Whether escaping to the wineries of Los Olivos or staying to soak up the vibes of the 'Funk Zone', there's plenty in California's Santa Barbara region for drink lovers to discover

It took Yalumba decades to produce an ‘icon’ wine. Adam Lechmere traces the journey back to its roots, when the South Australian winery's earnest young Fred Caley Smith set out on his travels

The Plaimont cooperative is renowned for its work saving old and forgotten vines – but it’s only a part of a worldwide movement to preserve our ancient vine heritage. And under our changing climate, there’s nothing less than the future of viticulture at stake

The pioneering organic wine entrepreneur on tackling Yosemite’s tallest summit, relaxing to George Benson’s grooves and putting Cerasuolo di Vittoria on the map

When professional horse-riding dreams were dashed, Amanda Harlan wound up joining the family firm. Here she talks The Mascot, being a people-pleaser and watching the sun set each and every day

As Jonathan Maltus waits to see if his treasured Le Dôme gets top billing in the new St-Emilion classification, Adam Lechmere wonders if the original garagiste has finally become one of the Bordeaux establishment

From memoirs by esteemed wine writers and books by top vignerons to epic reads exploring the history of the drink, we review the latest and greatest wine book releases for drink lovers to dive into this summer

The winemaker and former bartender talks of his newfound love of the mornings, his ability to read minds and how crafting wine in the mountains has brought all his passions together

The two wine regions have plenty of shared history, but is that reflected in the glass to this day? Adam Lechmere attends a tasting held in Haro and asks experts from CVNE and Canon la Gaffelière to join him in comparing wines from their respective regions

The English wine sub-region says it's ready to give Napa Valley a run for its money with its attractions and accommodations in among the vines. Adam Lechmere pays West Sussex a visit to see if it lives up to the hype

When Auction Napa Valley had to pause in the pandemic, its organisers used the chance to rethink and rebrand the annual bash, coming up with what it hopes is a more inclusive approach under the umbrella of ‘Collective Napa Valley’

Patagonia Provisions aims to show the way to a green future through regenerative agriculture – and now, viticulture. Adam Lechmere finds out why the outdoor clothing company is championing wine in such a way

You may associate the Rhône with its full-bodied reds, but its white wines are on the rise – and are embracing a fresh, lean and less opulent style. Adam Lechmere takes a closer look at the trend and selects 11 white wines from the Rhône to try

The eternally curious Exton Park winemaker shares her passions – from prog rock to the Portuguese way of life – and a strong belief that English wine is the future

The unstuffy president of two of Bordeaux’s best-known châteaux shares his life lessons - and what sound an awful lot like retirement plans - with Adam Lechmere

South Africa’s most celebrated sparkling winemaker, Pieter Ferreira has been instrumental in the evolution of Graham Beck’s Cap Classique wines. Adam Lechmere meets the cellarmaster turned COO, who's still in pursuit of the perfect bubble

As Château d’Yquem’s latest vintage gets listed by the glass at select restaurants, Adam Lechmere explores the trend and seeks out even more rare and wonderful wines by the glass in the UK

Pioneering American winemaker and Vilafonté co-founder Zelma Long on her wish to host a dinner party for the ‘women of the world’, her passion for the arts and the sciences, and how she’s never been happier in life than now

Napa Valley veteran winemaker and Frog’s Leap founder John Williams on the primacy of terroir, his secret talent for scaring small children and why he’s more than happy settling for second best

The travelling winemaker and son of icon vigneron André Lurton talks about his talent for listening, drumming with his rock ‘n’ roll band, and coming back to his roots in Bordeaux

The Vérité trio is famously the product of a friendship between winemakers Jess Jackson and Pierre Seillan. But a father-daughter bond sees the Sonoma Bordeaux blends continue to thrive. Adam Lechmere takes a look behind the bottle

It’s being lauded as an exceptional year, but will Burgundy 2020 be in short supply? Adam Lechmere asks winemakers, buyers and experts what to expect and where to find value from the vintage

He may be co-proprietor of Napa’s oldest winery – Charles Krug – and from a line of legendary winemakers, but Peter Mondavi Jr still has ambitions he’s yet to achieve, from space travel to simply living in the moment

Napa Valley’s famous estate has recently released the 125th anniversary vintage of its Cabernet Sauvignon. What went into making the first, and how has the estate and the wine - plus the iconic deer featured on bottles - slowly evolved over the years?

