Since the introduction of the 100-point system in the 1970s by American Robert Parker, wine professionals and enthusiasts have referenced wine ratings and awards for their portfolio and consumption needs respectively. But with advances in technology and increased access to information through formal certifications and other resources (including social media) in recent years, are wine ratings and awards still important in the 2020s and beyond?

Pinot Grigio is one of Italy’s most successful white wines, its success in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s continuing to this day. But across the more than 718,000 hectares grown across Italy, there are many more white grape varieties that showcase the country's terroir! Here are few of Italy’s fascinating white grape varieties and their distinctive wines!

The practice of pairing wine with food has existed almost as long as winemaking has been around, and is said to have developed during times when wine became a beverage staple (it was cleaner to consume than water in many areas across the world)! In more modern times, food and wine pairing became more of a science (though not an exact one)! Learn how the key characteristics in food interact with those in wine to better understand classic pairings, and to create new and dynamic experiences!

I really thought the trend of drinking ‘pale and pretty’ rosés, transplanted from the warm and balmy summer days in the South of France, would subside.... Alas, here we are in 2023 and the demand for, and consumption of rosés continues.