Stories
Discovering a leader of new school Rioja. Jade Gross, a name to know.
"The story behind Jade Gross is as compelling as the wines themselves" - Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous.com
It feels surreal that 2025 is already coming to a close. There's been some great moments, fun trips and superb tastings. But in particular, I think it's been a really exciting year for new producer...
La Staffa Verdicchios – The Meursaults of Marche
We initially stumbled across the Verdicchios from La Staffa last year, prompted by Robin's serendipitous encounter with them during a sojourn to Italy.
Sadly it's not all exciting new discoveries in the wine trade. Sometimes it's some rather less fun things, like the recent duty reform brought in from 1st August 2023.
Let's talk: winemaking vessels!
We all know oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. But when it comes to making and ageing wine, there's lots more options than you may think!
Domaine du Grand Cros Provence Rosé comes out better in blind tastings than Whispering Angel
Discover the rosé that comes out better in blind tastings than Whispering Angel, Miraval and Minuty
A Swig first - wines from Ukraine!
By chance, I was in the same drinking hole as a much respected Master of Wine. He tapped me on the shoulder and said, 'Robin, you must meet Vitalii, a winemaker from Ukraine.'
Focus on: the 2019 vintage in Barolo
Get the down-low on the excellent and classical 2019 vintage in Barolo from former 67 Pall Mall buyer and sommelier and Swig Italian wine buyer, Nelson Pari
Why does a 'sweet tooth' often stop short at sweet wine?
Reporting from Piedmont- a flying visit!
Robin and superstar new Swig team member Nelson Pari have just returned from a whirlwind few days in Piedmont. Read on to read more about some fabulous restaurant recommendations, and producers to ...
Exploring Montalcino - a top newcomer in Montalcino's 'grand cru'
It's rare to find an undiscovered gem in a famous wine region like Montalcino, especially one as good as this from a top vineyard. I'm very excited.....
A wine long associated with mass production and mean portions in tiny glasses, how is sherry making strides in the 21st century?
Located just north of Gigondas, Rasteau was only awarded its AOC status in 2010. Previous to that, all wines were simply labelled as Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC. Read on to learn more about this ...
Demystifying the Douro ... the valley and its secrets
As one of the most versatile, historic and not to mention beautiful wine regions in the world, the Douro Valley is also one of the least understood.
The old wines of South Africa - a fascinating historical tasting
There's much talk of the old vines of South Africa, but what about the old wines? Not as numerous or as well-known as their European counterparts, but far more than just curiosities, for sure!
Spotlight on: Vin de Constance - the legendary sweet wine
It's the sweet wine that was cited by Jane Austen as the cure for a broken heart, drunk by Napoleon to soothe his lonely exile on the island of St Helena, and immortalised by 19th century writers a...
Unusual Grape Varieties: Everyday is a school day for us too!
As Intrepid Wine Explorers, everyday is a school day for us too! Our comfort classics are still vitally important to us all: creamy Chardonnay, steely Riesling, fragrant, peppery Syrah and rounded ...
Focus on: Modigliana - the Italian terroir you need to know
Modigliana is a place that not many may know outside Italy, and yet we firmly believe this is some of the most incredible terroir yet to be discovered by the cognoscenti.
Myth-busting! Finding great pairs for those 'impossible to pair' foods
Turning preconceptions and terrible pairings to great ones!
Revel in this glorious seasonal gem!
The weird, wacky and wonderful - a veritable fruit salad of a wine!
One wine, one dream. One that screams Adi Badenhorst and Kalmoesfontein!
Vinho Verde- there's more to it than spritz!
There's nothing worse than being pigeon holed....there's more to Vino Verde than you know!
Sommelier selection - La Trompette's Donald Edwards top Swig picks
Head Sommelier at wine focused Michelin star London restaurant, La Trompette, Donald picks his current favourites from our Swig selections.
Regenerative Agriculture - the lowdown
Organic farming, biodynamic, now regenerative? Read on to find out more