Today, it stands as one of California’s most high-end wineries. But for its British polymath owner, the journey from Silicon Valley to Knights Valley was far from straightforward. Sir Peter Michael talks to Adam Lechmere about tech, wine and family

From expert guides to food-and-wine pairing to whisky manuals, cocktail compendiums and memoirs from famous foodie faces, we review the best new books for Christmas, all ideal for gifting the food-and-drink lover in your life

The veteran Napa winemaker tells Adam Lechmere about his lust for life, whether it’s hitting the slopes, taking to the skies or exploring the depths

Burgundy’s charitable wine weekend and auction the Hospices de Beaune makes its physical comeback this November, with the bidding now under Sotheby’s steer. Adam Lechmere reports on what’s in store for wine buffs and spectators – especially in light of a challenging vintage

Adam Lechmere takes a seat at the table for Bolgheri's first 'anteprima' weekend and discovers a wine region still in search of its identity. With a mood of experimentation and collaboration in the air, what could be next from the birthplace of the Super-Tuscan?

Sure, you've heard of the Super-Tuscans, but the Bolgheri wine region is working towards its own definitive style away from those starry labels. Here are 10 top producers to discover

As CEO for one of Spain’s most historic Rioja wineries, Victor Urrutia has pioneered a global expansion. But here the Cune chief tells Adam Lechmere of his impatient streak, conservative tastes and why he’d make an excellent waiter

The wine that brought international acclaim to its founder and put Chile on the wine map is still evolving, with a major announcement due soon, as Adam Lechmere discovers

Adam Lechmere meets the glass-half-full winemaker who has helped put Lebanon on the wine map, and discovers his love of Volvos, tennis and toilets…

The biggest names in wine are coming together to create a charity wine auction like no other – with celebrities, VIPs and deluxe lots galore

Eminent architect Sir David Adjaye has created a primal ‘tool’ to hold Gordon & MacPhail Generations 80 Year Old, the oldest whisky ever released. Adam Lechmere speaks to Adjaye about what drew him from buildings to bottles

Leading the charge for sustainability at the acclaimed Californian winery, Katie Jackson is helping to rewrite the future of winemaking. Here, she also shares with Adam Lechmere her undying love for literature and storytelling

What does it take to make an award-winning sparkler that has helped cement English wine’s reputation on the global stage? From bubbles to bottle design, Adam Lechmere investigates the drink’s evolution

From guidebooks covering vibrant wine regions to memoirs by prominent figures in food – and even recipe books with a bit more about them. We review the best summer reads for food and drink lovers to dive into

Gin innovator Lesley Gracie is master distiller at Hendrick’s Gin and a self-professed eccentric who has ‘never been unhappy’. Here she shares her steps to living joyously – from fly fishing and dog walking to destination-free trips in her motor home

The story of the Daou brothers epitomises the American dream: arriving in the US with practically nothing, they built a multi-million-dollar company which they sold to start a vineyard. Now their wine is listed in Harrods. “We risked everything for our passion,” Daniel Daou tells Adam Lechmere

All wine producers claim magical properties for their region but Etna is truly one of the most extraordinary terroirs in the world – and pioneering winemakers are still heading down there to tap into the charm of the capricious volcano

Australia’s veteran winemaker on her romanticism for old vines and bird calls, how 2021 is a good vintage, and how she’d really like a night on the sofa with Emmerdale and a glass of fizz

NFTs are now attached to everything from art to sushi, racehorses to wine, but are they still the preserve of the crypto-geeks, and should you get involved? What’s the latest in the crypto trend, and does it have legs in the wine world?

A former professional cyclist for the Colnago team, Paolo Bianchini is now the co-owner of Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona in Montalcino – which came to be the family wine estate in a twist of fortune. Here he talks regrets, Robin Hood, and how cycling is still his number one

Sandeman has helped transform tawny’s reputation from “wood port” to golden child. We track the rise of its 40-year-old port – from an anniversary blend that put it back on the map to branding brainwaves that included the birth of “The Don”

The London restaurateur is now also turning his hand to importing wine. Here, the Sager+Wilde owner talks of his passion for scent, his artistic sensibilities, and of selling his cellar in lockdown

Emma Ding left a job in banking to establish China’s Jade Vineyard, where she says they are aiming for "iconic" winery status. Here, she talks of her racing horses, a passion for painting and those that inspire her – from Frida Kahlo to Maria Callas

