Author Archives: Caroline

About Caroline

Caroline is a certified Sommelier (by the CMS) and WSET diploma student. In order to specialize in the wines of Champagne she moved to the region and currently works as a wine consultant, wine educator and wine writer. She is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for several international publications including Palate Press, Snooth, Wine-Searcher, Decanter and Vinogusto; further activities include teaching Champagne related courses at Reims Management School and organizing personalized tasting experiences at http://www.tastingswithatwist.wordpress.com as well as being a regular judge at international wine competitions.

Biodynamics and the liveliness of RAW wine…

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend both the RAW and REAL natural wine fairs in London. Both fairs had more than 200 exhibitors each and were very well attended by the public, trade and press. For … Continue reading

Posted in biodynamic, Champagne, Natural Wine, organic, terroir, wine fair | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Caroline’s Champagne – is sustainable or organic farming the gateway to the future?

As many of you may know I have been totally fascinated to the point of obsession with vineyards and the terroir in Champagne ever since I moved here. I also have a long time passion for sustainable farming which has … Continue reading

Posted in Caroline's Champagne, Champagne | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Caroline’s Champagne – a reflection on Champagne Terroir and the human role in the expression of this Terroir

I have been pretty occupied by the notion of “terroir” in Champagne lately. It all started off with the 4 independent winegrowers vins clairs and Champagne tastings 3 weeks ago. Terres et Vins de Champagne were de initiators of this … Continue reading

Posted in Caroline's Champagne, Champagne, Natural Wine, terroir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

#winelover’s and VinItaly

Just about a month ago I was in Verona with a group of friends to work on and participate in the first live #winelover project. Up till Vinitaly 2012, #winelover had been an online community of people who love wine … Continue reading

Posted in networking, social media, wine fair | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The direct wine sales business model – the growing success of Weingut Clauer and Champagne Tribaut

I have long been an admirer of the US “wine club” system, where customers sign up at the winery to receive a (mixed) case of wine every so often. The reason WHY I am so impressed by this system is … Continue reading

Posted in General wine biz stuff, Wine Business, wine marketing | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

A quick review of Prowein 2012

Last weekend I attended Prowein in Dusseldorf. Over the past decade Prowein has developed itself into THE wine fair to attend in Europe. It attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over the world and with a lot of determination and … Continue reading

Posted in Natural Wine, networking, Uncategorized, wine eductation, wine fair, Wine Regions, wine tasting | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Caroline’s Champagne – the single vineyard projects…

A few months ago I moved to Champagne to write more whilst specializing in this wonderful wine:-). As I am discovering my new playing ground I seem to stumble upon so many true gems, unusual wines and fabulous producers which … Continue reading

Posted in Caroline's Champagne, Champagne, terroir | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Large Wine Fairs and the Web 2.0

It’s been a very long time since I wrote a wine marketing focussed post here, guess I have been too busy enjoying the good wines and visits:-) However, this weekend I have done nothing much else but thinking of this … Continue reading

Posted in General wine biz stuff, wine fair, wine marketing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

La Cave aux Coquillages – an unusual cellar visit in Fleurie-la-Rivière

About 10 days ago, the WineSleuth – aka Denise Medrano – and I visited La Cave aux Coquillages in the Vallée de la Marne. La Cave aux Coquillages is a project of winemaker Patrice Legrand who had long been interested … Continue reading

Posted in Champagne, terroir | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Champagne Tarlant – the one Champagne I really cannot get enough of :-)

Champagne Tarlant, is a small independent champagne grower in Oeuilly, in the Vallée de la Marne. The Tarlants started growing grapes and making still wine in the 17th century and almost as soon as the technology allowed it Louis Tarlant, … Continue reading

Posted in Champagne, social media, terroir, Wine Regions, Wine Review | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments