Latest news with #sommelier
Irish Times
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Ten things you need to know about wine
Wine is made by fermenting freshly gathered grapes. It can be red, white, rosé, sparkling or fortified. There are no rights and wrongs. Nobody insists that you like carrots; it's the same with wine. You like what you like . Price is not always an indicator of quality. But if you spend €10-€20 on a bottle, it will probably taste a lot better. Good glasses make a difference. Large tulip-shaped glasses make wine taste better. Temperature matters. Serve a white wine too cold and you lose flavour (about 10 degrees is good). Warm red wine can seem soupy and alcoholic (aim for 18 degrees, cooler than most house temperatures). Learning about wine should be fun and not feel like an exam. Work out what you like and what you don't, and take it from there. Start by trying wines made from the most popular grape varieties and the best-known wine regions. That will give you a good idea of what you like and what you don't. Taking a few notes is a good idea. Matching food and wine can make both taste better, but don't get hung up about it. Not all wine improves with age. Most wine is ready to drink the day you buy it. Wines with screw caps are not inferior. Sometimes they are better than wines with corks.
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
How Porto became Lisbon's cooler – and cheaper
Albert, the charming sommelier, is pouring my fifth tasting glass of port. Through my port fog (such a waste not to drain each glass), I am learning about the differences between white ports, tawny ports, ruby ports and vintage ports. 'You could, of course, mix this one with a light tonic and a twist of orange,' says Albert as he raises an eyebrow and adds another splash of Kopke Colhetta 2005 to my glass. 'But it's so lovely in its own right, it would be a shame, don't you think?' Indeed it would. Who knew that port could taste more like nectar than Benylin? This tasting at Kopke, the oldest port wine house in Porto, has been an absolute revelation, as has the city itself which I can see framed behind Albert in the golden evening light. While Lisbon has been stealing all the glory over the past ten years, growing rich and cosmopolitan on the back of Golden Visa investment, Portugal's second city Porto has very much been the Cinderella sister. But all of that is changing. Fly to Porto for a long weekend, pack as much in as you possibly can, and by Sunday night the only question you'll be asking yourself is: 'You idiot – why haven't you done this sooner?' This smaller, more walkable (less hilly) and, arguably, prettier version of Lisbon has film-set-pretty medieval streets, buildings clad in crazily-patterned Azuleja tiles, exquisite Belle Époque cafes on tree-lined avenues and city beaches. It also has all the fun of a real-life theme park: cable car rides, boat trips along the Douro, interactive museums where you can make your own chocolate, super-fun food markets and endless wine and port tastings. Strict planning laws in Porto, which prohibit the destruction of original building facades, mean the city has retained its crumbly charm – and behind these historic walls are a growing number of innovative new restaurants, concept stores and boutique hotels. Case in point is the Tivoli Kopke, Porto's latest new opening in the Gaia district. The original offices around the working port wine cellars at Kopke have been sensitively transformed into a luxurious five-star hotel with two restaurants, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a rooftop bar with probably the best views in town of the Douro and old Porto. Throw open your French doors in the morning and soak up the views over the terracotta roof tiles of one of Europe's best-preserved cities. Here's how to make the most of a mini break in Porto. 1. Bolhão Market There are food markets and there are next-level food markets. Mercado do Bolhão in central Porto is the standard-bearer of them all. Sprawled over an entire block in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts building, it has 79 food stalls and 10 restaurants on the top floor. Arrive hungry, grab a glass of vinho verde for a couple of euros from one of the many bars (everyone wanders around with a glass of wine in their hands) and graze on the myriad of fresh tapas made from market produce: oysters, sardines, beef tartare toasts, salt cod croquettes oozing with cheese – even sea anemones you can scoop from their shells. Join the queue at food stall Conserveira do Balhão where locals and tourists line up for plates of seafood tapas for €3 (£2.50) a pop. 2. Ribeira Wind your way down cobbled streets in Porto's old town to the riverfront where you'll find a string of fun bars spilling onto the banks of the Douro. The area is packed with tourists, but it's worth grabbing a drink so you can