Some winemakers are sententious about their profession; others are prone to aggrandizing loquaciously about the traditions of terroir and the nuisances of tannins. Viña Cono Sur’s Chief Winemaker, Adolfo Hurtado, is neither of those things. 

Phoenix based photographer Ernie Button has created a series of beautiful photographs by capturing the intricate effects light and glass have on evaporated whiskey stains.

A British artist has come up with a novel way of creating beautiful portraits by using vodka, whiskey, brandy and tea as his primary medium. Carne Griffiths’ drawings focus “on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line” but does so working primarily with “calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea, brandy and vodka”. 

CellarVie Wines are currently championing the deliciously award winning wines of Don Jacobo and so it seemed fitting to ask their charismatic winemaker, Javier Martinez, to tell us about his hypothetical perfect dinner party, complete with ideal guests, archetypal meal with his accompanying wine and his picture-perfect location, which perhaps unsurprisingly happens to be in Rioja… 

Ahead of our brand feature on Don Jacobo, one of Rioja’s finest boutique wine producers in the heart of Navarrete, CellarVie Wines caught up with Javier Martinez; the gregarious winemaker and director of the award winning winery to discuss his winemaking philosophy, the ideals behind Don Jacobo’s unique range of wines, and his love of vintage cars…  

Mauricio González-López de Carrizosa Gordon represents the fifth generation of the González’ family to be involved with Jerez’s leading Sherry producer, González Byass, and has been chairman of the world renowned wine company since 2006. CellarVie Wines grabbed a few minutes with Mauricio to discuss the importance of family dynamics within the business and the revival of the Sherry industry within the United Kingdom... 

Antonio Flores Pedregosa is one of the Sherry industry’s most revered blenders and having lived and breathed Tio Pepe from the moment he was born in Gonzalez Byass’ iconic bodega in Jerez de la Frontera in 1955; he is certainly one of the finest. Having joining the company where his father was head of production in 1980, Antonio Flores has continued the family traditions of creating award winning Sherries in the heart of Andalucía.  

CellarVie Wines tracked down England and Middlesex cricket legend Angus Fraser MBE to find out who he would invite to his perfect dinner party, where he would hold this hypothetical get-together, and the wine he would serve…       

Following our recent interview with Nederburg winemaker Razvan Macici, CellarVie Wines pressed the jovial Romanian and current star of South African Master Chef to reveal his hypothetical perfect dinner party, complete with three guests of his choosing, his ideal location and a three course meal with his favourite wines... 

“I think the point about a good dinner party is that you want to bring together interesting people and you want to have good conversation.” The CEO of The Fladgate Partnership Adrian Bridge told CellarVie Wines when pressed to reveal his ‘My Perfect Dinner Party’. “So I would be looking for people who are either incredible thinkers or people who could create an incredible perspective.” 

Razvan Macici has been the Nederburg cellarmaster since 2001 and he is not only a bundle of affable energy and a pleasure to interview, but he is also the man responsible for restoring the prize-winning traditions of one of South Africa’s premier wine brands. CellarVie Wines were fortunate enough to spend the morning in the company of the incredibly infectious star of Master Chef South Africa, during which the Romanian born winemaker discussed the Nederburg philosophy, his attitude towards biodynamic viticulture and sustainable winemaking, his love of Super XV outfit The Stormers, and how he very nearly drowned in wine…

Sunday 17th June is Father’s Day so rather than go down the conventional route of buying socks, aftershave or taking him for a pub lunch, why not go that extra-mile this year? After all they definitely deserve it...don’t they?  

Ahead of CellarVie Wines’ focus on Champagne, we stole a precious moment with Taittinger winemaker Loïc Dupont, to discuss his passionate winemaking philosophy and to gain an insight into his crucial role as the guardian of Taittinger’s world renowned reputation, style and elegance. 

If CellarVie Wines have learnt anything whilst endeavouring to interview winemakers, it’s that they are rarely anything other than captivating, perpetually busy and rarely have a moment to spare. Unsurprisingly this was certainly true of Jacques Lardière, the man responsible for making Louis Jadot wines for over 40 years. Often referred to as ‘The Master of Burgundy’, the charismatic and eloquent 62-year-old has been the genius behind the Maison Louis Jadot since 1970 and is widely deemed one of the most important and respected winemakers in France. 

In light of our focus on Rhône, CellarVie Wines interviewed the charismatic and colourful winemaker Jean-Luc Colombo, in order to discuss the winemaking philosophy behind his award winning wines, the beauty of his vineyards and the 55-year-old’s beloved golden retrievers.  

CellarVie Wines  are this week focusing on the wines of Chile and with that in mind, we were fortunate enough to catch up with Viña Errazuriz winemaker Francisco Baettig, to discuss the 42-year-old’s winemaking philosophy, his desire to produce wines that reflect their origins and his love of football… 

It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday and so it’s that time of year to make your mum feel special. With that in mind CellarVie Wines thought they would offer up a few suggestions to do just that. Now you may not buy in to the commercialisation and hype surrounding the day itself, but in essence the message remains the same; show your mum how much you appreciate her!  

Ahead of our focus on Rioja, CellarVie Wines interviewed CVNE (Cune) winemaker Maria Larrea to discuss her winemaking philosophy, her experiences in the industry, and her passions outside of wine…   

It is often said that finding oysters in England can be like diving for pearls, but this is one of the many misconceptions that Oyster Meister - a high quality wandering oyster shop and a fresh alternative to canapés - is keen to address. 

In line with our focus on New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, CellarVie Wines caught up with Vidal winemaker Hugh Crichton to discuss his winemaking philosophy. 

If you can’t be lavish with the one you love.......... At CellarVie Wines we've thought up some ideas to help you splash your cash at the hottest spots in town.

If your Valentine loves a good laugh, why not think about taking them out to a comedy night in town? CellarVie have a few suggestions to get you giggling.

Organise a treat to impress even the most ingrained sophisticate. We like to think we can mix with the best culture vultures...read on.

There’s nothing a girl likes more than being spoiled on Valentine’s Day. If you can throw a bit of romance in there too then you are really showing your style. The team at CellarVie have come up with a few ideas to help you turn on the charm.

Gorgeousness is all about looking after yourself and your loved one. Why not get out the lotions and potions and find out what we think would get your Valentine in the mood?

Something new for this year - our Lifestyle side of the blog will cover all elements of life whether related to wine or not, this should be regarded as where we share our opinions and we hope you share yours with us.