Heatwaves Prompt Early Harvests Across France
This week, we investigate the early start to the harvest across France prompted by the ongoing heatwaves. We also look at wild weather in Spain, and some opportunistic pigeons.
Wine News
BrewDog Co-Founder Martin Dickie Steps Down Amid Ongoing Struggles
One of BrewDog’s co-founders is stepping away from the company, according to a Friday report from U.K. publication “The National.” Martin Dickie, who founded the Scottish craft beer brand with James Watt in 2007, unexpectedly announced his departure in an email to the staff, citing personal reasons. “This business has been my life for the …
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Sabor de la Tierra Episode 2: How Tequila Ocho Expresses the Complexity of Tequila’s Terroir [Video]
Just like fine wines, great spirits can express a real sense of place, highlighting the unique character of the region, a.k.a. terroir, where their ingredients grow. When it comes to tequila, the location, terrain, and environmental conditions of each agave field can make a huge difference in the finished spirits. In this video, master …
The Most Expensive New Zealand Wines of 2025
For 2025 we also take a whistle-stop tour round New Zealand, highlighting the top-shelf bottles from each region.
The VinePair Podcast: Has Drinking Become Politicized?
A recent Gallup poll shook up the industry last week, revealing data that the U.S. drinking rate has reached a record low. While it’s tempting to point to the usual suspects — like Gen Z or increased use of GLP-1s — there might be other factors at play. A deeper dive into the data suggests …
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Before Espresso Martinis, Pousse Cafés Dominated After-Dinner Drinking
Your speed may vary on digestifs and other classic after-dinner drinks — sambuca’s not for everyone. But before the public was sipping bitter amari or guzzling Espresso Martinis, the Pousse Café was all the rage for post-supper service. In 19th century France, one would be hard pressed to find a dinner that didn’t conclude with …
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The Cocktail College Podcast: Planter’s Punch
The combination of rum, citrus, sugar and bitters that gave us the iconic rhyme “one of sour, two of sweet, three of strong, four of weak,” the Planter’s Punch is a cocktail that sits at the cornerstone of rum history. The customizable classic has endless variations, long evading definition and acting more as a family …
The Definitive Ranking of Bar Games [Infographic]
There are drinking games — like beer pong, flip cup, and King’s Cup — and then there are bar games. Both categories involve drinking, but in the latter’s case, drinking isn’t the sole objective. They’re designed to keep bar-goers occupied so that they stick around and inevitably buy more drinks, but they also bring friends …
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Anheuser-Busch Drafts a Big New Player for Its Middle-Tier Power Game
Football is back on television, and your humble Hop Take columnist is not above a sports metaphor. To wit: coaches teach linebackers to watch the running back’s numbers coming out of the backfield. You can throw fakes with your hips and head, but your chest will signal where you’re going. Now imagine the running back …
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Raging Fires Threaten Spanish and Portuguese Vines
Vineyards in Galicia, the Douro and Beira Interior face catastrophic fires amidst intense heatwaves.