Wine is often seen as a complex and intimidating world, but it does not have to be. Forbes Japan Wine Columnist Aya Mizukami has released her highly anticipated book, The World Map of Wine. Written in Japanese, it is a fresh and accessible guide designed to turn wine lists from “spells” into “invitations” to explore new […]
In the rolling hills of Saint-Emilion, the sound of 20 bells still echoes three times daily from Chateau Angelus’ iconic tower. But now, something remarkable is happening beneath those vineyards. The eighth-generation family estate has just unveiled a breathtaking new underground vinification cellar. Buried seven meters below ground, this rare and unique structure pushes the […]
Lumière Sparkling Koshu 2023 has been awarded Silver Medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026. Based in Yamanashi Prefecture, Lumière Winery is one of Japan’s oldest and most historic wineries. Founded in 1885 by Tokugi Furiya during the Meiji era, the estate was originally named “Furiya Winery” before being renamed “Lumière”—the French word for […]
Nestled beside the renowned Chateau Palmer, the Palmer village is a hamlet of pale stone buildings and verdigris shutters, bordered by gardens and herbaceous beds. Built in the 18th Century with traditional Médoc architecture, it was designed as an autonomous living area for the rural community that kept the estate running. An architectural project launched […]
The Taylor’s Port Top 100 Sommeliers 2026 list was officially unveiled on 22 June at The Dorchester in London, honouring the UK’s leading wine professionals who continue to elevate service and expertise in the hospitality sector. Founded by London-based magazine Sommelier Edit in May 2023, the prestigious ranking has quickly established itself as the definitive list of […]
From left, Chef Takuya Watanabe, Pastry Chef Maxime Frédéric, Chateau d’Yquem Estate Manager Lorenzo Pasquini; and, Chef Arnaud Donckele. There are moments that cannot be recreated—only recognised. In Japan, this moment is called Shun (旬): the precise point at which a product, within its season, reaches its truest expression. It is fleeting, fragile, and luminous. This very […]
Domäne Roland Chan Wösendorf Alte Reben Smaragd Weissburgunder 2023, a Pinot Blanc, has been awarded Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2026. Selected from nearly 17,000 entries globally, the estate’s Weissburgunder from Ried Höll was one of just 50 wines to receive the highest honour at the competition. This historic win marks […]
French billionaire Olivier Goudet has expanded his influence in the global wine industry with the acquisition of Wine-Searcher, one of the world’s leading wine price comparison and data platforms. The acquisition was completed on 11 May 2026 through his US investment arm, GLX U.S. Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Platin Sàrl, the Goudet family’s […]
Chateau Beychevelle Managing Director & Chief Winemaker Philippe Blanc Philippe Blanc is a self-effacing person. He has firm beliefs in what sort of wine he wants to make but is not knee-jerk dismissive of other approaches by other winemakers. Would the Managing Director & Chief Winemaker of Chateau Beychevelle care to name five vintages he […]
The birthplace of Japanese viticulture is Yamanashi on the main island of Honshu. Lying about 125 kilometres west of Tokyo, the prefecture is also famous for its picture-perfect Koshu table grapes, plums, and peaches and, in the right places, shutter-stopping views of Mount Fuji. It is believed that Koshu, the grape, originates from China. Between 630 and 838, […]
