been made – by the owners of Bordeaux superstar Château Pontet-Canet. Roger Morris reports When the actor Robin Williams died in 2014, he left behind a lavish, isolated retreat, Villa Sorriso, nestled in in the folds of Mount Veeder along the Napa Valley’s southwestern perimeter. Williams had personally …

Whether you want an elegant city break in a luxury hotel, or a weekend in a chateau with vineyard lunches, Bordeaux has it all. By Carla Capalbo Bordeaux is both a glamorous city and the world’s most prestigious winemaking region, where styles ranging from dry whites to noble reds and opulent dessert wines are produced at the highest levels. Even …

We tend to think of single malt whisky as either smooth or peaty, but there’s a world of other flavours out there, as Vivien Yap discovers The old saying about the angel’s share (the amount of alcohol which evaporates from casks during maturation) is often retold at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), a worldwide club that has been promoting …

The English wine industry is thriving. English sparkling wines are exported all over the world. Sommeliers in the US are clamouring for the best bottles. More than a million new vines will be planted this year and English sparkling wine has been served at Buckingham Palace. Even the French are moving in: Champagne Taittinger has just planted its first vines …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Jay Boberg signed the most iconic bands of the 20th century – and now he’s making Pinot Noir with Burgundian aristocrat Nicolas Méo. Adam Lechmere meets them What do REM, Buzzcocks and the Stranglers have in common with fine Pinot Noir from Oregon? The answer: Jay Boberg, the man who gave us REM’s The One I Love, as well …

Chinese wines are getting better and better – and more extreme. The latest and priciest is Ao Yun, grown at a lung-punishing 2,600m. Roger Morris explores With assistance from one of France’s most-respected wine brands, China has produced its first high-profile luxury wine, one that may even be targeted by that country’s legendary cadre of wine counterfeiters. The wine’s name …

From humble villages to great names, Burgundy 2015 is delicious, and suits everybody’s pocket. William Kelley finds wines for celebrations and weekday suppers 2015 is an historic vintage for Burgundy, and as the wines begin to hit retail shelves they are worth special effort to track down and purchase. A warm, sunny growing season, interrupted only by much-needed showers in …

There’s no need to be bewildered by Burgundy, as Gretchen Greer discovers with this handy guide to how to get the most out of the world’s greatest wine region Bewildering and bewitching in equal measure, Burgundy is the world’s greatest wine region, but also among the most difficult to master. Its vineyards cover a vast expanse: almost 250 km separate …

Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger tells Adam Lechmere about his great love for Britain and his “mission of happiness” to make a great English sparkling wine. In these difficult political times it’s bracing to talk to Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, a Frenchman whose outspoken affection for Britain has led him to a muddy field in Kent on a cold May morning. In late December 2015 …

Why is rosé more popular than it’s ever been? Adam Lechmere explores the complexity and charm of the perfect summer wine. Rosé is never the headline act. It longs to be taken seriously, but somehow it seems to be forever the summer wine, suitable for glugging before barbecues and perhaps allowed in for the salad starter, but when have you …

Dave Verheul of Melbourne’s Embla looks forward to wood-fired cooking in London pop-up for Real Wine Month. This weekend a clutch of international chefs descends on London for Real Wine Month, a celebration of natural and artisan wines which kicks off on 7 and 8 May. Dave Verheul of Melbourne’s celebrated restaurant Embla, Takao Inazawa and Alberto Rebolledo Solleiro from …

When people outside of America think of American beer, the first thing that comes to mind is probably Budweiser, or Miller Lite. If you hear someone saying ‘Jubelale by Deschutes Brewery’, you know you have met a diehard craft beer fan. Perhaps getting tired of the homogenised Bud and Miller (we wonder why!), a handful of Americans started to brew …

For many working adults, eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day is a real challenge. Some of us reach for a can of tomato juice simply because it says ‘1 of Your 5 A Day’ on the label, while others add a banana in their breakfast cereal. These are all practical methods, they just aren’t exciting. …

They are not actually growing grapes in central London, but instead the team behind London Cru are bringing grapes to the city to be crushed, fermented and then turned into bottles of wine for us to drink. Here’s how and why… Wine is made in the most glamorous and most unusual places in the world. From the finest Bordeaux chateaux, …

Italy is not all just about Pinot Grigio and Prosecco, but their global success has made Italy the go to country for many wine lovers. Here’s our guide to what else to enjoy if you fancy an Italian white wine. Italy is not only the largest producer of wine in the world, accounting for around a third of the world’s …

