circleofwine

Delighted to share the news that talented @circleofwine member Nicole Wolbers @schaumweinmagazin has been named as the first Sekt Ambassador of the German @sektmacher association at the Sektboerse in Mainz. As Nicole says, this is not just a title, it is a mission to make German sparkling wine culturally visible. Nicole will be presenting Sekt at the next @circleofwine Let’s Talk webinar on the Tuesday 26th May at 6pm BST. Guests welcome - please contact @sueyeames with your e-mail to register. Photo credits: @terroir.cru and @sektmacher

A huge pleasure to welcome new member @diana_pavelescu to the @circleofwine . Diana is a Romanian wine writer, educator and DipWSET, specialising in Romanian wines, appellation systems, indigenous varieties and wine travel, with a focus on connecting Eastern European wines to an international audience. She is a member of @wineeducators and participates in wine tastings and international judging competitions.

Delighted to announce that the next @circleofwine Let’s Talk about webinar … Sekt-appeal: Reviving the luxury Spirit of German Fizz! with @circleofwine member Nicole Wolbers @schaumweinmagazin will take place on Tuesday 26th May at 6pm BST. Guests welcome - please contact @sueyeames if you would like to join us. Nicole will explore the remarkable transformation of German sparkling wine. Germany is currently experiencing a “quality revolution” led by a niche of ambitious “Sektmacher” (premium sparkling wine makers). Nicole is a sppecialized wine writer, educator and sparkling wine expert. Originally a textile engineer, she discovered her passion for viticulture in California before earning her WSET Diploma, where her thesis on bubbles earned her a nomination from the Champagne Bureau UK. Today she runs , a platform dedicated to the ‘quality explosion’ of German Sekt, where she also raises awareness of lesser-known traditional method sparkling wines. Nicole is one of the regional speakers for @vinissima_frauenundwein Berlin-Brandenburg and a certified Cava expert. She lives in Potsdam and was recently awarded the title of first ever Sekt Ambassador for the Sektmacher organisation.

Thrilled to share the news that @circleofwine member @elizabeth.gabaymw and @bengabaybernheim ‘s new book ‘The Wines of Provence’ will be published on 11th May by @academieduvinlibrary . This joint project between Elizabeth and her son Ben is born of a 40 year love of the region, and the publishing date of 11th May marks the significant 40th anniversary of Elizabeth working in the region. Liz and Ben will also be publishing a series of tasting reports on the wines of Provence - starting on the 11th May - on their website https://pink.wine/

Really delighted that so many @circleofwine members were able to attend the @champagnelaurentperrier masterclass and tasting with oenologist @constance_delaire at @67pall_mall in London. Members @bampwine @sommdomb @johndownesmw @lindawriteswine @keithwineprof @winefullnessmagazine @christosioannou82 @sandy41194 @instjudeokane @trevorsharot @davidwaywine @luisa_wineandmore @winfieldwines and @sommelierindia_winemagazine were delighted to catch up (with Reva flying in especially from India). So sorry to miss this but a huge thank you to @circleofwine members @luisa_wineandmore @sommelierindia_winemagazine and @winefullnessmagazine for sharing their photos and to @majorlypr for the invitation.

A real pleasure to share this lovely photo of @circleofwine members @annewiesnl_wine_food_writer and @enowersytet meeting up during a press trip to Rheinhessen, Germany, and with the Niersteiner ‘Roter Hang’ vineyards in the background. Anne-Wies and Gosia visited some wineries, the @sektmacher Sektboerse, the VINVIN fair, and the amazing VDP Weinboerse in Mainz.

Delighted to share the news that very talented @circleofwine member Kathy Burk’s new book ‘Wine: A Global History’ is being published by @profile.books in the UK on 1st October, and by @basicbooks in the US on 13th October. The book begins in the Neolithic period and ends in 2025, covering the major wine areas in every continent barring Antarctica, and including chapters on the complex relationship between Islam and wine. Kathy has been primarily an academic historian of international history, but in 2002 received the DipWSET. Since then she has lectured & judged, and written a number of articles on the history and culture of wine for @worldoffinewine . She served on the @circleofwine committee as membership secretary.

Great for @circleofwine members @florencetilkens and @sueyeames to catch up at the @terredevins_officiel concours in Lyon.

We wouldn’t usually share the @67pall_mall Global Wine Communicator Awards’ 2026 longlist but we are thrilled to announce that more than 40 @circleofwine members are featured this year, some in 2, 3 or 4 categories. @richardhemming The list includes @circleofwine Chair @megmaker , Treasurer @robthefoodie , member and @wineeducators Chair @abvtastings , members @timatkinmw , @nataliemacleanwine , @samanthacolejohnson , @plsthepalate , @jasonmillar , @vinography , @weinstory , @sommspirations , @michalisg , @instjudeokane , @rumasi.wine , @susieandpeter , @wendynarby and many others /2026

A huge pleasure to share the news that talented @circleofwine member @annewiesnl_wine_food_writer ‘s e-book ‘Romanian Wines Uncorked, Your Insider’s Guide to Exploring Romanian Wines’ is now available. Anne-Wies is based in Romania, and this e-book is the result of interviews with many winemakers, wine professionals and wine lovers. It covers all the wine regions with recommended wineries and pairing tips for traditional Romanian dishes. Available at an introductory price of just €14.95. /l/romanian-wines-uncorked

Delighted to welcome new member @verostefanotesi to the @circleofwine . Stefano Tesi is a freelance journalist for @jamesmagazine.it , @civiltadelbere , Touring, and Espresso guide. He runs the webzine Alta-Fedelta.info, and is a member of the IGP winewriters network. Stefano lives in the Siena countryside, has visited over 100 countries as a journalist, is an expert on Tuscan wine & food, and also a professional evo taster.

A huge thanks to @wineeducators committee member @linda.simpson.35513 for this lovely photo of @circleofwine members @thelarderat36 @winefirstsomm @trevorsharot and @awinestory on the @wineeducators trip to Roussillon. The visit was sponsored by @vins.duroussillon (CIVR) and the photo taken by Le Pont de l’Aqueduc d’Ansignan.