Discover Cesanese Comune, the ancient red wine grape from Italy

Discover Cesanese Comune, the ancient red wine grape from Italy

Driving to the town of Olevano Romano, Lazio region of Italy in the pouring rain did not dampen our enthusiasm to discover Cesanese Comune, the ancient red wine grape from Italy. Cesanese Comune is an old and elusive vine of the Roman Empire dating back to the first century BC. The Romans were great consumers…

Budburst, shoots and vines

The Awakening: A tale of budburst, shoots, vines, and wine

Early spring marks the awakening of sleepy vines in leafless vineyards. Join me as we are reminded of the annual tale of budburst, shoots, vines, and wine. Budburst or bud break is that momentous moment that happens in the vineyard each spring as the vines wake up from their winter sleep. All winter long, grapevines…

The best of Florence, Italy: Wine and cheese tasting in Tuscany

The best of Florence, Italy: Wine and cheese tasting in Tuscany

Florence, Italy, must be one of the best destinations to explore wine and cheese tasting in Tuscany. Located in central Italy along the Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany is home to some of the world’s most notable wine regions. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia…

The difference between Champagne, Prosecco and Cava?

The difference between Champagne, Prosecco and Cava?

Sparkling wines come in a wide variety, with huge price differences, sweet or bone-dry, yeasty or fresh and the difference in production method is of utmost importance. So, what is the difference between Champagne, Prosecco and Cava, aka sparkling wines? I am using the world’s friendliest online business engine…it’s free…forever! Sparkling wine is an umbrella…

Strandveld Vineyards; the southernmost winery in Africa

Strandveld Vineyards; the southernmost winery in Africa

Strandveld Vineyards is the southernmost winery in Africa. Located between Elim and Cape Agulhas, the winery derives its name from the belt of land that spans the tempestuous tip of Africa’s southernmost coastline. Inspired by early explorers, it was in 2001 that a group of wine lovers turned to the original navigation maps to seek…

wine tasting and wine tours

Awesome wine tasting and wine tours in Barossa Valley, South Australia

The Barossa Valley in South Australia is well-known for its red wine and in particular its Shiraz, also known as Syrah. Other main grape varieties grown in the region include Riesling, Semillon, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Fortified wines have been traditionally produced in the region as well. Join us to explore the awesome and best…

Why is Shiraz sometimes called Syrah?

Why is Shiraz sometimes called Syrah?

Why is Shiraz sometimes called Syrah? In New World wine countries (Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Peru, Chile and United States of America and New Zealand) the very popular Shiraz red wine is sometimes called Syrah. This confusing state of affairs had its origin in Australia. James Bushby, the father of the Australian wine industry, traveled…

How to Taste Cheese Like a Pro…and a turophile!

How to Taste Cheese Like a Pro…and a turophile!

Join us for a quick guide on How to Taste Cheese. Tasting cheese and tasting wine share many similar actions. Wine tasters will swirl their wine and observe the color against a white background whilst cheese tasters will note the color of the cheese, although for different reasons. Wine tasters will sniff their sample wine…