Anthony Kingsley - The travelling copywriter’s Post

A great wine list is a necessary component to a great food & beverage program! Catalonia is a vibrant and diverse region in northeastern Spain, and is renowned for its wide array of distinctive wines, reflecting its varied terrain from coastal areas to rugged hills. The region is most famous for Cava, the sparkling wine produced using the traditional method, primarily in the Penedès area, which provides a refreshing and complex alternative to its French cousin, Champagne. Catalonia also excels in producing robust red wines, particularly from the Priorat and Montsant appellations, where old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena thrive on the unique llicorella (slate) soils, creating intensely flavored and mineral-rich wines. Additionally, the Empordà on the Costa Brava and the Terra Alta regions contribute with their expressive white wines made from varieties like Garnatxa Blanca and Macabeo. These Catalan wines, whether sparkling, red, or white, are increasingly gaining international acclaim for their quality and unique character, driven by a blend of traditional practices and innovative modern techniques. ➡ www.somm.site #wine #education #training #learning #growth #innovation #hospitality #tourism #hospitalityindustry #management #marketing #digitalmarketing

On occasions - a view just doesn’t do a region justice…. This was one of those occasions. This is the DOURO region in Portugal - split into three segments - Baixo Corgo (900mm annual rainfall where this is captured) and closest to Porto and the Atlantic influence. - Cima Corgo (700mm annual rainfall and more inland) - Douro Superior (450mm annual rainfall further inland still and no Atlantic influence) There are MANY hidden gems in this part of the world. Portugal - maybe initially and most globally known for its Port production has actually incredible blends of white and red still wines. Why do we not hear about them? Well there are the larger produced wines of the Douro that hit the supermarkets. Portugal is known for blends rather than single varietal wines so you need to know brands or regions before you buy - maybe causing some confusion or misunderstanding. HOWEVER - I can tell you this is one of the very best value for money areas of the wine world! Their wines are incredible with regional arrays of indigenous varietals that are fantastic! I will report back on more detail on wines that thrilled me on my latest trip but for those looking to head here - I HUGELY recommend it. Only just over 1hr drive from Porto on the highways, for anyone looking to head there soon give me a shout and I can put you in touch with people on the ground (including producers who provide fabulous tasting lunches too!) #portugal #douro #sorrynotsorryaboutthesmuggrin #portugalwines

I recently did the first of three blog posts on Bordeaux red wines for under $30. This one recommends 8 wines that have the basic Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superieur classification. It also has three downloads: a list of the recommended wines you can take to the store, a basic introduction to Bordeaux geography and AOC classifications, and recommendations on how to make wines taste better.  https://lnkd.in/edtv5WqZ The next post will recommend 10 Left Bank wines and talk about the famous 1855 classification. The third post will talk about the Right Bank and the St. Emilion classification. I hope these posts help you increase your enjoyment of Bordeaux wines. Everything on my blog about Wine, food, and Travel is free, just sharing things of interest on three of my favorite hobbies. 

For those #DouroLovers, must read this piece from Alder Yarrow #Portugal #Douro

🇵🇹 The Vinho Verde Region represents 15% of the Portuguese wine-growing area, making it the largest demarcated area in the country and one of the largest in Europe. 🌍 It is a region demarcated since 1908 and extends across the entire northwest of Portugal. 🗺️ It has 9 wine sub-regions: Amarante, Ave, Baião, Basto, Cávado, Lima, Monção & Melgaço, Paiva, Sousa. The Atlantic influence, the soils of granite origin, the mild climate and high rainfall translate into the freshness, lightness and elegance of the wines from this region. 🍷💨 Its natural conditions are ideal for the production of excellent white wines, as well as sparkling wines and brandies. 🥂 But not only light and fresh wines are produced here; it also has mineral, complex and structured wines. 🍷🧐 Although white and young Vinho Verde are best known, the region also produces aged Vinho Verde, rosé, red and sparkling wines.  What are your favourites?  . . #vinhoverde  #whitewine  #whitewinelover  #whitewines  #whitewinelovers  #portuguesewine  #portuguesewinelover  #portuguesewines  #portuguesewinetours  #portugalwine  #portugalwines  #portugalwinetour

As the wine industry navigates this unique market, I believe this is our moment to reshape how wine fits into our lives. Wine’s next chapter shouldn’t just be about what’s in the bottle but about how it naturally complements our experiences, especially outdoors. People are looking for a lifestyle that blends adventure with authenticity, and wine can play a key role. Imagine wines that reflect not just the land where they are grown but the adventureous spirit of that very land where they are grown. At Carboy, we’re committed to making this vision a reality by connecting wine to Colorado’s outdoor ethos. By embracing the high-altitude climate of our state and of our vineyards, we’re crafting wines that are more than just drinks; they’re experiences in nature. This is wine reimagined as a reflection of our adventurous, outdoor lifestyle. Who’s drinking with me?