watch the boats cruise past. Even better, book a table at one of Ribeira's excellent restaurants and tapas bars behind the main drag. We had a wine and tapas pit stop at the beautiful Sagardi Porto, and for a sensationally innovative supper, book a table at Cozinha das Flores (the steaming pot of chorizo and turnip-top rice was delicious). Their small plates menu starts from €6 (£5) per dish. 3. Pont Luís I Pack good trainers and prepare to get your steps in – the best way to see central Porto is by walking. The city is divided into two areas: the Douro river, Porto and the Vila Nova de Gaia district, with the Pont Luís I bridge connecting the two. This double-decked steel bridge is the focal point of the city – walk across the top deck and stop for a coffee on the viewing platform at the Teleferico Bar then take the cable car down to the waterfront in the Gaia district. There is a constant stream of activity on the Douro which flows from Spain through the Douro Valley, one of the world's greatest wine-growing areas. If you have time, it's worth booking a one-hour Six Bridge Boat Cruise on a traditional wooden Rabelo boat (from £15.28 per person). 4. Gaia District Since the 17th century, this district has been the hub of the port wine industry. Big name port houses open for tours and tastings, but among them are now swanky hotels and a buzzy riverfront lined with bars and seafood restaurants. It is also home to the expansive World of Wine which is basically wine buff heaven, with seven museums including the The Wine Experience (one of the best wine museums in the world), restaurants, a wine school and even chocolate-making workshops. Tickets start from £17.50 for an entry ticket and wine tasting – but there are a myriad of seasonal events and workshops to book on the website. 3. Shopping You don't come to Porto to buy brands – the city is mercifully short of designer stores. But it's a great place for more eclectic homewares, fashion, food and wine. Livraria Lello quite rightly bills itself as the 'World's Most Beautiful Book Shop' and this neo-Gothic wonder is so popular you need to book a ticket in advance to get in (starting from €10 (£8.50), redeemable against a book purchase). A few doors along is the concept store Fernandes Mattos & CA, a three-storey emporium of eclectic fashion, beauty and accessories which is worth visiting for the beautiful space alone. A Vida Portuguesa has a gorgeous mix of homewares, food, jewellery and accessories and a must-see is the exquisitely designed soaps and perfumes at Claus Porto. Rua da Santa Caterina is the main shopping drag where you'll find Spanish high street brands and the beautiful (but very crowded) Café Majestic for a coffee stop. For food and wine shopping, head to the streets around the Bolhao Market where you'll find authentic Portugese delis such as Casa Lourenço. 5. Beach breaks Porto has a string of city beaches to the north and south of the city which are easy to reach for an afternoon of chilling. One of the most beautiful is Praia da Madelena in the south. Take a short taxi ride down to Madelena and you can walk back to Porto city along a wooden walkway, passing cafes, bars and sandy beaches with wild, crashing waves (better for viewing rather than swimming). Book a table at Brasão Salgueiros for a seafood lunch on the sand. Or, if you are after quieter swimming beaches, head to the northern city beaches around Foz. Where to stay Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotel This is how to do Porto in style. Porto's oldest wine house, Kopke, was established in 1638 but opened its five-star hotel on the estate in February 2025. Built on a hill with panoramic views of Porto (but a short walk to riverside action) it's a sanctuary to stagger back to after a crazy day of sightseeing. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, steam room, sauna and a spa with grape-infused treatments. Kick back by the pool-side sushi bar and end the evening at the rooftop Sky Bar with tapas, cocktails and music. Elsewhere, book a table at the special-occasion 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar with a menu designed by three Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Nacho Manzano. The port wine-tasting session can be booked separately and is a whole lot of fun. Porto A.S. 1828 Hotel If you want to stay in the thick of it, this sweet little boutique four-star hotel in Porto's historical centre offers simple, stylish rooms and friendly staff. Ask for a quiet room. Getting there British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, TAP, Wizz and Vueling all fly direct to Porto with prices starting from £86 return. Flight time is 2 hours 15 minutes from London. Porto Airport is 11km from the city centre and connected by Metro (€2.60/£2.20 one way) and bus (€2/£1.70 one way) which takes 30 mins. A taxi costs around €25/£21 and takes 20 minutes.
