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The Independent
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
This summer, the best wine festivals are in the UK – hurrah!
Have you ever visited Chartres in France? I hadn't until recently, but a much-needed pitstop during a long drive with a three-year-old meant we found ourselves wandering around its staggering cathedral, feeling completely insignificant. I love how large-scale Romanesque cathedrals will do that to you. While I should've been marvelling at the flying buttresses, I confess I was completely distracted by the constant stream of people with boxes of wine under their arms: was this the wedding at Cana 2.0? Like ants on their programmed routes, they all seemed to be filing out of the same street. Never one to ignore the possibility that there's some wine fun happening, I followed the trail of wine-wielding people. I could hear it before I saw it, a huge brass band playing joyous French music, with crowds cheering and singing along. And there it was, a glorious wine fair in the town centre under the 19th-century covered market. I'd managed to stumble across La Paulee de Loire, an annual wine fair bringing together some of the region's most dynamic producers. It was buzzing, heaving with people tasting wine, chatting to each other, eating tasty food and showing off everything that is wonderful about wine. Everyone was wrapped up in the conviviality, the occasion of celebration and the direct connection to the growers who make this wondrous product. This isn't the first time it's happened to me in France, in fact, it seems easy to trip over a wine or food festival in France, Italy and Spain in even the smallest of places. But what about here in the UK? There has always been a small selection. When I was nine, I remember a wine festival at the English Wine Centre in Alfriston. It was the 1990s, so beyond Peter Hall 's amazing Breaky Bottom (no sniggering please) I'm not sure the wine being poured was any good. But it was a great day out. But thankfully we have a few more options now. Wine fairs and festivals are easily one of the greatest ways to immerse yourself in all that is wonderful about wine. It's an opportunity to taste numerous wines and to bask in bacchanalian glory. You'll meet the best people – wine people are inherently lovely, and just want to share their passion, and their wine, with you. And the food will be good too. I appreciate these events haven't immediately been in our national psyche, though I think that's changing. We're developing a much greater sense of our wine culture, and are proud of celebrating it. I mean, we must be doing something right as there's even a festival called Brit Pop taking place in Paris this weekend focusing wholly on British wine and food. Who would ever have imagined that?! But, you don't have to hop to Paris and beyond, there are some great events taking place closer to home. So, this week, instead of wine recommendations, I thought I'd give you some inspiration for some corking wine fairs coming up. 6-8 June, Battersea Power Station A new wine fair, this free-to-enter event, (you can buy tokens and tickets for specific events) is a celebration of both British and International wines. Think wine-themed activities, tastings, food & wine pairings, and of course an opportunity to buy some great wine too. Fancy yourself as a wine judge? Festival-goers can also take part in The Wine Cup, a tasting experience where participants can vote for the 'Best in Show' and 'Highly Commended' wines from independent wineries and wine shops featured at the festival. 14 June 2025, Coal Drops Yard, London Now in its thirteenth year, this legendary wine event organised by the brilliant Ruth Spivey and Ruth Osborne is a must-attend for any wine lover. Each car boot or stall is an independent wine retailer, importer or producer with a selection of their current favourite wines for you to taste, buy, drink in or take out. Just like any other market, it's free to get in. Simply turn up, buy a tasting pack (which includes a tote, glass and five tokens) and start tasting, or shopping for bottles to take home. It's always an invigorating atmosphere, and is a great chance to chat and taste with passionate people about the wines they love so much – the lineup is great! Alongside some outstanding wine, you can expect delicious food to keep you fueled too. The event is open to everyone, including dogs and children. As Spivey says, 'It's basically a farmer's market for wine.' Vin Vivant 14 June, The Briggait, Glasgow This sounds like a fantastic wine fair taking place in Glasgow. A celebration of