To mark its 25th anniversary of independence from the Soviet Union we shine the spotlight on the emerging wines of Moldova, a country that may be off the beaten track for most tourists, but is quietly becoming a favourite for those looking to discover something very different on their travels. Moldova holds the distinction of being the least visited country …

Portugal has one of the largest collection of native grape varieties in the world which can make it hard to understand what it is you are buying. Here’s our guide to the biggest and most important grape varieties to know. The world over we see the same grape varieties popping up on wine labels. From Australia to Chile, from Argentina …

It was the small brewers dotted around the Bay area of San Francisco that can claim to have kickstarted the craft beer movement that is now sweeping not just the US, but the world. Many have now evolved to open up bars and restaurants and here’s our selection of some of the most happening places in the city. 21st Amendment …

With Napa Valley and Sonoma County less than 100 miles away then it should be no surprise that San Francisco has a number of hot spots for wine lovers of all budgets. Here’s our top picks. RN74 Neighbourhood: Financial District In 2007 Rajat Parr, sommelier and wine entrepreneur, teamed up with celebrity chef, Michael Mina, to run this go to …

On paper it sounds the perfect idea. Combining our love for marmalade and beer in what brewer, Innis & Gunn claims is a world’s first spreadable beer. That traditional hangover cure, the hair of the dog, can sometimes be a tad difficult to stomach. But now a Scottish brewer has come up with the ideal solution; a spreadable beer that …

A stiff drink is normally just the job to ease away the stress of the day, and help you chill out. But now a new trend is emerging across the US bar and restaurant scene that offers a whole different way of relaxing. The cannabis-infused cocktail or beer. It all stems from the growing number of US states which are …

We’ve all been there. You’re gasping for a glass of cold white wine, but the bottle is at room temperature. Here’s the best way to chill that Sauvignon Blanc in record time? The first thing you think of when picking up a glass of luke warm white wine is to turn to the freezer and grab a couple of cubes …

The old town of Porto offers a wonderful backdrop to sit and watch the world go by and where better to do so than in one of the city’s best bars. Here we pick out top selection to choose from. Gin Lovers: The Gin Club  If you are a gin lover and find yourself in Porto – head directly to …

There are so many new rums being introduced it can be hard to keep up. But here’s a new style of rum, the Stiggins’ Fancy Plantation Pineapple, with a story so enriched in history, that it deserves special attention all of its own. Rum has quietly but surely become one of the most fashionable and in demand drinks on the …

If Santorini had a local pastime it would be watching the sunset. People flock to the island to watch one of nature’s most breathtaking views and here are some of the best bars to watch the show. With so much choice the hardest part about enjoying a drink in Santorini is making a decision about where to go. But picking …

Our intrepid team have been exploring a selection of London’s top cocktail bars this month and have come up with a hand full of old time favourites, and some not so old. These are sure to reinvigorate your senses for both creative and adventurous aperitifs and a little nostalgia.   Cocktail Lovers: Don’t miss the Night Jar Neighbourhood: Islington, Old …

Beers made with a conscience are attracting interest from beer fans who are looking for brands that stand for something as well as being refreshing to drink. We all love a nice cold beer.  But it is not the most environmentally friendly of products. From the national and global distribution, to generating the electricity needed to fuel the modern brewing …

It’s a development that will have any self-respecting Scot spluttering into their porridge; their iconic single malt whisky industry is facing a challenge – from the French. Although the country is more closely associated with wine and cognac than whisky, the French are the biggest consumers of whisky in the world – far bigger than the Brits – knocking back …

If you think single malt whisky, you immediately think of Scotland. In fact, the spirit is so imbued with Scottishness, that it’s difficult to think of a whisky without the traditional images of men in kilts, pipers, and thistles springing to mind. But all that is changing with distillers all over the world now making whisky of their own. A …

The Whisky Lounge was born out of pure enthusiasm for whisky and founded in 2008 by Eddie Ludlow. Since then, The Whisky Lounge has run some of the biggest whisky events in the UK and continue to do so each year. Through their events and activities, which include whisky schools, tastings and festivals, The Whisky Lounge’s aim is always to …

The Beer Awards is a brand new beer competition, with the simple aim of recognizing excellence in beer production in order to help everyone discover, explore and enjoy quality beers. With the explosion of new breweries opening their doors all around the world, The Beer Awards’ aim is to highlight exceptional beers using The IWSC Group’s rigorous judging method in …

