Couvent des Jacobins has just celebrated their 120 year anniversary since the Jean family acquired the estate in 1902. As only one of two Grand Cru Classe located within the historic walls of Saint-Emilion, the estate boasts a longstanding history of producing estate wines, but Monks were the early vintners in this monastery, originally crafting […] The post A Visit to Couvent des Jacobins | A Jewel in the Heart of Saint-Emilion appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

A Time for Pause and Reflection To say that the current health crisis in which we find ourself has presented us with a dizzying array of challenges would be an understatement. It has touched the life of every single person in this country, and in many parts of the world, and is sure to leave […] The post A Time for Reflection, and Looking To The Future appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

For just five nights each summer Chateau L’Hospitalet, a serene retreat nestled in the Languedoc region of the South of France, undergoes a spectacular transformation as the picturesque locale becomes center stage for Gerard Bertrand’s annual Jazz Festival known as Jazz L’Hospitalet.   The charming estate is a destination in itself and offers a bit […] The post Gerard Bertrand Cultivates the Arte de Vivre with Annual Jazz Festival Jazz A L’Hospitalet appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

Imagine a postcard from Tuscany, and you’ll likely envision a medieval castle prominently perched high atop a a hill in the picturesque sun-drenched countryside that’s often referred to as the California of Italy.  Now imagine that one of Italy most iconic wine families has purchased such a castle, renovated it to its 11th century grandeur […] The post Castello di Montepo – A Tuscan Treasure Begging to be Discovered appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

Château du Tertre Dating all the way back to 1736, Château du Tertre is a breathtaking property nestled in Bordeaux’s Margaux appellation. As a member of the Millesima Blog Awards jury, I had the opportunity to visit and experience their incredible hospitality. We enjoyed a gorgeous lunch paired with their finessed, elegant wines.  One of […] The post Highlights from Bordeaux | Behind the Scenes at Two Prominent Château appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

During the first week of April, I had the great honor and privilege of returning to Bordeaux as a jury member for the 2019 edition of the Millesima Blog Awards. Once there, we had the opportunity to greet the award winners and share a truly special evening together at Chateau Cos d’Estournel – more on […] The post The 2018 Bordeaux Vintage – Powerful Yet Playful appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

Discover Puglia | Primitivo Finds its Footing in the Heel of Italy As you make your way toward the southern reaches of Italy, you’ll find the sun-drenched region of Puglia in the heel of Italy’s boot. Surrounded by crystal clear waters on three sides, summer months have long attracted droves of tourists in search of […] The post Discover Puglia | Primitivo Finds its Footing in the Heel of Italy appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

Buy Recommendation | Zaca Mesa Syrah Santa Barbara I realize that I haven’t shared as many individual wine recommendations on my site lately. For that, I apologize, but the main culprit is that I just don’t have the time to write about every wine that might deserve the recognition. For that, I recommend following me […] The post Buy Recommendation | Zaca Mesa Syrah Santa Barbara appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

Rethinking Aussie Wine | John Duval Interview To say that Australian wine is suffering from an image problem would be a gross understatement. No other country suffers the same level of stigma that’s befallen Australia, as its practically become fashionable for oenophiles to discredit it as merely capable of producing big jammy Shiraz, lavishly oaked […] The post Rethinking Aussie Wine | John Duval Interview appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more

Château Clerc Milon Sets The Stage | 2018 Prix Clerc Milon de la Danse  Have you ever noticed the dancers adorning each label of Château Clerc Milon? The Rothschild family, who owns Château Clerc Milon, has long been a patron of the arts. In fact, it was Bordeaux visionary Baron Philippe de Rothschild who rather shockingly […] The post Château Clerc Milon Sets The Stage | 2018 Prix de la Danse appeared first on The Fermented Fruit ..read more