ABVTastings
Virtual wine and spirit tastings, writer and judge.
The Buyer | What London Tasting Awards can offer beers, wines & spirits
The Buyer | What London Tasting Awards can offer beers, wines & spirits
The London Tasting Awards return to London this April, forming part of the wider Armonia group of leading European tasting competitions. Together, they bring a strong focus on rigorous blind tasting, consumer relevance, and real-world value for the trade. Ahead of the competition, president of the 2026 awards, Abbie Bennington speaks to director Lucille Oudard about what sets the London Tasting Awards apart in a crowded awards landscape - and why its results continue to matter to producers and buyers alike.
The Buyer | Fizzy Fest & promoting fine wine future for Prosecco Superiore DOCG
The Buyer | Fizzy Fest & promoting fine wine future for Prosecco Superiore DOCG
Prosecco has become a cultural phenomenon - the UK alone accounts for 130 million bottles sold a year (2024). Its accessibility, light-hearted image, and approachable price point have made it the sparkling wine of choice for casual gatherings and celebratory moments alike. Yet, success brings its own challenge. With Prosecco so ubiquitous, how does the category shift perceptions and show consumers - and trade professionals - that there is a more refined, terroir-driven expression worthy of attention? The answer lies in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG , the pinnacle of the region’s winemaking. Abbie Bennington analyses its opportunities in the UK and the steps being taken, through consumer experiential events like the recent Fizzy Fest which took place in July, to broaden its appeal and make it the premium sparkling wine of choice.
Explore zin crowd review on jancisrobinson.com
Explore zin crowd review on jancisrobinson.com
The Buyer | Frescobaldi's Gorgona prison wine captures spirit of social responsiblity
The Buyer | Frescobaldi's Gorgona prison wine captures spirit of social responsiblity
Friday read: Abbie Bennington talks Krug with chef de cave Julie Cavil - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
Friday read: Abbie Bennington talks Krug with chef de cave Julie Cavil - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
Fine Lees: Wine Magazine
Fine Lees: Wine Magazine
Sensational Sicily
Sensational Sicily
Sicily captivates wine enthusiasts and travellers around the world, an island that in recent years has become famous not just as a holiday...
The Buyer | Why the bubble has never burst at Champagne Alfred Gratien
The Buyer | Why the bubble has never burst at Champagne Alfred Gratien
From the very beginning, Champagne Alfred Gratien set out to produce Champagnes that would stand apart, focusing on artisanal methods with a meticulous attention to detail. This philosophy seems as true today as it did 160 years ago, as Abigail Bennington discovered when she helped this iconic house celebrate at Paris’ Hotel Le Bristol, sampling the anniversary cuvée, Alfred Gratien Millesime 2008 Cuvée 160 years alongside the Cuvée Paradis Blanc 2016 and Rosé 2008.
Champagne, Fizz, Bubbles, Traditional Method or Cap Classique, take your pick!
Champagne, Fizz, Bubbles, Traditional Method or Cap Classique, take your pick!
Champagne, Fizz, Bubbles, Traditional Method or Cap Classique… all these names are synonymous with one thing, great tasting sparkling wines made in...
The Buyer | How Champagne Drappier is rooted in the use of heritage varieties
The Buyer | How Champagne Drappier is rooted in the use of heritage varieties
Friday Read: Gerard Bertrand’s rosé tinted Temple - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
Friday Read: Gerard Bertrand’s rosé tinted Temple - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
The Buyer | How 'Nauti-Forty' Nautilus Estate has kept its mojo in Marlborough
The Buyer | How 'Nauti-Forty' Nautilus Estate has kept its mojo in Marlborough
Which are the best new Nautilus Estate wines to buy? Abbie Bennington tastes the full range with winemaker Clive Jones who explains what this iconic New Zealand producer is doing to keep the bar raised in Marlborough, when so many mass produced wines are in danger of doing the opposite. As Nautilus enters its 40th year so Jones and 50 other wine estates have formed ‘Appellation Marlborough Wine’, a group which has banded together to raise the profile of its regional wines.
Friday read: Rediscovering the magic of Marsala - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
Friday read: Rediscovering the magic of Marsala - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News
Visiting Sicily as part of the Duca di Salaparuta Group ’s 200-year celebrations this month included a trip to their...
Boekenhoutskloof 2021 - which of these SA wines are worth buying
Boekenhoutskloof 2021 - which of these SA wines are worth buying
The wines of Boekenhoutskloof are some of South Africa’s finest and best value on the market. From the same team responsible for the phenomenon that is The Chocolate Block and also top-end Côte-Rôtie lookalike Porseleinberg, the Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Syrah and two Cabernet Sauvignons from Marc Kent and his team are good when young but sensational with age – wines that once bought will be on repeat allocation. Abbie Bennington caught up with Kent at London’s Spring restaurant to hear how the spring-like conditions at harvest have helped turn in wines that are as magnificent as those made in 2015 and 2017.
How Sardinia has an exciting and experimental wine and food scene
How Sardinia has an exciting and experimental wine and food scene
Sardinia, best known for blue seas, white sandy beaches and unlike the UK right now, warm sunshine. Located 150 miles off the west coast of Italy, Sardinia is the second biggest island in the Mediterranean. At around 9,300 square miles ‘Sardegna’ as the locals say is just fractionally smaller than Italy’s famous southern island, Sicily. Here Abbie Bennington reports on the exciting new wine and food scene on the island and a growing winemaking community.
Independent Newspaper Wine Club
This Independent Wine Club case will impress your garden party guests
This Independent Wine Club case will impress your garden party guests
Bordeaux Sustainability Forum & wine industry's climate change challenge
Bordeaux Sustainability Forum & wine industry's climate change challenge
When you consider producing one litre of wine is the equivalent of travelling 400km in a car there was much to discuss, assess and evaluate at the recent Sustainable Development of Bordeaux Wines Forum held in the city. In her first article for The Buyer, Abbie Bennington, was on hand to hear what steps different wine bodies and sustainability experts are taking in order to help the wine industry as a whole be more sustainable and responsible in how it makes wine.
Guide to storing still/sparkling/fortified wines & spirits at home
Guide to storing still/sparkling/fortified wines & spirits at home
A guide on how best to store your budget to premium wines, fizz, fortified and spirits at home to keep them drinking better for longer.
ABVTastings Members Sign Up
ABVTastings Members Sign Up
MEMBERS ONLY Joining our members area is free and entitles you to discounts on certain wine tastings as well as access to exclusive members only content. Already a member? Login here: New to ABV Tastings? Sign up here: Username Email Password Register ABVTastings Member Page Welcome to the Members only area of ABVTastings. Thank you […]
ABVTastings Website
ABVTastings Website
I’m Abbie I’m an experienced wine educator, communicator and writer. I hold the coveted WSET Diploma in wine and spirits and work as a certified educator for the Bordeaux, Rioja and Cava regions. I regularly run both private and corporate tasting events in both wines and spirits around the country. As a certified WSET educator […]
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