Stories

Latest updates

Find out what IWSC is up to and learn about top-rated producers via our news feed

Each week we publish stories about the best wines and spirits, our experts, upcoming events, and beverage industry news. And, don't miss our new IWSC Insights series, where we take an in-depth look into drinks businesses and markets around the world. Looking for recommendations? Visit our consumer website Club Oenologique to read our top 10s and reviews.

Spirit news

Why Irish whiskey is as good as Scotch – and 10 bottles to try

Top 10 Irish whiskeys from the IWSC’s spirits tasting that you should definitely try for yourself

Read article

Wine news

Top Californian red wines

When it comes to California, UK wine lovers are well catered for at the very top and bottom ends of the market. But what about in between? Here are some of the best Californian red wines you’ll find, from £20-£80

Read article

Spirit news

The history of absinthe and five examples to try

Since the 1990s, bartenders have started to tap into absinthe's daring image and show off the drink’s punchy notes of anise, pepper and herbs in new cocktail recipes. Here are five top examples to try

Read article

IWSC news

Brunello di Montalcino trophy winner: Tenute Piccini 2015

Tenute Piccini has been making wine in Tuscany since 1882, and is the recipient of an IWSC Trophy this year for its Brunello di Montalcino 2015

Read article

Wine news

Barolo trophy winner: Gemma Colarej Barolo 2016

We caught up with the president of Gemma Cantine, Luigi Piacentini, to discover the secrets of Barolo and what makes this award-winning producer’s wines so sought-after by wine lovers

Read article

Wine news

Madeira trophy winner: D'Oliveiras Boal 1980

D'Oliveiras is one of the most historic and respected Madeira producers, and the winner of an IWSC 2020 trophy. We caught up with owner Luis D’Oliveiras to find out more about this incredibly long-lived fortified wine

Read article

Wine news

Discover the top 10 wines from Japan

Japan’s natural humidity makes grape-growing a struggle, which explains why the Koshu grape – a humidity-tolerant white grape – flourishes here. Learn more about Japan's best wines

Read article

Wine news

Sherry trophy winner 2020: Bodegas Williams & Humbert

We speak to Bodegas Williams & Humbert oenologist Paola Medina Sheldon to get the inside track on their magical trophy-winning sherry, and their approach to winemaking

Read article

Spirit news

Shochu: what is it and which bottles should you try?

Asian spirits have a knack of being beautifully crafted liquids with a beguiling texture – and Shochu is no exception. Explore our pick of the best Shochus from the IWSC’s latest spirits tasting

Read article

Spirit news

Top 20 single malt whiskies from around the world

The past decade or so has been kind to the whisky drinker. Up until then, their choice of dram was generally limited to Scotland, Ireland and the USA – and little else. But now the options are vast – whisky is made all around the world, and the results are giving the traditional producers something to think about.

Read article