Times
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Times
Roadside wine dispensers in the French countryside: oui ou non?
Love of wine is the latest French tradition to be challenged by fast-food culture, as drive-through wine stops head for the roadsides of Provence. A kerbside cool box that can keep as many as 1,000 bottles of wine at a steady 14C has been developed by a company in a region that, for as long as anyone can remember, has relished a long lunch washed down by the very drinkable local rosé. One Provençal sommelier has witheringly called this innovation the 'Uberisation' of wine. For decades, the French held out against such impatient transatlantic imports, but in recent years those habits have been changing. In 2023, fast-food sales in France reached €19 billion, the third highest in Europe, according to the market research company Euromonitor
Associated Press
17-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
VinoCadre Launches Air Charter Flights, an Exclusive Way to Explore the Elevated Texas Hill Country, Napa, and Sonoma
05/16/2025, Fredericksburg, Texas // PRODIGY: Feature Story // VinoCadre, an innovative marketing platform that unites wine professionals and engages consumers, is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive air charter flights. More than its next business milestone, the release symbolizes the company's commitment to transforming the wine-tasting experience into an unforgettable, palatable journey. To prepare for the first air charter flight on July 7th-10th, VinoCadre is currently accepting bookings, with more expeditions to follow soon after. VinoCadre Founded in 2015 in Saint Helena, California, VinoCadre has since expanded to the Texas Hill Country. The air charter flights will honor both destinations, promoting local wine education, curating unique food pairings, and offering high-end private tours of California and Texas's luscious vineyards. With a helicopter, fixed wing, and ground transportation included, exploring hidden gems has never been easier. Organized by the platform's wine specialists, the experience is as compelling as it is illuminating. This sky-high adventure is led by VinoCadre's founder, Andre Boada, an advanced sommelier, keynote speaker, and wine business consultant. Tapping into his 20 years of industry experience, combined with the intimate knowledge of winemakers, educators, and chefs who will accompany him, Boada's mission is simple: to enrich traditional wine-tasting with a lifestyle-driven philosophy. According to Boada, this is 'the pinnacle of wine-tasting experiences,' and the bespoke itinerary attests to that. This four-day, three-night trip is truly top-scale, from the very first moment guests step into the aircraft. During the flight, travelers can indulge in a high-end champagne seminar arranged by the founder before landing across the scenic vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. The activities that follow bring a unique fusion of adventure and serenity, addressing the needs of all visitors. While a helicopter ride up the mountain to peek behind the scenes of Napa wineries or driving through the vineyards of Sonoma provide the thrill, delectable dishes prepared by world-class chefs—each one paired with the most complementary glass of wine—unite guests over meaningful conversations and laughter. Through a partnership with a high-end local home division, VinoCadre can offer the most luxurious accommodation that further elevates the experience. On July 7th, guests will travel to Villa Montebella, a terracotta-colored mansion nestled amidst green rolling hills, where they will be greeted with a welcome party. Every attendee can enjoy their own suite, lavish amenities like a tennis court or an underground wine cave, and more. Villa Montebella, Wine Cave After the first excursion, VinoCadre is planning two more trips in August: 4th-7th and 25th-28th. Looking ahead, Boada envisions the experience entrenching its footprint across other villas and resorts, with the company continuously working toward a future where wine isn't only savored; it's enjoyed for the rich experience it offers. On a mission to unite communities through the palate, VinoCadre shows that, as the founder concludes, 'The power of wine goes beyond the glass.' Media Contact Name: Andre Boada Email: [email protected]
CNET
12-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Need to Find High-Quality Wine on a Budget? Here's How
