Stories
Duty on wine - the new rules
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

Greg Sherwood MW on Restless River's new releases
Tasting the New Release Ava Marie 2020 and the Main Road and Dignity Cabernet 2019...

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 watch out for...

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.....

What's the deal with sherry?
A wine long associated with mass production and mean portions in tiny glasses, how is sherry making strides in the 21st century?

Our Christmas Favourites for 2022!
A sensory compilation of Imogen, Ben, James and Kate's tipples of choice for Christmas quaffing this year ...

Robin on Rasteau....
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 beautiful corner of the southern rhone, and a very special producer that we discovered.