Brunello di Montalcino was created by Tuscan estate Biondi-Santi. We take a look at what goes into making the cult wine, and how it's stayed true to its origins throughout the years

As he releases a memoir chronicling his extraordinary life, Adam Lechmere talks to one of the first flying winemakers about yeast, dogma, and the dangers of a university education

Most wineries strive to exist in harmony with nature, but some have overstepped the mark, says Adam Lechmere

Six months on from the California wildfires that struck Napa Valley’s vineyards, we look at the lasting impact on the region's winemaking – and especially the insidious problem of "smoke effect"

South African wines are undoubtedly world class, but ahead of the Cape Fine and Rare Wine Auction, Adam Lechmere asks if it's time for people to start investing in the Cape’s best bottles

As outdoor dining destination Joy at Portobello reopens in London, restaurateur Stevie Parle shows signs that the pandemic has left him buffeted but unbowed. Here he talks chickens and bees – and why he wants a date with Anthony Bourdain

The Bordeaux 2020 en primeur campaign is on the horizon, with the best palates in the business preparing to rank the 2020 vintage. But how will things play out this year? Adam Lechmere has the lowdown from the people that matter

Jay Boberg has worked with some of the biggest names in music, but now sees the blending room as his mixing desk, creating some of the finest Pinot Noir in Oregon

Whether you’re interested in natural wine or turmeric, farming politics or helping the poorest families in the pandemic, Food FM is tackling it all on its airwaves

He's worked with Gordon Ramsay and dived to the depths to salvage World War II shipwrecks, but Ronan Sayburn still craves even more daring adventures

Gaia Gaja tells Club O about the challenges of retaining a Piedmontese identity now that the family empire stretches the length of the country

Our wine columnist on the worldwide efforts to ensure that the industry is open to all – and not just through qualifications

The legend of the Australian wine industry loves Test cricket, choc ices and fishing, but is convinced that golf-course designers have it in for him…

The wines of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars are famous for their finesse, power and longevity. To mark its 50th anniversary, we take a deep dive into one of California's legendary estates, including the first-ever vintage of the great Cask 23

The new Penfolds California Collection marks the Aussie giant’s first big move out of the southern hemisphere. It’s a bold and exciting project – but is it brilliant winemaking or slick marketing?

Steven Spurrier, who has died aged 79, was a revered figure in the international wine world. Adam Lechmere looks back at the colourful career of a man who never lost his curiosity and his zest for life

Steven Spurrier has been at the centre of the wine world for six decades, but as he tells Adam Lechmere, there are more important things in life – starting with art

Love them or loathe them, wine influencers are here to stay. Adam Lechmere looks at their rise to prominence and how they’ve shaken up the old guard

Brexit is already having a big impact on those who buy and sell wine in the UK, with delays and headaches. Adam Lechmere speaks to those dealing with a mountain of paperwork to find out whether your favourite fine wines will go up in price – or even still be available

He’s the rock-gothic inspiration behind BeauFort gin and rum and a range of exotic, steampunk perfumes – and it all started with moustache wax. The Prodigy drummer talks to Adam Lechmere about Land Rovers, literature, and the importance of being in bed by 10pm

In 2020, Julie Cavil took over from Eric Lebel as chef de cave at Champagne Krug. She talks to us about the challenges of the role and what motivates her

Wines today are prized for being "authentic". But authenticity should relate to what's in the glass, not the shifting sands of fashion, says Adam Lechmere

The much-decorated Master Sommelier overseas a wine list of thousands at Annabel's and its sister clubs – though the foundations for his love of wine were laid in the more modest surroundings of a camper van in a Loire vineyard

Stuck for a last-minute present for the gastronome in your life? From top-class foodie courses to the new Coravin Pivot we have ideas for wine lovers and whisky nuts, amateur chefs, and those who just love a bit of luxury...

