Jerry Lockspeiser: when it comes to liking wine preconceptions are everything

Many years ago I was trying to sell Argentinean wine to the Co-op. We had a delicious, modern style Torrontes that had been custom made for the UK market but I just could not persuade the buyer, of its merits. He tasted it several times always with the same result: he said he didn't like Torrontes. 

Karen Capey | Business development manager BWS

Sometimes chocolate and champagne should not mix

We are programmed to believe that love cannot live without this particular pairing. The truth is a lot more complicated than you want your romantic night to be. While it is a ‘simple’ matter of taste, here is a quick guide to pairing the two this St. Valentine’s Day.

It's wet on our Somerset vines

Minimum Pricing....Am I missing something?

A response to the government’s minimum pricing plan.

Temptestblog

Will be deleted instantly - testing images

A Year of plenty:2013

An incredible year full of surprises and amazing bottles of wine… and a few lessons that you learn as a sommelier and should NOT forget to put in practice, no matter where you are.

Taste Test: Château Thénac - Côtes de Bergerac 2009

What do you buy for the man that has everything? Not a vineyard in Bergerac that's for sure...

50 Great Portuguese Wines for 2014 Comes to the USA

According to Nuno Vale of Wines of Portugal, over the last year, he has seen an over 15% increase in growth by value of Portuguese wines in their export markets.

Interview with Chateau Haut-Bailly's GM Veronique Sanders: Insight into the 2013 Vintage

In a challenging vintage, chateaux with the most resources and the willingness to deploy them are able to make quality wine. Can the secret be the 'cube?'

Jerry Lockspeiser on why wine is for drinking and not for a health or fitness regime

Negative reports about alcohol are as frequent as Manchester City goals. So it would be nice to believe the studies suggesting that the legalised drug we peddle is infact good for health. 

Navigating the New ebook The World Atlas of Wine

Is the new ebook version of The World Atlas of Wine by Jancis Robinson and Hugh Johnson easy to navigate?

Visiting Paulo Laureano in Alentejo, Portugal

"I believe in wine with terroir, and I believe in wine that has a story behind it," says Paulo Laureano with a smile in his cheerful Australian-accented English, as I walk inside the BL Lounge restaurant. It is a modern, yet laid-back place in the wine resort town of Evora, with a sleek looking bar in contrast to the more traditional restaurant white-washed walls and a wooden beam ceiling.

Why on Earth do People Give up Alcohol in January?

A few thoughts on why I won't be going dry for January.

Visiting Di Siprio winery in Abruzzo, Italy

Di Siprio ... sparkling and fine wines from well capitalized new winery in Abruzzo.

An Overview of Festive Trading - An Independents perspective.

A brief look at the sales and trends throughout the month of December at Hennings Wine Chichester.

Visiting Nicolas Feuillatte in Champagne

Curious for an "insider's view" of one of the largest Champagne Houses in Epernay?

Visiting Maison Ruinart in Champagne

Answer quickly - what was the secret to Nicolas Ruinart's success in founding Ruinart Champagne in 1729?

Two Good, 2 Bad fo 2013, Hopes and Fears for 2014: Jerry Lockspeiser, Off Piste Wines

Settle in to Boxing Day in the capable hands of Jerry Lockspeiser of Off Piste Wines as he looks back on his good and bad memories of 2013 and his hopes and fears for 2014.

Using social media is one thing, being interesting is another, says Jerry Lockspeiser

The message I heard being yelled at wine businesses more than any other this year was 'Wake up to Social Media'. For anyone interested in communicating with consumers it's got to be at the centre of company and brand marketing plans for 2014. Or has it?