Unearthing Wine, Wonder, and the Heart of the Rhône
The sun rises over the vineyards of southern France, scattering gold across a landscape steeped in centuries of viticultural tradition. As we continue our journey through the Côte du Rhône, we delve deeper into the region’s enchanting terroir, unearthing not only exceptional wines but also the stories, people, and natural marvels that make this corner of France so captivating.
Early this summer I had the pleasure of spending 4 days in Avignon exploring what the Côtes du Rhône region has on offers when it comes to Wine Tourism. I went with quite a few pre-conceptions, mainly that all the wines would be red, very heavy with high levels of alcohol that would blow my head off and the quality would be questionable! But my experience was far from those pre-conceptions and I learnt so much more about the wines of Côtes du Rhône, the people and the wide range of activities (including family friendly) you could take part in from a ble
Nestled on the ever-vibrant 100 Wardour Street, Freak Scene Wardour Soho beckons with neon signage, eclectic beats, and a promise of gastronomic adventure. It’s a pop up restaurant that wears its name with pride—a place where boundaries between cuisines blur, traditions are gently subverted, and every dish tells a story of creative rebellion. Freak Scene captures the dynamic spirit of Soho: irreverent, artistic, and unapologetically bold.
The Visionary Behind the Mayhem: Scott Hallsworth
The English wine industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years. By 2024, there were over 1,000 vineyards in the UK, reflecting significant expansion. This growth is driven by increasing interest in locally sourced wines and the favourable growing conditions in regions like Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. The total vineyard area in the UK has grown by 123% over the past decade.
It’s a Wednesday evening down at Gaucho, Tower Bridge and I’m sat down for dinner with Edy Del Popolo, the terroir whisperer who uprooted two thousand 80-year-old Malbec vines and successfully replanted them. This effort is part of Edy's broader mission to explore and tap into the hidden potential of Argentina's diverse terroirs, particularly in regions like Gualtallary. Edy's journey in viticulture began with his studies in enology and agronomy at Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Mendoza.
Right in the heart of Wardour Street, where Soho’s energy pulses through every neon sign and restaurant window, Kanpai Classic Soho stands out - not just for its sleek exterior but for what lies within: a bold reimagining of Japanese Wagyu dining. And when I say "reimagining", I mean it quite literally. This isn’t just a place for a good meal - it’s a steakhouse with a philosophy, a precision-crafted performance of meat, fire and flair, combining the elegance of a Kyoto tea ceremony with just enough Soho swagger to make it feel like the most exciting seat in town.
I was first introduced to Château Galoupet in April 2024, during lunch with Estate Director, Mathieu Meyer. I’d never tried a premium rosé before then, certainly not one that demanded a £50 a bottle price tag and claimed to be the wine that could accompany every course on the lunch or dinner menu, including steak. From that point I’d fallen in love with this gastronomic rosé and was delighted to receive a bottle of the latest 2024 vintage and the newly released organic ‘G de Galoupet 2024’, a wine with a price point which is accessible to more ros
In Chinese culture, food is far more than mere sustenance - it’s the very heartbeat of social rituals, an art form that brings families and friends together, marks life’s milestones and honours centuries-old traditions. From the crackling sizzle of woks at dawn in bustling street markets to the soft glow of lanterns illuminating elegant banquet tables at dusk, every bite tells a story of heritage and creativity.
In the picturesque Chianti hills of Tuscany lies Castello di Albola, a historic estate renowned for its exceptional wines and rich heritage. This medieval castle, surrounded by lush vineyards, has been a symbol of winemaking excellence for centuries.
A Journey Through History
King’s Cross has come a long way since the days of greasy spoon cafés and grey station concourses. Now a hub of art, fashion and glossy regeneration - arguably London’s most frenetically modernised postcode - it’s also home to one of London’s most intriguing boutique hotels: The Megaro.