The IWSC named two brilliant communicators and celebrated three Lockdown Legends (and some magnificent wallpaper) in a year that has proved the most challenging in living memory

The Future of Wine Forum aims to predict a post-Covid reality for wine: how it'll be made, how it'll be packaged and how we’ll be drinking it

It’s a story that has been told many times, but an extraordinary new film shows in gripping detail how the modern Lebanese wine industry exists because of – not despite – the terrible conflicts that have convulsed this most resilient of countries

After entering his ninth decade, former high-stakes poker player and real-estate tycoon Bill Harlan has handed over his Napa estate to his children. Adam Lechmere met the man with a 200-year plan

With its Champagne and its £100,000 ampoules, the producer of Grange and other legendary wines has moved into the luxury goods market. Now it's had its fingers burned in the Chinese market. Adam Lechmere wonders what it all means for those of us who simply want great Aussie wine

Battered by COVID and targeted by the government, the South African wine industry is resolute in its determination to ride out the crisis

Fifth-generation Eden Valley winemaker Stephen Henschke and his wife, viticulturalist Prue Henschke, discuss golf and green tea, balloons and baboons

Bordeaux's ancient marketplace is now truly global, with a raft of new releases this month from every corner of the fine wine world - but what does it mean for those who actually buy the wines?

"There are accomplices..." Nemesis of convicted fraudster Rudy Kurniawan says his ‘fictional’ account of the investigation will hint at who was behind the arch-forger

Our heritage food industry may be one of the long-term winners of the pandemic, but restaurants continue to tread their way out of lockdown with caution

It’s boom time for collectors and aficionados as fine old ports that were originally intended for blending are bottled and released

The former Dom Pérignon boss has realised a long-held dream to make a premium sake and it’s already in some of the best restaurants in Asia

The way we relate to high-end wine and spirits and other luxury products is likely to be very different in a post-Covid world

The Penedès producer has marked its 150th anniversary with a tasting of its most iconic and celebrated wines, including the latest bottling from Priorat's remote Mas de la Rosa

With environmental issues now centre stage, and online ordering rampant, what was previously seen as déclassé is being taken increasingly seriously by wine lovers

Restaurants and hotels are re-open, and for UK wine lovers looking for a late summer jaunt, French vineyards are again within reach. Adam Lechmere maps out a road trip taking in the top places to stay, visit and eat in Champagne, Chablis and the Cote d'Or

The founder of New York’s extravagant Burgundy celebration on the challenges – and opportunities – of a post-Covid world

English fizz is now a rival to any sparkling wine in the world, but Tamara Roberts is mindful of ‘drastic change’ if Champagne houses infiltrate the market

The private members' club has taken virtual wine tastings to the next level. “It’s like Game of Thrones,” says 67's chief as he considers his next move

As the world emerges from lockdown, the grandes marques of Champagne are hoping to rebound with a string of high-profile releases. But will consumers be looking instead to pop the corks on more modest cuvées?

Bordeaux 2019 is in full swing and there’s a feeding frenzy as classed growths drop prices by up to 30%. But where does this leave the also-rans?

In a five-part series we assess the major subscription-based wine websites

In a five-part series we assess the major subscription-based wine websites

In a five-part series we assess the major subscription-based wine websites

In a five-part series we assess the major subscription-based wine websites

In a five-part series we assess the major subscription-based wine websites

In lockdown, online wine traffic has surged. But if you’re looking for wine recommendations, which site merits its subscription fee? Adam Lechmere peeks behind the paywalls

The legendary Lebanese winery has faced all manner of challenges in its colourful history – now economic uncertainty is adding to the pain

The annual en primeur campaign is juddering into gear against a backdrop of unease. Will consumers be won over?

The silver lining of lockdown is that merchants and restaurants are selling a greater and more interesting range of wine than ever before. Club Oenologique picks out some of the best

Former Fat Duck sommelier Isa Bal tells how Trivet had just started turning a profit before their world caved in

As châteaux send out samples across the globe, UK merchants claim launching the 2019 vintage now would be “the height of arrogance”

The UK’s political class got themselves into a lather assessing the contents of news commentators’ bookshelves. Adam Lechmere asks what we can read into the backdrops of drinks experts conducting online tastings

Amid the inevitable fallout, some chefs are welcoming the likely demise of ‘food tourism’ while others fear the commercial impact

Earlier this year, one of Napa’s starriest names put on a vertical tasting of its entire 27 vintages for Club Oenologique. Adam Lechmere reflects on the wines, and hears from Bill Harlan himself as he prepares to hand over the reins to his children

With lockdown continuing to exert an ever firmer hold over the country, a fascinating picture of a nation’s changing habits is emerging

The world has moved on from the crippling bushfires that decimated parts of Australian wine country last year. But have the affected wine growers been able to do the same?