The NYC Craft Beer Festival sees over 70 breweries from across the country showcase their finest brews at 3 seasonal events each year, allowing consumers to experience top shelf craft brewing at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City. While at the event, revelers can enjoy not only fine craft beers and dining, but several informative seminars from leaders …

The Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair was established in 2003 by founder Keri Schmidt, President & CEO of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.  One of the most anticipated culinary events in Texas, the Sugar Land Wine & Food Affair attracts local, national and international culinary luminaries along with guests from around the United States to make for an …

Originating in San Francisco, Whiskies of the World is now a series of five hugely popular whisky festivals taking place in California, Texas and Georgia. Whiskies of the World offers guests the opportunity to taste superlative whiskies and to meet the outstanding personalities of the whisky world. Featuring whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia, Whiskies of …

The Spirits of Mexico is the premier tasting platform in North America for agave-based and other spirits produced in Mexico. Encompassing a festival and a competition The Spirits of Mexico showcases the variety of expressions of tequila, sotol, mezcal, bacanora, liqueurs, raicilla, wine and other spirits. With recognised industry professionals judging the products and offering seminars to guests at the …

Trufflesecco is a new bar in London that literally brings together the UK’s favourite sparkling wine and special pairings with truffles. The Prosecco phenomenon continues to drive sales of this light Italian sparkling wine around the world. It seems the world has gone mad for the soft bubbles and easy drinking style of Prosecco. But none more so than in …

It took a while but tequila is now definitely going global. A sure sign the Mexican spirit is taking off is the number of A-list celebrities (think George Clooney,  Justin Timerblake and Carlos Santana to name but a few) that are hoping to cash in on the trend. So what is tequila? Tequila is actually part of the mezcal family. …

It is Ireland’s biggest beer export known and drunk all over the world. Here are just some of the reasons why it has become such an iconic – and well loved – global drinks brand. IT’S LOVED THE WORLD OVER Guinness really is loved the world over with pints being served in the most remote, distant parts of the world. …

Drinks commercials have always  led the way in advertising. Here’s a Top 10 of our favourites, made in the UK, in the days before the creative genius of the advertisers was hamstrung by stricter regulations. From the ‘Reassuringly expensive’ Stella Artois series to Castlemaine’s ‘Australians wouldn’t give a XXXX’ or Guinness’s ‘Good Things Come to Those Who Wait’, who can …

Well surprisingly it’s not just about knowing everything about wine. It’s about mental training, being as a fit as an athlete and being able to cope under intense pressure. Imagine having to walk in to a packed theatre with all the most respected peers in your industry staring at you. Then being asked to walk on to a stage where …

Dating back to 1828 Fuller’s offers a unique trip back through history for beer lovers to discover at its original Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, west London. It is not just its own PR that can claim Fuller’s Griffin Brewery is a special place. Britain’s last remaining family-owned brewer has been making beer for over 160 years with pints of its …

Champagne is still the ultimate celebratory drink. But what make it so special? We pick out 10 reasons why when it comes to raising a glass it is always Champagne we turn to. 1. 2015 Was the best year on record Despite years of success, it seems more and more people are still discovering the delights of Champagne. So much …

A team of UK scientists and academics have found that drinking regular glasses of Champagne can actually help ward off incidents of dementia and Alzheimer’s It’s the ultimate celebratory drink. A glass of chilled, fizzing Champagne says “party’ like no other. And now, as if you needed an excuse to drink more fizz, scientists have discovered that drinking three glasses …

Now, thanks to six Spanish entrepreneurs, blue wine could be the next big thing. When we are talking about blue wine, we are really talking about Gik, the first brand of this type, which is best described as a sweet white wine, best served chilled. It is actually made from a blend of white and red grapes, largely sourced from …

The use of hops in brewing is still relatively new when you consider people have been drinking beer for 7,000 years but only using hops for the last 1,200. The idea of making beer without hops might seem strange to our modern ways, but if you were ordering the equivalent of a pint more than a 1,000 years or so …

On September 13th we will be showcasing award-winning Chilean wines at Wines of Chile’s annual trade tasting event, Mercado Chileno. Mercado Chileno will bring Chile to the city of London with a festival of Chilean wine. There will also be music and dance to whet your appetite as we take you on a journey through Chile. Find out more here.

