Argentina

The Stars of the Global Cabernet Franc Masters 2026

The Stars of the Global Cabernet Franc Masters 2026

Real talk: The Global Cabernet Franc Masters 2026 didn’t just deliver a stellar lineup—it redefined what the grape can achieve. With fewer wines than previous years, the competition sharpened its focus, delivering a masterclass in precision and elegance. From Argentina’s dominant presence to Canada’s surprise Grand Master, this year’s results underscored the grape’s versatility and the artistry of its makers. Argentina led the charge with 13 entries, including two Golds and three Silvers, proving its knack for balancing power and finesse. The country’s standout was the Trapiche Gran Medalla 2023, a bold, unoaked expression that showcased the grape’s ability to…
Read More
Gen Z’s Coffee Obsession: It’s Not About the Bean, It’s About the Experience

Gen Z’s Coffee Obsession: It’s Not About the Bean, It’s About the Experience

Let’s talk about the quiet revolution brewing in specialty coffee. Younger consumers aren’t just chasing trends—they’re rewriting the rules. For Gen Z, coffee isn’t a ritual; it’s a moment. They crave customization, Instagrammable aesthetics, and drinks that feel as intentional as their curated playlists. Matcha, iced and bright green, has become their go-to, with brands like Blank Street and Black Sheep turning it into a billion-dollar phenomenon. Greggs, the UK’s beloved bakery chain, even jumped in with its first matcha line, proving that mainstream appeal and youth culture are no longer mutually exclusive. This generation grew up in a world…
Read More
Matcha’s Rise and the Future of Custom Coffee

Matcha’s Rise and the Future of Custom Coffee

Get ready to sip on this: Matcha is no longer a niche curiosity—it’s becoming the star of café menus worldwide. In 2026, its green hue and health halo have propelled it from a quirky alternative to a core offering, outpacing even coffee in some chains. This shift isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of Gen Z’s hunger for experimentation and personalization. Cafés are now crafting menus that feel like curated experiences, blending global flavors with local twists. From ube lattes to yuzu-infused cold brews, the goal isn’t just to trend—it’s to tell a story. The real magic lies in…
Read More
Costa’s Struggles and illy’s Bold Move: Coffee’s New Power Struggle

Costa’s Struggles and illy’s Bold Move: Coffee’s New Power Struggle

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: Costa Coffee’s losses have more than doubled in two years, while illycaffè bets big on US growth. The coffee world is shifting fast, and these moves reveal a deeper battle for relevance. Costa, once a UK titan, now faces a dual threat: shrinking footfall and a flood of value-driven rivals. Greggs and Pret A Manger have nibbled away at its market, but the real pressure comes from Gen Z darlings like Blank Street and Black Sheep. These brands aren’t just selling coffee—they’re redefining what it means to be trendy, affordable, and Instagram-ready. Costa’s latest…
Read More
Influencers Are Reshaping Specialty Coffee—Here’s How

Influencers Are Reshaping Specialty Coffee—Here’s How

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—your morning ritual is being rewritten by influencers. Up to 93% of marketers now rely on influencers to cut through the noise, and specialty coffee is no exception. With Gen Z consumers trusting influencer recommendations over traditional ads (92% of them, per Nielsen), the industry’s authority is shifting from competition trophies to Instagram feeds. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a seismic shift in how coffee is discovered, discussed, and consumed. The rise of influencer marketing has democratized coffee culture. Once confined to barista competitions and niche publications, expertise now lives on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.…
Read More
Malbec’s Double Life: From French Roots to Argentinian Fame

Malbec’s Double Life: From French Roots to Argentinian Fame

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s a grape that defied its origins to become a global star. Malbec’s story is less about pedigree and more about reinvention. Once a forgotten vine in France, it’s now Argentina’s flagship red, yet its French soul lingers in every glass. The Tasting Challenge—a weekly dive into 34 wines from 12 countries—revealed how geography can rewrite a grape’s destiny. Malbec’s French roots are steeped in obscurity. Once a blending grape in Bordeaux, it struggled with pests and weather, earning a reputation for being unreliable. By the 1860s, though, a French botanist planted it in Mendoza,…
Read More
Taste Argentina’s Wines, Master the Land

Taste Argentina’s Wines, Master the Land

Time to spill: Argentina’s wines aren’t just about grapes—they’re a map of its soul. From Patagonia’s frigid winds to Salta’s sun-baked highlands, the country’s terroir crafts flavors that scream geography. But how do you translate that into a tasting experience? Enter Learn By Drinking: Argentina, a course that turns wine into a passport. This isn’t about sipping; it’s about decoding. Each bottle is a clue, each region a story. The course pairs six iconic varietals—Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Torrontés, and more—with lessons on how altitude, soil, and climate shape their profiles. It’s not just about tasting wine; it’s about tasting the…
Read More