Excited to announce a new partnership with James Flewellen (WSET Diploma graduate) today! One of the goals of Dutch Wine Apprentice is to educate people and help them to better understand wine, making more educated choices, being able to hold down a conversation with a sommelier or wine merchant or just to discover new wines and develop your taste.
Educating yourself might bring you a lot but can also be comprehensive and even intimidating. The world of wine scares away people as much as it attracts them. Having studied with WSET I myself found out that textbooks are not always working in the way they should (no offense but there is so much information so it is hard to keep focus).
More and more people have tried to come up with supportive material that helps you to digest and keep your motivation, and of course I even looked into that myself. But what James has created is nothing short of magnificent! Armed with his talent and wine knowledge he set out to create Wine Maps of the different French Wine Regions, that contain all the facts you must know and are actually easy to digest. On top of that his Wine Maps are a feast for the eye and as easy to understand than the average subway map.
If you want to learn more about wine, French wine regions or just need some help on your WSET course (the maps are modeled with the WSET syllabus in mind) this is just what you need! Check it out on James’s website to learn more about them and order them for Christmas. The perfect gift for every wine lover.
Also I am happy to announce that James will be a guest on one of the editions of my talk show “Cellar Talks”. A great way for you to learn more about him and the maps! Stay tuned for the date. A more comprehensive review of the maps will follow in the upcoming weeks.
In this in-depth exploration of South African wine, Avondale and Jordan reveal how the Cape’s future is being shaped by two contrasting yet complementary philosophies, balancing biodynamic farming, precision viticulture and an evolving understanding of terroir. Set against climate pressure and shifting ripening patterns, their stories show how innovation and classical structure are redefining Stellenbosch and the wider Cape wine identity.
Kemme Wines presents a focused California wine tasting featuring Jackson Family Wines, highlighting terroir-driven Chardonnay and mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the state’s most respected estates. Through a curated selection spanning Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Knights Valley, and Napa Valley, the tasting showcased modern California wine defined by freshness, structure, and long-term ageing potential.
Château Haut-Bailly is one of the great reference estates of Pessac-Léognan, defined by more than eight centuries of history, a commitment to elegance over fashion, and a distinctive, tactile wine style. In conversation with Véronique Sanders – van Beek, this in-depth article explores Haut-Bailly’s philosophy, recent evolution, and tastings from 2015 to 2022, highlighting why the château remains a benchmark for classic yet contemporary Bordeaux.
Sustainability is reshaping Argentine wine, and Catena Zapata stands at the forefront with pioneering work in lightweight bottles, responsible packaging, and social commitment. This article explores how one of Argentina’s most influential wineries is redefining environmental and economic sustainability in Mendoza and beyond.
At a pivotal moment for Bordeaux, Mathilde de Caix-Lurton of Famille André Lurton shares her perspective on how the region is adapting to climate change, shifting consumer behaviour, and global competition. From Pessac-Léognan to international markets, she outlines a vision for Bordeaux that balances long-term stewardship with the need to remain relevant in a changing world.
Château d’Yquem 2023 marks the third exceptional vintage in a remarkable trilogy, showcasing how modern Sauternes is evolving while remaining rooted in tradition. Tasted in Amsterdam with winemaker Toni El Khawand, this new release reveals a young Yquem in full voice, combining freshness, precision and long-term promise.
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