🍇 In the last 10 years, Napa Valley has dramatically increased prices for wine tourism — both for tastings and for purchasing wines. What is happening? Per Karlsson, co-founder and author of BKWine Magazine, co-owner of one of the most reputable wine tourism tour operators BKWine Wine Tours, and esteemed judge of the Wine Travel Awards, analyzed the Direct to Consumer Wine Survey 2023 conducted by Silicon Valley Bank. 💰💰💰 So, today a wine lover has to pay on average $128 for a reserve tasting in Napa and $81 for a standard tasting. At the same time, direct sales of an average winery in this region account for 75%, according to the study! Read Per Karlsson's analysis of wine tourism trends in Napa and the USA in his article 👇 https://lnkd.in/dTZVQqZE #WTA #NapaValley #WineTravelAwards #DrinksPlus #winecommunity #winenews #AmericanWine

DO WE HELP FOREIGN TOURISTS CHOOSE LOCAL WINES? This reflection follows a week of advice to help foreign guests unravel Italian wine lists, which are often far too extensive compared to the type of cuisine on offer. I often say that Italians are great talkers but only sometimes good communicators! 😁 We are used to having a wealth of resources and specialties. We take them for granted, even to those visiting a place for the first time, leaving out presentations and details that would help the guests better understand what they are enjoying. 🏰 Wine lists are no exception! 🍷 With guests in mind, I am happy to share these tips that a French winery has compiled for restaurateurs, to which I add a personal recommendation. Consider this: can restaurants with a large foreign clientele tap into the demand for local products and wines? Is it feasible to dedicate a section of the wine list to wines from local appellations? 🍾 Some establishments have already done so, and the results have been promising. It's a strategy that warrants more attention. Customers and tour leaders will be grateful, considering that they only sometimes have these skills and that it is not easy to translate technical concepts to customers 🙏 . Furthermore, we support local companies and the benefits of the whole chain. #winefortourism #appellations #pdo #winelist #horeca #winedistribution #wineoffer #winecommunication #winetasting #wineeducation #winesales #wineskills #visititalybytheglass #thewinewalk

Ever been to a wine tasting?   I personally don’t drink alcohol, but I do recognise the appeal of sitting together with great company in a pleasant setting and enjoying a glass of wine. Especially if it’s local Lanzarote wine.   That’s why we offer private, fully accessible wine tastings for our holiday guests.   A wine tasting day with LanzAbility begins with my team and I picking you up in one of our adapted vehicles. Since drinking alone is usually somewhat frowned upon, we offer private wine tastings for a minimum of two people—the more, the merrier.   Our first stop: the vineyards, where the local farmers still grow grapes the traditional Lanzarote way.   Next: we’ll visit two or three wheelchair-accessible local bodegas that are not typical tourist hotspots. While enjoying the traditional Canarian atmosphere and stunning views, you’ll get to sample up to ten different local Lanzarote wines.   Let’s not forget about the food: typically, our local bodegas also offer various delicious tapas to accompany your glass of wine.   Often, people come as strangers and end the day with great conversations, lots of laughter, and even new friendships.   That’s what this experience is truly about. 🍇🍷🧑🏻🦽   #winetasting #localLanzarotewine #disability #adaptedactivities #LanzAbility

South African wines. A Friday Post :) It’s interesting that winemaking in South Africa is a very young industry, yet their wines already stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those of France, Italy, California, and other historic wine regions. Although attempts to make wine here date back to the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century, it didn’t go smoothly at first. It wasn’t until the 20th century that quality wine production began. However, due to apartheid, which lasted nearly 50 years and led to trade ban with many countries, South African wines remained unknown abroad, and local winemakers had limited access to new technologies. Now it's just 30 years since the end of apartheid, and South African wines are winning international awards. The country is now the 8th largest wine producer in the world. The climate, especially around Cape Town, is perfect for growing a variety of grape types. Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir thrive here. South Africa’s signature wine, Pinotage (my favourite wine ever!), was developed here by crossing Pinot Noir and Hermitage grapes. People often describe it as “a complex, fruity wine,” though, as a non-expert, I just say - it is incredibly tasty. It’s more than just wine - it’s a celebration in a glass. My special praise goes also to local Chenin Blanc. It's made from French-origin grape sort and very aromatic. As for Rose, just take any from the shelf and don't limit yourself with one bottle. With so many producers, I’m still figuring out which are good and which aren’t. Honestly, I choose based on price and how pretty the bottle looks. Wine tours are hugely popular here - so if you’re a wine enthusiast, South Africa should be on your radar! #SouthAfricaStories #Capetown2024