Armenia: A rising Caucasus star?

This mountainous former Soviet republic in the south Caucasus has long traditions of Christianity and hospitality, and an ancient wine culture that dates back Millenia. It also has outstanding territorial issues and has recently endured conflict and has a large neighbour with whom it has a history of bad relations. The country is modernising but also grappling with corruption, bureaucracy and cronyism. Its shrinking population is mitigated to some degree by returning former emigres, who are active in a revitalising a wine industry where traditions and indigenous grape varieties are being rediscovered, with winemakers aiming for wines that appeal to a modern palate rather than a typical Russian one.

Gilby lauds ‘new era’ at landmark CEE tasting

Interest in central and eastern European wines has undeniably been growing, with the turnout at The Ultimate CEE Wine Fair on 18 June seeming to confirm this trend. Bringing together 15 countries, from Armenia to Ukraine, by way of the Czech Republic and Slovakia down to the Balkans, and even Cyprus, this inaugural London event may have stretched the definition of ‘central and eastern Europe’, but couldn’t be faulted for the diversity and quality of wines on show.

Round Table: Fermenting Furmint

Hungary’s Furmint has been making waves for both the quality and individuality of the wines, with this spring’s Furmint & Friends tasting at London’s Painters’ Hall featuring the most comprehensive spotlight yet on this grape. Harpers partnered with Wines of Hungary UK to convene a round table to analyse the positioning and potential of this exciting volcanic soil-grown variety, with regional expert Caroline Gilby MW giving an introductory overview. Panellists were also offered a taster of some exemplary styles to frame their discussion.

The CEE Wine Fair premieres in London

The Ultimate Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) Wine Fair is set to debut in London on Tuesday, 18 June 2024, offering UK trade and press an opportunity to explore the diverse wine scene in Central and Eastern Europe.

Unusual Suspects: The Balkans

Caroline Gilby MW picks out some of the most promising regions of the Balkans, with Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and North Macedonia offering a wealth of worthy wines waiting to be explored.

Dry whites come to the fore at Furmint February

Wines of Hungary hosted its fifth Furmint February tasting on Monday (20 February), to some 350 visitors, featuring a snapshot of dry whites from the 2021 vintage and a handful from a promising 2022 vintage as well.

Origine by Diam launched across Europe

Closure company Diam Bouchage has unveiled a new more sustainable version of the Diam closure range in Europe.

Caroline Gilby MW uncovers Cyprus's burgeoning wine industry

Sun, sea and sand are not factors normally associated with quality wine production, but once you leave the high-rise hotels and holiday villas of the coast, inland Cyprus is a fascinating ancient wine landscape, discovers Caroline Gilby MW.

Caroline Gilby MW explores Central and Eastern European wines

Caroline Gilby MW analyses why the wines and key growing regions of  Central and Eastern Europe are finally taking  their place on the world wine stage.

Caroline Gilby goes on a Voyage tasting around central and Eastern Europe

The Voyage was certainly an appropriate name for this fascinating tasting at Vinoteca in Soho. It brought together the portfolios of Theatre of Wine and Eclectic Wines, along with Croatian specialists Vino Nostro and Hungarian wines from The Winemakers' Club.