As the lockdown heads towards its sixth week, spirits distillers are beginning to take stock of the new normal – and in some cases, finding an unexpected silver lining

With this definitive and entertaining work Anson confirms her place in the front rank of international Bordeaux experts

Ahead of an announcement from the president, South African wine producers fear the government is using coronavirus to wage retribution on an industry that, according to their trade body, it ‘has not supported for many years’

Complex, delicious, and capable of great ageing, these wines are among to finest you will see in Western Australia. That’s why Bono was only given six bottles

From watching Kyle Maclachlan to a Q&A with Katharina Prüm, there are a thousand ways to interact with wine online. Adam Lechmere dives into the wonderful lockdown world of virtual tastings and asks, does that backdrop really work?

Where can you learn how to make the best enchiladas in the world, go for a training run with a celebrity chef, learn calculus - or snap up 36 cans of fine California rosé spritz?

The virus is a wake-up call to a “stagnant” industry, says one Burgundy producer, while others wonder if the status quo will return

Whiskies blended for the 500th anniversary of Scotch whisky were auctioned by the website Whisky.Auction in aid of the Drinks Trust’s work to support those affected by COVID-19.

For Paul Symington, the crisis is as grave as that faced by his parents in World War II, and for others it’s a matter of keeping social distance – but for all winemakers, the lockdown is a huge test

“It’s all we can do”: whether it's takeaways or charity food boxes, top restaurants from Copenhagen to New York find ways to keep their kitchens open

We had the good fortune to visit Napa Valley’s famous old winery Beaulieu Vineyard just before the lockdown to sample some of the oldest California wines in existence

Writer, critic and auctioneer Michael Broadbent, who has died at the age of 92, was a colossus of wine

Storied Spanish winery Familia Torres is getting high on its eco-conscious ambition, but the different generations at the helm have different views on how best to tackle the issue

This bottle from Bordeaux has reason to call itself the world's most expensive wine. Is it worth it?

They were the first Burgundians in Oregon, and like all trailblazers they found it hard. Thirty years later, Veronique Drouhin is producing some of the finest American Pinot and Chardonnay

Champagne Taittinger is built on solid Roman foundations, but the family's real stability lies in the fact that it almost lost everything just a dozen years ago. 'Now we're stronger than ever,' says new boss Vitalie Taittinger

These extraordinary photographs by Patrick Desgraupes show the process of fermentation, which human beings first began to understand thousands of years ago

The 2017 vintage is “superb both in quantity and quality,” says the domain’s owner Aubert de Villaine

When Massimo Ferragamo was looking around Tuscany for a small vineyard, he had no intention of buying an entire town. But on seeing Castiglion del Bosco, it was a case of love at first sight

It may be one of the world’s grandest wine properties but Château Margaux is marked by the informality and warmth of its owners - and the agelessness of its wines

Francis Ford Coppola’s films have passed into legend, but the director is most proud of making Inglenook great again

Put another log on the fire and select a bottle from our festive round-up of delicious wines and whiskies from the Club Oenologique archives

Peter Sisseck learnt his craft in the barrel cellars of Bordeaux almost 40 years ago, and with his St Emilion Grand Cru Classé he’s getting back to the old ways

A rich and rousing romp through the history of Spain’s 'greatest white wine'

The celebrated Champagne house has launched a unique double-aged cuvée

The launch event of Champagne Louis Roederer's Brut Nature 2012 saw 12 art students give their interpretation of the new zero-dosage cuvée

Jay-Z’s Champagne brand might have raised eyebrows when it was released over a decade ago, but its place in the pantheon of top-rank Champagnes is assured

Penfolds’ veteran winemaker Peter Gago launches Grange 2015 along with its renowned stablemates in a compelling lineup in London

The launch of Fiona Morrison MW’s 10 Great Wine Families in the Academie du Vin Library marks the book's first publication in English

Club Oenologique editor Adam Lechmere gives the lowdown on the wine-fuelled extravaganza

A three-star chef as personal host at the best hotel in Paris and wines that date back to the Napoleonic wars – Adam Lechmere adjusts his reality

The president and CEO of New-York based Banfi Vintners represents the third generation of the Mariani family at Banfi

Club Oenologique editor Adam Lechmere tastes "the famously difficult 2016 vintage in Burgundy" from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti

We sit down with the world's most respected wine journalist to find out more about her groundbreaking career

The Francophile entrepreneur (above, right) tells Club Oenologique about his first taste of jug wine, his dreams and disappointments, and how it felt to be given one of France’s highest accolades

Sir John Hegarty bestrides the world of advertising, but there's a lot more to the adland knight than selling jeans and cars