Foraging for Pignoletto in the Bolognese hills: Emilia-Romagna Trip Report 2019

Circle members Neil Fairlamb, Justin Keay and Stephen Barrett voyaged into the wine regions of northern Italy on a Circle trip to Emilia-Romagna from 31st May to 2nd June. They share their experiences of this delicious corner of Italy, from the underrated delights of Pignoletto (both in its bubbly and still rendition) to the tempting trattorias and delectable cuisine of the region.    Neil ...
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New member: Jolanta Smiciene

Jolanta Smiciene has been working in the wine industry since 1998 and is a wine and travel journalist as well as a wine lector and consultant. A specialist in wines from Lithuania, Jolanta writes for several international publications and also frequently presents reports on the wine regions and wine market. Jolanta also has a specialism in Champagne and is a member of The Ordre des Coteaux de Cha...
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Tribute to Neville Blech

Neville Blech passed away on 6th September 2019, aged 82, following a long battle with cancer. Neville was an active member of the Circle of Wine Writers and also served as Honorary Treasurer. A wine writer, importer and restaurateur, Neville had worked in many aspects of the trade throughout his career. His co-founder at Wine Behind the Label, David Moore, shares his tribute to Neville, f...
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The Wines of Great Britain by Stephen Skelton MW: A review

Stephen Skelton MW is without doubt an authoritative writer on the subject of Great Britain's vineyards, not only as a highly regarded expert on viticulture (his book Viticulture: An Introduction to Commercial Grape Growing for Wine Production is the viticulture bible for diploma and MW students) but he’s also been a keen observer and participant in British wine for over 40 years. Havi...
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Wink Lorch releases Wines of the French Alps book

Wink Lorch has released her second book, Wines of the French Alps: Savoie, Bugey and beyond, which she self-published at the end of July under the imprint Wine Travel Media. Wink had advance funding from 450 backers of the Kickstarter campaign she ran in 2017. She notes that backers were extremely supportive when she had to put back publication several times due to the illness and subsequent de...
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