Latest On The Circular
Istrian winemakers delight the crowd at the 30th edition of Vinistra
Posted on by Dijana Grgić
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-4-350x245.jpg)
Dijana Grgić enjoys some marvellous Malvasias and other local treats at the event held on the Istrian peninsula, which is fast becoming a Croatian classic.
The 30th anniversary of Vinistra saw exhibition spaces adorned with the colours of the new logo, which is in the shape of a bunch of grapes, and the different sizes of the berries symbolise the unity of Istrian winemakers. It is precisely this...
Read More
New Member: Beth Willard
Posted on by Amanda Barnes
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Beth-WIllard-2018-2-WEB-350x245.jpg)
Beth Willard was first involved in wine as a buyer but is now a writer and wine judge. For nearly a decade Beth travelled the world buying wine for Direct Wines and received awards including UK Retail Buyer of the Year from the Drinks Business Awards, as well as Personality of the Year from Wines of Rioja.
She has now left the commercial world behind and is writing about Spain, her main passion...
Read More
Way beyond the Bordeaux comfort zone
Posted on by Michael Fridjhon
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-29-at-12.42.56-350x245.jpg)
To access this post, you must purchase Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Corporate Friend of the Circle (inc one-off joining fee), Friend of the Circle (renewals) or Corporate Friend of the Circle (renewals), or log in.
Read More
Life on the edge: the ancient roots and modern uprising of Etna
Posted on by Amanda Barnes
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_5735-350x245.jpg)
Amanda Barnes engages with the fascinating terroir of Sicily’s striking and active volcano, as her palate is swept away by some stunning bianco and rosso wines, made by a dedicated bunch of winemakers, some who even bottle ‘illegal’ varieties.
Etna is an explosive terroir. A volcanic wine region on the island of Sicily, almost touching the African continent, it is steeped in history and mystery. ...
Read More
The soaring story of Etna and Contrade dell’Etna
Posted on by Michèle Shah
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Screenshot-2024-06-26-at-22.18.54-350x245.jpg)
Michèle Shah attends the 15th edition of the Contrade dell'Etna, which has developed exponentially since it started as a convivial gathering of local winemakers. In tandem, she describes the remarkable re-emergence of Etna’s elegantly energetic wines.
In 2008, Andrea Franchetti, a visionary and eclectic wine pioneer — owner of the Passopisciaro estate on Etna and Tenuta di Trinoro in Tuscany — ig...
Read More
Cherishing a Cape classic and more
Posted on by Colin Harkness
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Vin-de-Constance-1-350x245.jpg)
Colin Harkness calls in on Klien Constantia, meets winemaker Matt Day, himself fresh from fixing the date for the start of the harvest, and savours the sumptuously sweet Vin de Constance, dry Sauvignon Blancs and a red from Stellenbosch.
Jane Austen is in some rather A-List company when she mentions the luscious dessert wine, Vin de Constance, from Klien Constantia Wine Farm, near Cape Town, Sout...
Read More
Ningxia dominates the Chinese Wine Awards 2024
Posted on by Annabel Jackson
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Judging-2-350x245.jpg)
Annabel Jackson reports from Macau on the inaugural edition of the competition that seeks to give local winemakers critical feedback from outside experts, and around which there is a buzz.
The gold medal and trophy winners at the inaugural Chinese Wine Awards 2024, held in Macau, at Wynn Palace, in March, were announced at a glossy gala dinner in the hotel’s ballroom in April.
The results are a...
Read More
Meet the Member: Filippo Magnani
Posted on by Amanda Barnes
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20230523_124459-350x245.jpg)
Italian member and wine communicator, Filippo Magnani reflects on 25 years of wine tourism in Tuscany in this Meet the Member interview with Amanda Barnes. Named after the Etruscan God of Wine, Fufluns, his tourism agency is a leader in the region.
Inspired by the booming wine tourism industry in Napa Valley during the 1990s, Filippo Magnani recognized Italy's untapped potential and sought to ele...
Read More
New Member: Cindy-Marie Harvey
Posted on by Amanda Barnes
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot-2024-04-29-at-12.23.23-350x245.png)
Cindy-Marie fell in love with Pinot Noir at a very young age, then lived in Piemonte, so developed a passion for Nebbiolo, white truffles and all things Italian.
For 27 years, she has been organising and leading wine tours – including France, throughout Italy, Spain, Portugal, South America, New Zealand and Slovenia. She is passionate about communicating her love of wine in an approachable styl...
Read More
New Member: Dijana Grgić
Posted on by Amanda Barnes
![](https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/CA_5545-350x245.jpg)
Dijana Grgić is the editor-in-chief of the Croatian magazine Vinum.In. She writes about Croatian wines and organizes wine seminars.
Her goal is to educate wine enthusiasts and professionals about Croatian wine production, and share the stories of winemakers, which led her to organise 'Wine story by Dijana Grgić' wine events.
This year, she will publish a special edition of the magazine about...
Read More