The Lowlands of Scotland may not see the prestige and powerhouse appeal like regions such as Speyside and Islay, but it’s an area that produces some quality spirit. Simply outlined, the Lowlands encompass everything south of Edinburgh (although you can look at the map for a more accurate idea). The diving line was originally decidedContinue reading “The Lowlands”
Category Archives: Region
Central Otago, New Zealand
On par with Burgundy in terms of quality Pinot Noir production, Central Otago is a gem of a wine producing region, located at the bottom of New Zealand’s South Island. Vineyards are nestled in a number of different valleys situated on the foothills of the Southern NZ Alps and are divided into 6 sub-regions: CromwellContinue reading “Central Otago, New Zealand”
Carmel Valley AVA
Carmel Valley is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located within the larger Monterey County AVA and lies 100 miles south of San Francisco. It’s home to over a dozen wineries and tasting rooms and is responsible for some of the best quality Cabernet Sauvignons in the country. Designated an AVA in 1983, Carmel Valley isContinue reading “Carmel Valley AVA”
The Southern Rhone
The Cotes du Rhone is a prestigious wine producing region located in the South Eastern side of France. It follows the Rhone River and is split into two main regions: Northern and Southern. Today, we’re taking a look at the Southern Rhone. The Southern Rhone is a large region known for its red wine blends,Continue reading “The Southern Rhone”
Willamette Valley
Oregon, USA is gaining attention as a top wine producing region. Willamette Valley, located west of the Cascade Mountains and stretching south from Portland, is the most prestigious wine growing AVA in Oregon, with over 2/3rds of the state’s production happening here, along with housing nearly 700 wineries. The Valley follows the Willamette River forContinue reading “Willamette Valley”
Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is a wine growing region located on the North Eastern side of New Zealand’s North Island. It is NZ’s oldest and second-largest growing region (it boasts over 200 vineyards), producing about 10% of the country’s wine. There are 70 wineries (30 with cellar doors where you can actually go and taste) located throughoutContinue reading “Hawke’s Bay”
Napa Valley
When people think Californian wine, they immediately think of Napa Valley. It’s an area north of San Francisco that has over 400 wineries located within its 16 smaller sub-districts (some of the most famous AVAs being Oakville, Rutherford, Stags Leap, and St. Helena). However, Napa Valley only makes up 4% of California’s wine production! It’sContinue reading “Napa Valley”
Coonawarra, Australia
Located in the Limestone Coast zone of Southern Australia, Coonawarra is Australia’s premier red wine growing region. While Australia may be typically seen as a hot country, the Coonawarra region is only 60 miles from the coast and has a climate similar to Bordeaux. It has been producing wines since the 1800s (originally focusing onContinue reading “Coonawarra, Australia”
Mosel, Germany
Mosel is one of 13 wine regions in Germany, and it has received worldwide acclaim for the high quality Rieslings produced there. The Mosel region is located on the western border of Germany, above France and next to Luxembourg, and runs along the Mosel River for about 145 miles. Its wine-growing history dates back toContinue reading “Mosel, Germany”
Campbeltown
Campbeltown is the smallest whisky producing region in Scotland with only 3 distilleries. And yet, it is legally recognized as a unique Whisky producing region. Why? Formerly able to boast the title “Whisky capital of the world”, Campbeltown once had over 30 distilleries in the area (which is the Kyntire peninsula, a 30mile stretch ofContinue reading “Campbeltown”