natural, unconventional, and fine wines from around the globe. With over 120 organic, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention wines. It'll be a great opportunity to sample and discover new wines in what promises to be a unique celebration of winemaking. Winelands 22-29 June, Lewes, East Sussex Why not celebrate English Wine Week this year with a jaunt to Lewes? It's a charming town surrounded by some of the country's best vineyards and they're hosting a series of events during the week. I particularly love the sound of the Winelands Tasting taking place on Saturday 28 June at Charleston, Lewes – a free-to-attend event featuring a dozen outstanding English wine producers including Artelium, Bewl Water, Breaky Bottom, Gusbourne, Henners, In the Loop, Oxney, Plumpton, Rathfinny, Stopham, Tilsmore and Wiston. The second instalment of this magical wine fair. This one is super special as it features over thirty producers, all gathered by the banks of the Thames for a fun and informal wine fair with some cutting-edge and committed growers. 12 July, Millennium Point, Birmingham Organised by Birmingham's highly respected Loki wine shop, this promises to be a mammoth drinks event with over 250 wines available to try. What a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and enjoy some world-class drinks.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Chianti Classico's Evolution: How Sangiovese Reflects Its Land
Vineyards in the Chianti Classico area are colored under the light of the sunset during the autumn ... More season. Greve in Chianti, Italy. Understanding how a wine region evolves—vintage after vintage—is never simple. Grapes reflect not only weather, but also farming shifts, winemaking choices, and cultural change. For a grape like Sangiovese, whose character is exquisitely tuned to its environment, that evolution can be even more revealing. And in Chianti Classico, one of Italy's most historic regions, we're seeing a quiet but meaningful shift: producers leaning into transparency, elevating quality, and allowing the voice of Sangiovese to speak with more precision than ever before. That's where the experts, and the annual rhythm of major regional tastings, come in. For Chianti Classico, that moment happens every February at Anteprime di Toscana, when an unparalleled range of producers gather to pour newly bottled (and often not-yet-bottled) wines for journalists, sommeliers, importers, and trade professionals. It's one of the rare opportunities to taste hundreds of wines side by side, providing a comprehensive snapshot of both the current vintage and where the region may be heading. It usually takes some time for the dust to settle as critics, writers, and buyers process, synthesize, and publish their assessments. Now, a few months removed from the flurry of initial tasting reports, it feels like the right moment to step back and reflect—not just on the scores and headlines, but on what these early tastings actually reveal for those of us who drink, collect, and follow Chianti Classico. An infinite lineup of Chianti Classico wines for the 2025 Anteprima tasting. Anteprima isn't just about previewing wine, it's about checking the pulse of the region. It's where we see how producers are adapting to new climate challenges, refining their cellar practices, or leaning more into terroir transparency. And while many of the wines are early in their evolution, there's value in tasting youth. Like hearing the first few bars of a symphony, you may not get the full picture, but you'll sense tone, direction, and intent. Annata 2023: In Infancy, But Promising Tasting 2023 Annata wines offered a snapshot of freshness and energy. Still coming together in bottle or barrel, the wines nonetheless hinted at depth of fruit, lifted acidity, and a drink-now appeal that also promises complexity in the near term. For a vintage still unfolding, it offered a fair and encouraging preview of what's to come. Why Riserva Wines Hit the Sweet Spot While Gran Selezione garners the spotlight as Chianti Classico's top tier, Riserva wines quietly overdeliver. With longer aging than Annata and more flexibility than Gran Selezione, Riservas often offer the best of both worlds: complexity and accessibility. At this year's Anteprima, many Riservas struck a chord—wines with structure, soul, and a strong sense of identity that didn't need to shout. The Soul of Sangiovese, in Every Curve of the Road Sangiovese is a grape that mirrors the land around it with remarkable clarity. Sensitive to elevation, exposure, and soil, it can shift character from one hill to the next. In Chianti Classico, where a new ridge or forested