Provence, the picturesque region in southern France known for its stunning vineyards, is attracting more star power with the latest addition of George and Amal Clooney to the winemaking scene. The celebrity couple acquired the Domaine du Canadel estate in 2021 and will be releasing two wines under the Coteaux Varois en Provence Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). This move follows in the footsteps of other famous personalities like Brad Pitt, George Lucas, NBA stars Tony Parker and Carmelo Anthony, and John Malkovich, who have all ventured into the world of winemaking in Provence.
Every year, wine enthusiasts and industry professionals gather at ProWein in Dusseldorf, Germany, to discover new trends and innovations in the world of wine. This year, low-calorie and low-alcohol beverages were in the spotlight, along with orange-hued drinks like Mionetto Aperitivo and Glitter Spritz Aperitivo. Lightweight bottles, a move towards sustainability, were also gaining popularity at the event. Additionally, Albariño, a Spanish white wine variety, was noted as trending once again, with new styles and variations emerging in different wine regions around the world.
In a shocking turn of events, more than 6,600 cases of wine were intentionally spilled from three tanks at the Cepa 21 winery in Spain’s Ribera del Duero region, resulting in a staggering loss of $2.7 million. On a brighter note, archaeologists in France’s Rhône Valley unearthed the remains of an ancient winery near the town of Laveyron, dating back to the first century A.D. The discovery sheds light on the rich winemaking history of the region, with artifacts like terracotta fragments and evidence of wooden casks providing valuable insights into ancient winemaking techniques.
Celebrating the Eclipse with Wine
With the upcoming total eclipse of the sun on April 8, wineries across the United States are gearing up for special events and unique wine releases. In Texas, the Ron Yates Winery and Farmhouse Vineyards are hosting eclipse parties, complete with music, food, and exclusive wine blends like “The Observer” and “Eclipse Malbec.” In New York’s Finger Lakes region, the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail and Seneca Lake Wine Trail are organizing “Sips to the Eclipse” events, offering visitors a chance to enjoy wine tastings and festivities leading up to the celestial phenomenon.
The world of wine continues to evolve and surprise us with new trends, celebrity ventures, archaeological discoveries, and innovative ways to celebrate special occasions like the upcoming total eclipse. Whether it’s sipping on a glass of orange-hued wine, exploring ancient winemaking relics, or toasting to the celestial wonders of the universe, wine enthusiasts have plenty to look forward to in the ever-changing landscape of the wine industry. Cheers to the exciting journey ahead!