Value wine: I do not think it means what you think it means.

I was at a tasting a few days ago in Porto where the presenter pointed out at the beginning of their talk that they wanted to focus on “value wines”. However, he then continued by saying that, with regret, while that was the goal, he just couldn’t bring himself to do it. He felt that […] Continue Reading →

The Best Tapas and Wine Bars in Madrid

If you’re eager to taste a wide variety of tapas in Madrid, the one main issue you will have is choosing where to go. Navigating the labyrinthine streets with bars that are absolutely packed with people on both sides of the streets, makes you pause in hesitation wondering which one is best? Well, here is a […] Continue Reading →

A Celebratory Milestone in the Vineyards: Budbreak

Whether it’s the sight of a flower blooming, or if you’re David Attenborough, the birth of baby elephants and tigers, the first glimpse of Spring does wonders to raise our spirits. A walk in the countryside or stroll in the park will reveal new growth in the flower beds and on the trees and the […] Continue Reading →

Who is the 007 of the Wine Industry?

Editor’s Note: Over the years, we’ve always wondered what the real skinny is behind the title “Wine Export Manager”? Though the title doesn’t sound especially glamorous, to see their status updates from fabulous locations around the world makes you raise an eyebrow and consider a quick revamp of your resume. But before you jump to […] Continue Reading →

Spanish and Portuguese Wines for Spring: Light and Aromatic Whites!

I saw something yesterday, quite unexpectedly, that gave me such a good feeling – it was a big round, rather blinding ball in the sky, I knew I recognized it…then it came to me – ah yes, it was the sun!  It didn’t stick around long however, and today it’s once again hidden behind soggy, […] Continue Reading →

The Textures of Porto: What Makes a City Beautiful?

Have you ever struggled to see what someone else finds beautiful? “Look!” your partner says with a smile, “Isn’t that tree absolutely beautiful?!” Staring at the emaciated lopsided trunk with 3 blooming red flowers, you smile, “Yeah hon, it’s sweet, but not sure I’d call that beautiful.” “What do you mean? It’s stunning in this […] Continue Reading →

Mallorca: The Last Spanish Wine Frontier

The allure of Mallorca lies in images of escaping the hectic mainland life and living an island dream (if only for just a few days) and walking carefree on the beach of the Mediterranean while the sand crumbles softly beneath your toes. But then you head to a local restaurant for the freshest seafood the […] Continue Reading →

Wines for Spring Part 1: The Reds

The northeast US has just had yet another blizzard with up to or over a foot of snow in some places; here in London the temperature hovers around 0°C and the rest of Europe, except perhaps Greece, seems also to be caught in the relentless clutches of winter. However, it is March. Therefore spring is, […] Continue Reading →

The Spanish Wine that Dominates Comfort Food

Rioja wine could very well be the best wine to match with food. When I say food however, I mean real food. Not filet, not confit of duck, not even pork belly….I’m talking about food that we all love, the type of food you scoff down with enjoyment level set firmly at 11…in other words, […] Continue Reading →

Bluffer’s Guide to Wine Tasting

After dragging travel expert, but wine novice, Duncan Rhodes around the Douro Valley for a week, Catavino was impressed with how erudite his previously untrained palate became in such a short time… or did it? The Urban Travel Blog editor reveals his top 13 tips for faking it during a wine tasting… Nimbly holding the […] Continue Reading →