slope appears around every turn in the road, this becomes part of the wine's identity. And the best expressions are beginning to showcase that sense of place with precision and pride. Why Tasting Reports Matter After every Anteprima, dozens of tasting reports flood the press. For collectors and sommeliers, they can be a reference point. But for most wine lovers, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Instead of listing 50+ scores, I want to offer a curated handful of producers and wines that not only impressed technically, but emotionally. These are wines that stayed with me—not just for what was in the glass, but because of the story behind them. And while I'm offering my own perspective here, I'd also point readers to the thoughtful work of others who have long followed this region: Michael Godel of Michaela Morris at Decanter, Kevin Day of Opening a Bottle, Walter Speller at Antonio Galloni of Vinous, and the vintage overview from Club Oenologique. Their writing provides invaluable context and insight for anyone looking to dive deeper into Chianti Classico. Tasting Chianti Classico's Future, One Sangiovese at a Time With extensive expert analysis like these to consider, I felt it appropriate to highlight a few standout wines—bottles from producers I've had the opportunity to visit, and whose vineyards, people, and places offered a deeper connection to the wines themselves. Wines That Resonate I Fabbri (Lamole, Greve in Chianti) – Nestled in the high-altitude village of Lamole, I Fabbri crafts graceful, mineral-driven wines shaped by elevation and light. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva showed remarkable purity and lift, with floral aromatics and a savory, lingering finish. Il Molino di Grace (Panzano in Chianti) – Combining traditional methods with sustainability, this historic estate captures the bold yet refined character of Panzano. The 2023 Chianti Classico displayed beautiful freshness and elegance, offering pure fruit and immediate charm. Querciabella (Greve, Radda, Gaiole) – With organic and biodynamic vineyards across multiple UGAs, Querciabella champions purity and transparency in every bottle. The 2021 Chianti Classico Riserva displayed clarity and freshness with a layered, energetic finish. Ricasoli (Gaiole in Chianti) – One of Italy's most historic estates, Ricasoli helped define the Chianti Classico style and continues to innovate across its expansive vineyards. Their 2022 Gran Selezione 'Castello di Brolio' was elegant and tightly wound, with graphite and red fruit depth. Fattoria Tregole (Castellina in Chianti) – A charming hilltop estate in Castellina that delivers wines with a warm, balanced expression of Sangiovese. Their 2020 Riserva was inviting, with ripe cherry, dusty tannins, and soft spice. Istine (Radda and Gaiole) – Focused on site-specific wines, Istine lets its vineyards speak for themselves through minimal intervention and clarity of fruit. The 2021 Radda bottling offered vivid acidity and crushed-stone minerality. Castello di Ama (Gaiole in Chianti) – Known for its combination of contemporary art and traditional winemaking, Ama's wines are layered, elegant, and expressive of altitude. Their 2021 Gran Selezione 'San Lorenzo' was tightly knit, dark-toned, and incredibly polished. Fontodi (Panzano in Chianti) – Set in the famed Conca d'Oro, Fontodi is a benchmark producer for bold yet polished Sangiovese, all organically grown. The 2021 Vigna del Sorbo Gran Selezione was powerful and age-worthy, bursting with dark fruit and velvety structure. Castello di Volpaia (Radda in Chianti) – High in Radda's cooler hills, Volpaia combines historic charm with precision farming and organic certification. The 2021 Gran Selezione Il Puro Casanova offered bright red fruit, fine tannins, and lovely lift—an elegant snapshot of high-elevation Sangiovese. Nardi Viticoltori (Radda in Chianti) – Based in Radda, Nardi Viticoltori continues to impress with its elegant, structured style. The 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva showed beautiful structure and depth, with finely integrated tannins and a long, graceful finish. Final Thoughts If Chianti Classico once lived in the shadow of its own stereotypes—rustic or simple, a table wine for casual occasions—its best wines today reflect something far more compelling. What these recent tastings reveal is a region steadily evolving, not through radical reinvention, but through refinement and renewed focus on what makes Sangiovese shine: place, purity, and personality. The future of Chianti Classico lies in this quiet evolution—one that rewards close attention, vintage after vintage.
