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The Value of Wine Education and the Rise of Online Learning for French, Italian and Spanish Wines

In a world where wine has evolved from a drink to a culture, understanding what’s in your glass goes beyond mere taste—it’s about appreciating the stories, landscapes and craftsmanship behind each label.
84-year-old Garnacha Vines - Campo de Borja

A Journey Around Some Of Spain's Oldest Vines

Home to some of the world’s oldest productive vines – there are Albariño vines in DO Rías Baixas that have been producing grapes for over 200 years - Spain is also believed to be home to more hectares of old vines than any other country.
WSG_Wine Blog

Redefining Wine: What Does It Mean To You?

Sommeliers’ brains seem to fascinate scientists. Every few years, a new study pops up where somms are subjected to MRI scans whilst they blind taste and pontificate.
Lake Garda
Photo Courtesy By Consorzio Lugana

Luscious Lugana: The Gem of Lake Garda

Did someone say Lake Garda? You had me at Lake! Those were my first thoughts when asked to visit the area close to Italy’s largest lake and home of the Lugana DOC.

Old Vines: Solutions for the Future

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,...

Behind the Scenes of Wine Scholar Guild Membership

We recently caught up with Justin Martindale MW, our Membership & Community Manager, to find out what’s happening in the WSG Membership program and how it all gets put together.

2019 Barolo: Much Purity and Refinement

This article has been published in partnership with World of Fine Wine and Wine Scholar Guild. A topsy-turvy 2019 Barolo growing season set many challenges for growers who produced wines that are classical in structure, with firm tannins and high acidity but less of the density and richness of...

Judging at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

If there’s one thing in the world I love, it’s judging. From driving, to elite sport, to other people’s parenting, if you’re looking for someone to cast ill-informed opinions out into the wind, I’m your man. So, when the opportunity arose to contribute to what is probably the world’s greatest wine...

Ten reasons why old vines are more important than ever

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.

Interview with Chris Martin MW, WSG’s new Director of Education

Chris Martin MW joins the Wine Scholar Guild as our new Director of Education. Simon J Woolf spoke to him about his background and what he’ll be bringing to the role. There’s an assumption in the wine world that if you’re knowledgeable in your subject area, ergo you can teach. Chris Martin MW...

Christopher Martin MW Joins WSG as Director of Education

Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) is delighted to announce that Christopher Martin MW has joined the team as Director of Education. As one of the very most recent individuals to achieve the Master of Wine certification in February 2024, Christopher has a strong background in education, with over 18 years...

Why appreciation of old vines is challenging yet more important than ever

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,...

The 2022 Vintage in France by Andrew Jefford

The 2022 vintage was, in general, a great year for France. Weirdly. Look at the data. It shouldn’t have been: the gauges for both drought and heat were often flashing red. What happened?

An Introduction to the Rich Viticultural Heritage of Italy

Italy has a rich and diverse history of winemaking, old vines and traditional grape varieties that contribute to the country's ancient wine culture, which has evolved throughout the centuries.

The Ten Best French Red Wines: A Beginner’s Guide

The best way to make sense of French red wines is to simply start tasting them. France offers the perfect red wine for every occasion—from steak frites on Monday, to boeuf bourguignon with the in-laws on Sunday. Many of France’s best red wines are labeled with the name of the wine appellation,...

25 French Wine Terms You Need To Know

One could argue that France is the philosophical heart of fine wine. Much of what the world now does, from vineyard practices to winemaking techniques, can be traced back to the viticultural motherland. Here are some must-know terms for exploring the wines of France.

Italian Vintage Chart, from 2010 to 2020

Wine Scholar Guild is pleased to provide its readers with vintage and harvest reports for some of Italy’s most famous regions, from 2010 onward. We felt it was time that we expand our assessment of vintages and harvest reports outside of France and Italy was first on our list. To compile this...

A Closer Look at Ingredients in Wine

Wine is fermented grape juice…in theory. However, in practice, modern wine may be made by using a wide array of compounds aimed at facilitating the winemaking process, enhancing the product’s organoleptic qualities, or simply fixing problems before or after they arise.
How to Pair Spanish Tapas and Wine

How to Pair Spanish Tapas and Wine

There is a man in Logroño’s Calle Laurel who makes garlic mushrooms. It’s the one and only thing on the menu, not that there is a menu. Griddled mushrooms, served on toast, drowning in garlic butter with a small slice of prawn on top. They are miraculous. I think about him and this bar often, as I...

Discovering the Gastronomic Heritage of France: A Visit to Dijon's International Center for Gastronomy and Wine

Uncovering the Secrets of Burgundy's Winemaking Tradition through Immersive Exhibitions, Workshops and Tastings...