Summary Justin catches up with Bordeaux expert and resident Wendy Narby to discuss the ways the region is reinventing itself past the traditional Cabernet/Merlot blends that have made it so famous. Learn how producers are pushing the boundaries of our expectations in Bordeaux, in a quest to stay relevant to a new generation of enthused wine drinkers seeking quality, value and authenticity. Find out more about our Backroads Bordeaux trip

Summary Sweet Bordeaux wines are undoubtedly some of the finest in the world, but have been chronically unfashionable for a really long time. In this interview we catch up with Wendy Narby who sheds some light on what the future holds for these outstanding wines, and the innovative ways in which producers are evolving their business models to ensure their survival and how they are thriving into the future. About the

How to Watch You can find these videos in the WSG Community at the links below. Part 1 - Past Part 2 - Present

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary When most people think of the great grapes of the Northern Rhone they’ll think Syrah and Viognier. But we really shouldn’t overlook these other two fine varieties - they are

How to Watch You can watch this interview on our community pages here Summary 'Red wine with fish. Well, that should have told me something.' - James Bond, 'From Russia with Love', 1963 Leading French somm Philippe Troussard might have a thing or two to

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary In this interview we’re joined by Matt Walls, one of the world’s leading experts on the wines of the Rhone, to answer all your questions on this hot topic! We discuss what the peppery smell on Syrah is

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary Should you use whole bunches to make great Syrah? What does it add? Actually, what is it at all?!? We’re once again delighted to be joined by Matt Walls to discuss this really important part of the

Where to Watch You can watch this interview on our community pages here Summary In this interview, we discuss everything you need to know about the Jura’s greatest wine. We discuss the stories surrounding its creation, where to find the best examples, why it comes in its unique

How to Watch? You can watch this session on our community space here Summary Have you ever fancied a trip to the Jura but don’t know where to start? We caught up recently with Jura afficionados Manon Gallet and Phelan Burgoyne to discuss all the things you need to know to plan a wine trip

Where to Watch You can watch this Insider's Guide Interview in our community space here Summary In our final interview with Philippe Troussard, we discuss the amazing potential and versatility found in the white grapes of the Jura. Of course Philippe mentions the great Vin Jaune, but he also explores the

Let's face it: Bordeaux is struggling. A recurring theme during my latest visit was producers lamenting declining sales, despite their wines tasting rather delicious. In January, the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture reported that more than 1,320 winegrowers were facing financial challenges – a situation that prompted the agriculture ministry to allocate €57 million to support the uprooting of nearly 10,000 hectares of vines in the region.

North vs. south For over a century, the unanimity of the Champagne region has been called into question. Separated by departmental lines (départements being administrative regions in France), the Côte des Bar in the southern Aube department was often considered as that distant cousin who always embarrasses themselves at parties. The big houses of “mainland” Champagne in the northern Marne department did indeed buy loads of grapes from

There’s no wine region I enjoy visiting more than Alsace.  It’s beautiful, of course – and not just the half-timbered houses around which a profusion of flowers seem to float, or the grand hillside vineyards romping up to the forested Vosges mountains, always somehow bigger and more imposing in scale than those of Burgundy. The growers are fascinating characters, too, as if their historical and geographical position, wedged between (and much fought-over by) France and Germany, has given them an independence of thought which eludes those with a more settled position in each wine culture.  Then there’s the wines. It’s commonplace to say that Alsace wines are underappreciated -- but it’s true. For me, no white wine region can offer more diversity and intrigue than Alsace, nor does any single regional range of white wines appeal more to my palate...

Summary: The vineyards of the Loire Valley follow the twists and turns of France's longest river, from the Atlantic coast to the Paris Basin. The region boasts the largest number of French white wine AOCs and also produces increasingly sought after reds. This webinar will explore the distinctive terroirs that define the grapes of each sub-region, look at the historical context and present winemaking trends that define

Every wine appellation in France has a cahier des charges, a set of regulations that delineates the production zone and specifies viticultural practices and production standards. In many instances, a single cahier des charges references one zone of production and multiple wine styles within it (e.g. Lirac red, white, and rosé; Rasteau dry red, plus red, white and rosé Vins Doux Naturels). Some single cahiers also incorporate complementary geographic denominations or dénominations géographiques complémentaires (DGCs) such as Languedoc Montpeyroux or Bourgogne Hautes Côte de Nuits. Other times, very different wines can be grouped under one single cahier as is the case for Beaujolais, Beaujolais Supérieur, Beaujolais + Named Commune, and Beaujolais-Villages.

WSG is proud be the first Educational Partner of The Old Vine Conference. Read more to find out how this dynamic non-profit organization is actively creating a global network of old-vine disciples while raising awareness through education.  The economic and social relevance of old vines is real, but the structure of the global wine industry stacks the odds against the regenerative commercial viability of old vines. The result is that healthy old vineyards of cultural resonance and unique qualitative potential are lost because they can’t be made to pay.  The Old Vine Conference is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to bring together a global network to create a new category for wine from heritage vineyards. The Old Vine Conference works to safeguard old vines of cultural and ecological value by connecting, educating and inspiring the global wine industry through conferences, research, partnerships, tastings and fieldtrips.

On the surface, promoting Beaujolais’s best vineyards to premiers crus might appear entirely beneficial for the region. But the situation is more complex than it looks, says Beaujolais expert Natasha Hughes MW.

On a blistering June day, my suitcase rattling over the hot cobblestones, I made my way by through the village of Amboise in the Loire Valley, where my tour with the Wine Scholar Guild was about to begin. That night, in an 18th century hotel decorated in a style my spouse describes as “manic grandma,” the group toasted our safe arrival and talked about what had brought each of us there. Though we were a diverse set—with wine professionals from all over the map, and a handful of enthusiasts outside the industry—we all seemed to agree on one thing

Earlier this year, I embarked on the French Wine Scholar (FWS) program; version 7 being the latest update to this ever-popular certification offered by Wine Scholar Guild to wine enthusiasts and professionals alike. Here are my top study tips for passing the French Wine Scholar program!

Watch Here You can find this video in our community space here Summary What comes to your mind when you think about Bordeaux? Is it carefully manicured fairytale Chateaux of the left bank? The 1855 classification? The First Growths? These prestigious wines garner much of the attention, but only