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Attitude and Altitude: Unearthing the Terroir of Doña Paula
Bodega Doña Paula, in Mendoza, stands out not for flash, but for focus. Founded in 1997 in Mendoza, the winery’s philosophy is rigorously simple: to craft wines that speak clearly of place, wines that are true expressions of the high-altitude terroir of Argentina. Today, the winery is recognized as a pioneer in the study of Mendoza’s micro-terroirs, with a deep commitment to mapping soils, altitudes, and climates across its estate vineyards. The result is wines that capture the essence of Argentina’s high-altitude terroirs with precision and elegance. Vineyards Elevation and Soils Farming exclusively from its own vineyards, Doña Paula’s vineyards are positioned in some of Mendoza’s most coveted and demanding…
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Elevating the Art of Prosecco at Bellenda Winery
Since the mid 1980’s, Bellenda Winery has been crafting elegant sparkling wines in the scenic Carpesica hills of Treviso. Founded by the Cosmo family, the estate reflects their shared passion for the land and the region’s signature grape, Glera. Their vineyards stretch across the prestigious Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG zone, a UNESCO-listed area known for producing some of the finest expressions of Prosecco. We had the pleasure of engaging in a virtual tasting with Umberto Cosmo and being transported to the winery. Bellenda’s Terroir Bellenda’s vineyards lie on the glacial slopes of Carpesica, where cool nights and warm days help the grapes retain vibrant acidity. The mineral-rich soils, composed of limestone,…
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Long Island is Redefining Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc
Long Island may be best known for its beaches and coastal charm, but it has firmly established itself as a premier American wine region. Primarily situated on the North Fork, but with vineyards and over 56 producers across the North and South Forks, this maritime corner of New York is quietly producing some of the most expressive Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc wines in the country. LIWC Blanc & France Summit Long Island Wine Country recently held its first Blanc & France Summit to showcase these two grapes that are performing really well on the North Fork. While Merlot has historically been the most widely planted grape, this event was…
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Bodegas Salentein: Where Art, Architecture, and Altitude Meet
Situated high in Mendoza’s Uco Valley, Bodegas Salentein stands as a striking blend of artistry, architecture, and viticultural excellence. Founded by Dutch entrepreneur, Mijndert Pon, in the late 1990s, Salentein helped put the high-altitude Uco Valley on the global map, crafting wines that reflect the grandeur of the Andes and the precision of modern winemaking. This was a time when the region was still largely unexplored, yet Pon and his pioneering estate invested in land, architecture, and art to create something that went beyond wine. On a recent visit, it was evident that Salentein has turned winemaking into a complete sensory experience — one that celebrates nature, creativity, and culture…
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From the Rising Sun to the Tuscan Hills: The Love Story Behind Bulichella Winery
Situated in the hills of Suvereto, along Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast, is Bulichella Winery — a place where East meets West in a story of love, vision, and harmony with nature. On a recent virtual tasting, we were able to learn the history of Bulichella and its wines by engaging directly with Nicolò Miyakawa, who represents the third generation. Bulichella’s roots trace back to the early 1980’s, when Nicolò’s grandfather, Hideyuki Miyakawa, a Japanese entrepreneur with a deep appreciation for Italy’s culture and landscape, fell in love with Tuscany and with Marisa, a young Italian woman who would later become his partner. Their shared passion for the land and sustainable living…
