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Etna’s Volcanic Wines: Eight Must-Try Picks from the Edge of the Earth

Etna’s Volcanic Wines: Eight Must-Try Picks from the Edge of the Earth

The verdict is in: Etna’s volcanic soil and extreme altitudes are crafting wines that defy gravity—and taste better for it. This Sicilian volcano isn’t just a geological marvel; it’s a wine-making crucible where lava flows, 1,000-meter elevation shifts, and ancient vineyards collide to birth something singular. The result? Wines that crackle with energy, brimming with minerality, acidity, and a wildness that feels almost alive. Here are eight bottles that capture the essence of this volcanic terroir, handpicked for their intensity and authenticity. Etna’s wines are built on a foundation of contrasts. The volcanic rock radiates heat, yet the altitude cools…
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Guado al Tasso’s Cabernet Franc Revolution: A Masterclass in Bolgheri’s Evolution

Guado al Tasso’s Cabernet Franc Revolution: A Masterclass in Bolgheri’s Evolution

If you’ve ever wondered how a single vineyard can redefine a region’s wine identity, look no further than Guado al Tasso. For four decades, this Tuscan estate has been a battleground for tradition and innovation, now epitomized by a masterclass led by Alessia Antinori and Renzo Cotarella. The session wasn’t just about tasting—it was a lesson in how Bolgheri’s terroir transformed Cabernet Franc from a supporting act into a star. The 2007 vintage marked a turning point. When Cotarella tasted the rich, vibrant Cabernet Franc from that year, he saw an opportunity to recalibrate the estate’s signature Bolgheri Superiore. Previously…
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Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Singapore 2025: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Singapore 2025: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

There’s something brewing in Singapore’s wine scene. The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) returned for its second edition, transforming the Shangri-La Singapore into a haven for connoisseurs. Over 600 guests swarmed the grand ballroom, sipping from 52 world-class producers, their palates treated to everything from Japan’s delicate Koshu to Dassai’s premium sake. This wasn’t just a tasting—it was a cultural collision, where centuries-old traditions met modern innovation. The event’s heartbeat pulsed in its masterclasses, where experts dissected icons like Henschke’s single-vineyard treasures and Brunello di Montalcino’s bold structure. Château Margaux’s legendary depth left attendees speechless, a testament to the event’s…
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The Art of Brewing the Perfect Coffee

Brewing coffee is an art form. It requires precision, patience, and passion. The perfect cup of coffee is more than just a drink. It's an experience. From the aroma to the taste, every detail matters. Coffee has a rich history and culture. It connects people across the globe. Understanding coffee beans is crucial. Different types and origins offer unique flavors. The science of brewing coffee is fascinating. It involves chemistry and technique. Having the right equipment is essential. A Keurig coffee maker can simplify the process. Brewing methods vary widely. From French press to pour over, each has its charm.…
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The Next Generation Tastes: Inside Decanter’s 2025 Issue on Family Wineries

The Next Generation Tastes: Inside Decanter’s 2025 Issue on Family Wineries

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: What if your family’s legacy wasn’t a business but a vineyard? The December 2025 issue of Decanter dives into the messy, magical, and often contradictory journey of heirs stepping into their parents’ winemaking shoes. From Bordeaux to New Zealand, 10 family-owned estates share their stories—raw, unfiltered, and steeped in the tension between tradition and reinvention. The meat of the issue lies in the quiet rebellion of younger vintners. At Château Pavie in St-Emilion, Georgie Hindle recounts how her approach to terroir-driven wines clashed with her father’s more commercial instincts. It’s a familiar struggle: parents…
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Global Coffee Awards 2025: US & Canada’s Best Roasters Revealed

Global Coffee Awards 2025: US & Canada’s Best Roasters Revealed

This is worth savoring: The 2025 Global Coffee Awards in Houston crowned the top roasters in the US and Canada, blending excellence in craft with a commitment to transparency. The competition, judged by industry experts, spotlighted roasters who elevated their skills through rigorous feedback and global exposure. Beyond accolades, the event redefined how coffee is evaluated, prioritizing real-world relevance over traditional cupping. The GCA’s approach is refreshingly direct. Roasters submitted their most exceptional coffees across categories like Filter, Espresso, and Flat White, with judges blind-testing samples to eliminate bias. Each entry received numerical scores and detailed critiques on flavor, balance,…
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Coffee Quality Isn’t What It Used to Be

Coffee Quality Isn’t What It Used to Be

Time to spill: Coffee quality isn’t what it used to be. For years, specialty roasters positioned themselves as the artisanal alternative to mass-market brews, selling scarcity, complexity, and “flavor profiles” as their secret weapon. But now, even the most coveted single-origin beans and experimental processing methods have lost their edge. The market has matured, expectations have spiked, and roasters are scrambling to find new ways to stand out. The problem? Quality alone isn’t enough. Once, sourcing auction-winning lots or using techniques like anaerobic fermentation made a coffee feel exclusive. Today, those same methods are staples in high-end cafes and competitions.…
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Skip the Supermarket and Buy Better Coffee Online — Here’s Where

Skip the Supermarket and Buy Better Coffee Online — Here’s Where

This is worth savoring: If you’ve ever wondered why your supermarket coffee tastes flat, you’re not alone. The best online retailers don’t just sell beans—they curate experiences. From single-origin gems to subscription services that deliver global flavors, here’s how to elevate your cup. Intelligentsia, based in Chicago, has been crafting roasted beans from Central and South America for 30 years. Its rotating single-origin selections, like the exclusive “Intelligentsia’s Choice” subscription, pair with year-round blends and seasonal flavors. The brand’s grind options—12 sizes tailored to brewing methods like French press or cold brew—make it a standout for coffee purists. For gifts,…
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Silverbird Roasting Unveils Its First Cafe in Minneapolis: A Blend of Aviation and Coffee Culture

Silverbird Roasting Unveils Its First Cafe in Minneapolis: A Blend of Aviation and Coffee Culture

Here’s what you need to know: Silverbird Roasting, the Minneapolis-based roastery founded by 2016 U.S. Coffee Roasting Champion Tony Querio, has finally landed its first brick-and-mortar cafe in the Kingfield neighborhood. The 1,800-square-foot space, called Silverbird Coffee & More, is a masterclass in design and detail, blending aviation nostalgia with modern coffee culture. From airline galley carts repurposed as condiment stations to a brass draft system churning flash-chilled iced coffee and locally made tonic, every element feels intentional. The space’s industrial charm—exposed beams, preserved 100-year-old wood floors—contrasts with its playful touches: high chairs, coloring pages, and a signature drink called…
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Sur Coffee’s Southern Expansion: A Rebellion Against the Coffee Giants

Sur Coffee’s Southern Expansion: A Rebellion Against the Coffee Giants

This might just change your routine: Sur Coffee is rewriting the rules of coffee in Southern California. While corporate chains churn out identical brews with robotic efficiency, this coastal roaster is building a movement—one cup at a time. With roots in surf culture and a mission to honor the people behind every bean, Sur Coffee isn’t just expanding its footprint. It’s redefining what it means to belong to a community. The brand’s strategy is simple but radical: prioritize connection over convenience. In a market flooded with drive-thru speed and algorithm-driven orders, Sur Coffee is betting on something older and more…
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