As a recent CNET survey found, 93% of Americans are concerned about the rise of inflation, and it's not hard to see why. Inflation has made something as simple as picking out a bottle of wine feel like a momentous hit on the wallet. That's a shame for wine connoisseurs everywhere, as there's nothing quite like having wine for a special occasion. However, fantastic wine doesn't have to come with a premium price tag. With a few smart strategies, wine lovers can still enjoy what they love without feeling guilty about it afterward. You just need to know the tips and tricks for sniffing out real value in the wine aisle. Which is why we spoke to Cara Patricia, sommelier and co-owner of San Francisco's DecantSF. After speaking to Patricia, we found out that with a little know-how, such as exploring lesser-known regions, building a relationship with a wine shop within your local area, and even understanding labels more, you can discover amazing wine without busting your budget. But before we discuss Patricia's expert recommendations, it's important to clarify a common misconception: Just because a wine is affordable doesn't necessarily make it cheap. That may sound confusing, but we'll explain further to highlight the difference between a good value wine and a cheap one. Cheap vs. value wine Cheap wines may only set you back a few bucks, but their quality is, well, questionable. Value wines, on the other hand, can have a wide range of prices, from genuinely inexpensive to kinda pricey, but they overdeliver at whatever price they are. "If [the price] seems too good to be true, it is," Patricia told me. "Wine can be cheap, but it has a cost." Figuring out those wines that represent excellent value can be challenging, even for educated wine consumers, which is why people like Patricia have jobs they love. (Pro tip: Corks over screw caps don't necessarily mean a better wine.) Wine is a huge category to which people such as sommeliers and other wine professionals dedicate their lives. Buying wine can be intimidating for multiple reasons but Patricia's wine motto is "drink for yourself," and DecantSF is known for its relaxed approach to connecting people with wines they'll love, without even a soupçon of pretension. As a woman- and queer-owned business, the top order of business at DecantSF is inclusivity, including on matters of budget. Using Patricia's wine expertise and consumer-friendly attitude, here are seven strategies on how to shop for the best value wines. (We've also got tips on how to find delicious cheese for cheap and the best budget-friendly beef alternatives to pricey ribeye.) 1. Shop local "You're not going to get a wine expert at a big box store," Patricia said. "Shop at boutique stores where the experts are," and you'll have access to a wealth of knowledge honed over many years of studying, evaluating, and most importantly, drinking wine. Wine pros are often on a budget, too. "Go to a shop and ask for staff picks in your budget," Patricia advised. "If you're looking for wines under $25, ask for the staff's favorite wines, as that's what they are probably drinking most often at home." "At DecantSF, we blind taste everything before we bring it into the shop, and the hardest section to blind taste for is our least expensive wines," Patricia said. "We really want these wines to over-deliver on value and deliciousness, so we're super picky with what we bring in. We stock our own homes with those wines, so they have to be good!" A good local wine store will offer expertise. Many also run weekly or monthly curated tastings to let you try before you isn't always an option. If your area doesn't sport a reputable wine store, you might peruse our list of the best online wine clubs and best alcohol delivery services for 2025. 2. Know your budget You have every right to your budget and should never feel self-conscious about what you're looking to spend. Wine pros deal every day with people whose budgets are in the tens of dollars, as well as people whose budgets are in the tens of thousands of dollars. Either way, they are prepared to play matchmaker and take a great deal of professional pride in connecting people to the right bottles along with any budget considerations. Some local wine stores like DecantSF offer deals and discounts on wines if you join a membership program. DecantSF "If I've learned one thing from being a restaurant sommelier and shop owner, it is: cut to the chase and be honest with what you're looking for," Patricia said. "Be upfront with what you want," especially if you're working with a tight budget. For example, she suggests opening with something like: "I'm looking for a red wine under $30. I've previously enjoyed wines like X, Y, and Z and would like something similar. Do you have any suggestions?" You are more likely to have a positive wine-shopping experience if you open with honesty. Wine apps and websites are a great way to price compare and ensure you're not overpaying. Try one of these three free wine apps to make sure you're not getting gouged. 