The best winemakers of Samaria

The eponymous winery started by her and her former husband Dan, Duckhorn Vineyards, was founded in 1976. The brand would be among the first to feature Merlot as more than merely a blending grape. Duckhorn helped ignite America’s love for the grape. Born in New York State, Margaret travelled much throughout her life, growing up in a military family. Her collegiate studies would lead her to Germany where she would discover a love for wine. Upon returning to the US she would complete three degrees ...

Franciacorta has lost one of its fathers; Franco Ziliani died aged 90 this Christmas. He was the winemaker who, along with the Count Guido Berlucchi, changed the destiny of an entire region and helped make Franciacorta one of the most consistent areas in the world for sparkling wines made in the traditional method. Their fateful encounter was in 1958 at Palazzo Lana, in Franciacorta. Count Berlucchi began to question the young winemaker about how to improve his unstable white wine produced in Co ...

Screaming Eagle, Harlan Estate, Mayacamas and Spottswoode are among the major names featured in the Napa Valley Library Wine Auction via Sotheby’s. More than 50 lots have been assembled for the sale, which began online this week and will culminate in a live auction on 5 February in New York. Organised in partnership with trade body Napa Valley Vintners, the auction includes vintages back to 1978 and wines have been sourced direct from winery cellars. One rare lot involves a magnum of each of Scr ...