Today sees the announcement of the first set of IWSC results at the London Wine Fair. The IWSC’s expert panel of judges have been busy sniffing and swirling away and are pleased to announce the results for Eastern Europe, Asia, USA, Canada, Portugal, Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom. Out of 46 Gold and Gold Outstanding medals, Portugal and Canada …

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Château Taj Mahal anyone? Indian wine has a pretty dire reputation in the wine world, but it’s slowly improving, even though some of it is still largely undrinkable. India has given the world much to be grateful for. The Taj Mahal, Gandhi’s  legacy, yoga, cashmere, buttons, Snakes & Ladders, IT call centres….. Ok , not the call centres. But …

Sick of Shiraz? Zoned out by Zinfandel? Why not try these red wine varieties for a change? It’s all too easy to get stuck in a red wine rut. But being a bit more adventurous pays dividends, so give these grapes a try  –  you won’t be disappointed. Malbec Malbec is a macho kind of wine. Think hard riding, sun-beaten, …

The IWSC Annual Awards Banquet returns to Guildhall for our annual celebration of excellence in wine & spirit making. The awards ceremony brings together the elite of the wine and spirits industry to celebrate the achievements of the year, and includes with a tasting of the top winners from the year, a champagne reception, lavish 5-course meal and awards presentations …

Created exclusively for the Asian market in 2008 by those who know and are intimately involved in the region, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition was the first truly Asian wine and spirit competition in the world. The competition is judged by Asia’s most esteemed tasters from all across the continent, including the competition’s Directors, Hong …

Back in the 90’s Aussie wine seemed to rule the world. Every barbie you went to, every party you turned up at, the default wine of choice was an ubiquitous Aussie Chardonnay, loaded with so much oak it made your eyes water. But then Chardonnay became passé. ABC – ‘Anything But Chardonnay’ became the supercilious mantra whispered disdainfully by anyone …

The English are beating the French at their own game, with sales of English sparkling wine soaring. What better way to celebrate St George’s Day than with a glass of home- produced fizz? Mon Dieu! It’s news that will send any self-respecting Frenchman spluttering into his pastis. Last week English sparkling wine was voted better than premium French Champagne in …

When you tuck into a glass of wine at the end of a busy day it’s understandable that you don’t think too much about the effort the winemaker went in to making it. But if you ever come across a bottle from the Altura Maxima vineyard in Argentina then you should spare a moment to raise a glass to the …

Wines of South Africa’s major generic trade tasting in the UK. Taking place at Tobacco Dock in London, this tasting will put the spotlight on South Africa and focus on its fearless, brave and intrepid nature as a winemaking country. The IWSC will be announcing the results for South Africa 2 days before on September 6th, and will be showcasing …

On July 27th the Worshipful Company of Distillers and the IWSC will host the 9th annual Spirits Results & Tasting at the Vintners Hall. Following this year’s results announcement, over 200 of the Competition’s top award winners will be showcased at Vintner’s Hall for 200 guests. To book tickets please get in touch with Kim Lyons at KLyons@lbmw.com

Every week we’ll take a look at a different grape variety and give you the low down on  what makes it special and why you should be drinking it. To kick off, we start with that King of German grapes and darling of those in the know, Riesling. Riesling may not the most fashionable grape du jour, but ask any …

60 Seconds with Denise Medrano, wine blogger and manager of 68 and Boston in London’s Soho. Every week we stop and have a quick chat with someone who works in the drinks industry – be that a winemaker, sommelier, bar manager or distiller. The Drop caught up with Denise Medrano, aka the Wine Sleuth, and manager at Soho’s newly opened …

This week’s grape of the week, Albariño, is Spain’s most famous white wine variety, and one that is becoming increasingly fashionable, featuring on the wine lists of cool bars and restaurants round the country. It’s the main grape variety grown in  Rias Biaxis DO in Galicia in the rain-lashed north west of the country, especially in the towns of Cambados, Condado do Tea …

Big red noses. Flushed cheeks. Bloodshot eyes. Yes, we can all recognise a heavy drinker when we see one, and it’s not a good look. So how great would it be to discover a spirit that promises to undo the ravages of time and keep you looking in the first flush of youth? [divider] Most anti-ageing regimes adhere to a …

Years of training, rounds of competition, all leading to a grand UK final is what it takes to be Moët UK Sommelier of the Year Imagine having to walk in to a room with all the most respected peers in your industry staring at you. Then being asked to walk on to a stage where the very cream of individual talent …