Relatable and valuable pieces shared by wine students, industry professionals, and enthusiasts!
5 Top Tips for the CSW Exam
by Sedale McCall
A Quick Guide to Oak Barrels
(and how they affect wine) For almost as long as there’s been wine, it has been stored in oak barrels. Barrels were used initially because they were easy to transport, yet sturdy and durable. It wasn’t until they were well integrated with winemaking that we realized...
3 Ways the French Wine Scholar Program is Different from WSET3
Both a different level of detail and lots of time spent studying, here are 3 ways these popular exams differ!
6 of the most questionable words in wine
Disagreeable. Dubious… I toyed with the right word to use here. I read these words in headlines for wine articles week after week after week after week …so I thought I’d share them and get your take!
Finger Lakes Wine + the Riesling Camp Experience
An immersive look into the region and the Riesling!
The Story of Malbec, Carménère, and Tannat
In the mid-19th century, Malbec, Carménère, and Tannat left their homeland in France heading to South America - future unknown. Just like most immigrants, armed only by their abilities and potential, these grapes have adapted and prospered in their new homes. Malbec...
Screwcap vs. Cork: Is one better than the other?
Breaking down the pros and cons of wine closures. Plus a bit about cork taint and all of the cork alternatives you might not even know about!
All You Need To Know About Bordeaux: A Regional Guide
Regardless of where you are in your wine journey, there’s no doubt you know Bordeaux is where it’s at. It’s one of the pinnacles of Old World wines and responsible for the more jaw-dropping of bottle auctions. Learning about Bordeaux is intimidating, to say the least....
A Guide to Obscure Tasting Notes
Where do flavor descriptors like “pencil shavings”, “cat pee”, and “tar” come from?
All You Need to Know About Tannat: A Quick Guide
Everything you would want to know about this deeply tannic and intensely flavored red wine!
Wine Industry Trends for 2023
A lineup of what’s been on the rise in the wine industry and what I think will grow in 2023! Please weigh in.
All you need to know about Grüner Veltliner: A Quick Guide
Everything you would want to know about this citrusy and ‘green’ spicy variety!
Core Contributors
Core Contributors
Oliva Abramson
Olivia is a Washington-based freelance writer with a Level 2 Award in wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. She has a passion for all things food, wine, and travel, though her heart belongs to the Pacific Northwest. When she’s not sipping on a glass of Washington Cab., she’s usually bikepacking, crocheting, or chillin’ in the sun with her dog Tater.
Rana Masri
Rana is a certified WSET3 and French Wine Scholar. She is a forever student with a passion for wine stories and converting wine drinkers to enthusiasts following their own wine journeys. Rana comes from the ancient land of wine Lebanon and currently lives in Dubai with her other two passions, her kids.
