February 2026

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The first Masters of Wine of 2026 have been announced

G’day guys, welcome back to Wine Unfiltered. This week, we’re doing a deep dive on Australia’s oldest commercial wine region: the Hunter Valley. Wade skipped…

Just looking closely can help you figure out what wine is in your glass.

In this show I go back to basics (the last time I covered this topic was in 2011 — episode 7!!)  and discuss the differences between the terms New World and Old World.   Although it seems totally basic, there has been controversy over using these terms, with some writers saying they are antiquated, non …

🎧Ep 596: Back to Basics – Defining Old World & New World (and why it still matters) Read More »

A painting in the tomb of Nefertari that shows the Egyptian queen with two ‘nu’ jars, possibly filled with wine. Take a journey through time via our new wine history quiz, featuring 10 light-hearted brain teasers that celebrate the grapevine’s rich cultural heritage. In the quiz box below, you’ll find multiple choice questions on a …

History quiz: 10 questions on wine through the ages Read More »

Even casual wine drinkers know the name Burgundy: The rightfully famous region produces world-class expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Beyond tasting the area’s starchild grapes, the best way to understand why drinkers are so obsessed with Burgundy is by sampling wines from a range of producers whose varying terroirs and preferences encapsulate the locale’s …

10 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Burgundy Read More »

Oh, the Martini. Luxurious and elegant, it’s been one of the world’s most popular cocktails since its inception, but it’s also one of the most contested. As opposed to classics like the Old Fashioned, Martinis don’t really have a standard spec, with base spirit, modifier, and style up to drinkers’ preferences. While some of these …

Bartenders Reveal the Weirdest Martini Orders They’ve Heard Read More »

Early European vignerons noticed that grapevines thrived on hillsides. Sun exposure, cooling winds, and hard, mineral-rich soil all created the perfect environment for growing grapes. And though pioneering Napa Valley winemakers mimicked many European viticultural strategies, the first vineyards in the California region were planted on the valley floor. As the zone became more popular, …

Wine 101: Shafer Vineyards Read More »

This episode of The Buildout is brought to you by Farmer’s Gin. It’s brought to you by the same amazing people that brought you Michter’s, and it’s actually the gin that I use at home for my Martinis. It’s clean, crisp, unfussy — perfect for building any kind of Martini that you would like. Farmer’s …

The Buildout Podcast: Shinji’s Read More »