Weekly Wine Study Talk

DuMOL has evolved from a small Sonoma startup into one of California’s leading producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, combining estate-driven viticulture, organic farming, and a distinctive focus on Green Valley terroir. Under the leadership of winemaker Andy Smith, the winery has helped redefine modern California fine wine through precision, freshness, and a commitment to vineyard expression.

Field blends, once the dominant form of vineyard planting across Europe, are experiencing a remarkable revival as winemakers seek greater biodiversity, resilience, and complexity in their wines. Exploring examples from the Douro Valley, Alsace, Rioja, and Vienna, this masterclass reveals how ancient field blend vineyards are shaping some of the most compelling wines of the modern era.

At the Jean-Pierre Moueix 2025 En Primeur tasting in the Netherlands, we explored four standout Bordeaux 2025 wines from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion, including Château Bélair-Monange, Château Trotanoy, Château Hosanna and Château La Fleur-Pétrus. Through a lunch hosted by Edouard Moueix and a tasting of mature vintages, the event offered a compelling perspective on the future of Bordeaux, the challenges facing the region and why its finest wines remain among the most exciting in the world.

Discover Restaurant Azurite in Delft and chef-owner Mario Ridder in Episode 4 of Season 2 of Chefs & Cellars, the podcast by Dutch Wine Apprentice. Explore one of the Netherlands’ most exciting fine dining destinations as we discuss hospitality, wine, gastronomy, and the philosophy behind a restaurant built on decades of culinary experience.

Restaurant Azurite in Delft, led by renowned Dutch chef Mario Ridder, is emerging as one of the Netherlands’ most compelling fine dining destinations, combining world-class gastronomy, exceptional hospitality, and a remarkable 12,000-bottle wine cellar. Through an in-depth Chefs & Cellars interview and dining experience, Dutch Wine Apprentice explores how decades of culinary expertise have culminated in a restaurant that seamlessly blends Michelin-level cuisine, memorable wine pairings, and the rich cultural heritage of Delft.

At Cape Cru Amsterdam, Eben Sadie reflects on Chenin Blanc, climate adaptation, family succession and the future of Sadie Family Wines. In this exclusive interview and tasting report, one of South Africa’s most influential winemakers shares his vision for building a wine estate that can thrive across generations.