3. Avoid wine trends "Be wary of fads, Instagram darlings or egregious marketing," Patricia said. A disproportionate amount of marketing dollars are spent on just a fraction of the world's wines. (Looking at you, Whispering Angel.) Most top-quality wine producers prefer to keep their dollars in the vineyards and wineries, making excellent wines. They rely on their own tasting rooms, plus sommeliers and wine store staff to do the marketing for them, based on genuine enjoyment of the wines, rather than expensive ads and sponsorships with influencers. "There is often a premium upcharge on the coolest or hottest wines," Patricia said, "and you can tell when a lot of the money is going into the marketing instead of the product." Orange or amber wines are wine trends worth looking into for some excellent value selections. Trendy wine may cost you more, especially while in the throes of its trendiness. That doesn't mean you have to avoid them altogether. Wines of Georgia 4. Pull out the world map Becoming a sommelier has a tremendous amount to do with geography, which is another good reason to put them to work for you when it comes to finding good-value wines. You don't need to know every minor wine-producing region, or even every major one, but you can do yourself a service by getting to know a couple of important regions for the styles or grapes you most like and then getting to know their neighbors. "Look for regions that are just outside the famous regions," Patricia said. "Maybe Sancerre is getting a little too expensive, but there are plenty of lovely sauvignon blancs from Touraine to try. Napa Valley prices are insane! Let's try something from the El Dorado foothills, instead." Madroña is just one of many great wine producers you'll find in the El Dorado foothills. Madroña Vineyards It can also be valuable to learn what New World or other emerging regions are producing similar style wines to some of the heavy hitters, as these are often places that over-deliver for their price point. If you love big cabernet sauvignons from Bordeaux or Napa Valley, look for big reds from Chile or Washington state to save money without sacrificing quality. Opulent chardonnays aren't limited to France and California either, with gorgeous, wallet-friendly expressions coming from Australia and South Africa. 5. Explore entry-level wines The world's most famous wine producers became so for making some of the world's most legendary wines, which command top dollar. These are very rarely the only wines they make, and most offer bottles that come from broader, less expensive wine regions than their top cuvées. "Love dry Grosses Gewächs riesling but can't shell out $100? Try a dry Trocken riesling from the same estate at a quarter of the cost," Patricia said. "Wish you could splurge on Puligny-Montrachet? Try your favorite producer's Bourgogne Blanc, which can often be a blend of declassified fruit from younger vines." Trocken riesling is similar to dry Grosses Gewächs riesling, but at a fraction of the cost. Heroes of Riesling Further to looking more broadly at the wine map, it can also be a savvy financial strategy to try less famous grapes from very famous producers. "Try different grape varieties from storied producers," Patricia said. "Love a particular Barolo? Try their Barbera d'Asti and get the same great winemaking with a different grape that costs way less to make." 6. Consider a wine club membership Some wine stores offer membership deals that are worth looking into. "There are usually discounts for members and you get a lot more variety each period than you would be as a member of a winery's club," Patricia said. "For example, members of DecantSF's bottle clubs get 10% off any reorders of wines featured in clubs, waived corkage fees for drinking bottles in the store, complimentary wine flights, discounts on classes, presales and other perks." As for online wine memberships or subscriptions, she advised applying healthy skepticism. "Stay away from online-only wine clubs that want you to be an 'investor,' or use an algorithm quiz instead of a sommelier to match your preferences, or guarantee a case of wine for way too cheap," Patricia said. "These are often the lowest quality wines using mass-produced fruit and exploited labor that's blended and bottled under fantasy names. You may as well buy from the bottom shelf at Walmart." Nothing beats a great local wine store, but if your area is lacking, a sophisticated online wine club will suffice. Wine Insiders If your area doesn't sport a reputable wine store, we've vetted some online wine clubs for you with CNET's best wine club for 2025. Some online wine retailers, such as also offer introductory deals for first-time buyers, and Last Bottle periodically offers marathon buying weekends, all of which can be a good way to stock up. 7. Buy wine in bulk Buying in bulk is a time-honored, money-saving strategy, and it surely doesn't stop with wine. "Buy more, save more," Patricia said. "For example, DecantSF gives a 5% discount on six bottles or a 10% discount on 12-plus bottles." You can also save on shipping or delivery by stocking up on wine several times throughout the year, rather than popping out for a bottle for every individual occasion that necessitates one. Larger format bottles as well, such as magnums, or even boxed wine -- yes, I said it -- from reputable producers can save you some money.