CBC
2 days ago
- Business
- CBC
Net farm income down in Alberta, across Canada for 2024
Data from Statistics Canada shows total net income for Canadian farmers dropped by about 41 per cent last year. Alberta Canola said higher operating costs and lower crop prices are taking a toll on producers.
CNA
3 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Insight 2025/2026 - Trump's 100 Days: Trader Woes in Asia
INSIGHT is a one hour long hard current affairs programme that aims to open the minds of viewers to the political, social and economic realities facing today's societies. Every week, a team of producers will bring forward compelling arguments, impartial analysis and penetrating insights into topical issues of the day. What's on the menu are topics of concerns that have set the region talking as well as changing trends and events which impact Asia and beyond. INSIGHT will get you closer to the heart of the issues with insightful interviews and engaging conversations, bringing to you the real story from behind extraordinary experiences.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kristin Cavallari reveals shocking reason why she almost quit her reality show after just three DAYS
Kristin Cavallari has revealed she came close to quitting her brand new reality show just three days into filming – even though it was her 'favorite experience' to shoot. The 38-year-old reality star's forthcoming series, Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour, is set for release in just a few weeks, however the project almost came to a halt over clashes with the production team. In a new interview, Kristin spilled that she butted heads when producers wanted to manufacture some of the scenes – which she was strongly against doing. Opening up about the creative differences, she said: 'I actually tried to quit the show three days into production because — and this isn't a knock on any of the producers — but I think when there's a lot of cooks in the kitchen, everyone gets excited, and they had a lot of ideas about who should come on my podcast tour, and it started really taking a left turn from what it was intended to be. 'So, I was like, "Listen, I'm not going to do the show. If you guys are going to try to control what this podcast tour is, I'm more than happy to not do it."' She continued to People: 'And I think that it was good because it made everyone realize I'm not going to do it unless it's real. 'I don't want to come in and have you guys tell us what conversations to have.' Despite the creative differences, Kristin stressed that she was able to be '100 per cent authentic' during filming. 'It was real,' she added to the publication. 'It was the most real show I've ever done, and that was a really enjoyable experience.' Kristin's new reality show Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour is set to drop on June 5 and will stream on Peacock. Kristin previously showcased her life in her reality show Very Cavallari, which aired on E! between 2018 and 2020. The series followed her at home in Nashville, Tennessee, with her then-husband Jay Cutler, as she launched the flagship store for her jewelry line, Uncommon James. Kristin's new series will follow her as she takes her Let's Be Honest podcast on tour and will also see her famous friends, Bravolebrities, memorable exes and other notable celebs from her life. In a teaser clip, that was released earlier this year, Kristin reacted to Harry Jowsey sending her a very graphic image. Addressing the crowd during one of her recordings, and with Harry right next to her, she said: ''I got a d**k pic from Harry you guys.' Harry appeared on the Let's Be Honest podcaster's Chicago show on March 8 where she made him drink hot sauce and he reacted by challenging her: 'Who's got the biggest c***?' Before then, he appeared on Kristin's podcast January 7 where he joked that he was 'breaking' his celibacy streak with her following the death of his father last December. Earlier this week, Kristin said she drunkenly threw herself at actor Brandon Sklenar after she had microdosed 'mushrooms.' Speaking on her Let's Be Honest podcast, she admitted to 'freaking out' when she recently met the star at Stagecoach, the country music festival held in California. 'I wish this moment was not so blurry for me, but all of a sudden, I am able to pick out Brandon Sklenar, and he's with a couple guys, I'm pretty sure he had his hood over his head, like I f****** clocked him and I go, 'Oh my God, are you Brandon?' I think I said his last name wrong,' she said. 'I was like, 'Are you Brandon Sklenar?' Total fangirl moment. I like f****** attacked him.' 'I'm like, freaking out,' Kristin continued. 'And I said something to the effect of, like, 'You're my number one, you're my biggest celebrity crush.' 'And he shook my hand and he looked me in the eye and he said, 'Thank you.' And my life was made. I literally — I could die today and be a happy woman.'
