Downton Abbey’s Highclere Castle : First Gin, And Now…

If you know of Highclere Castle, then it’ll probably be the dramatic tales of Downton Abbey coming to mind, with aristocratic grandeur a plenty. However, this stunning estate, nestled in Hampshire, has now added a new chapter to its story – a fully operational vineyard.

And one that in October 2023, harvested it’s first batch of grapes from across the 2.5 acres. Owners Lord and Lady Carnarvon embarked on this winemaking venture in 2018 after discovering that the estate's "old wall garden" offered the perfect chalky soil for grape cultivation.

The two grape varieties planted were Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. While the Chardonnay faced a bit of a challenge due to heavy summer rains, Pinot Noir grapes emerged beautifully, and the family are looking to get bubbly, producing a sparkling rosé under the name, ‘Chateau Highclere’, which they hope to make thousands of bottles of.

This isn’t actually Highclere’s first foray into the drink’s world, because their wines, once ready, will sit alongside their Castle Gin in the shop. This gin has picked up a lot of praise, known for infusing botanicals grown on the estate, including vibrant oranges from the Victorian Orangery.

For more information about the Highclere Castle Gin, go here. And if you were already a fan of Downton Abbey and have been meaning to pay a visit to the real life Grantham’s, then you’ve not got even more of a reason!

Supermarket Wine Bargains: Sainsbury’s October/November 2023

In Supermarket Wine Bargains, we look at the latest discounted top-notch wines and today it’s Sainsbury’s. Honestly, even without the discount, these reds and whites are exceptional value, but when they’re on offer they’re an absolute must-try. Let’s dive in!

*Updated: 20/10/2023*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts October 2023

Santodeno Negroamaro

Santodeno Negroamaro, the "bitter black" grape that's anything but bitter. Hailing from the sunny heel of Italy's 'boot,' this wine is fantastically rich and moreishly inky, with a full orchestra of dark fruits and a welcome touch of spice. 

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Feuerheerd Reserva Douro Red

Aged in barrels that once cradled the precious nectar of Vintage Port, this deep ruby limited-edition Portuguese blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz grapes showcases deep, earthy flavours of cassis blueberry and blackberry as well as refined spice, all wrapped in a velvety finish.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Carnivor Zinfandel

This ticks all the Zinfandel boxes and more. Full of the robust, well-structured Zinfandel the Lodi, California region is known for, this is the ultimate carnivore companion. Dark cherry and blackberry jam ride smoothly with full-body and glorious richness. Top notch value.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

B. Ink by Grant Burge Red Blend

A black hole of ink-redible flavour, you can expect dark-chocolate coated raspberries, velvety tannins and intense fruit-froward jamminess. Cinnamon and vanilla provide surprising depth at this price too, in a wine that feels like a signature opulent Australian red.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Bosman Nero d’Avola

Easy-drinking personified, this South African red is bursting with plums, cranberries, and a clean spice. It’s modern, completely, and utterly food-friendly with tomatoey pasta or steak, and perfect for fans of fruit-froward, dark and delicious ripeness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10 (usually £11.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Freixenet Pinot Grigio

From the idyllic vineyards of Garda, this sip of Italian sunshine brings delicate fruity character and plentiful hits of citrus. Its crisp elegance matches the bottle, and the soft florality rounds the profile off wonderfully. Fantastic value Pinot.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £8 (usually £10)

Rocca Murer Pinot Grigio Rosato

This is an ideal midweek drinker that punches above its price tag. The initial bold bouquet settles into peach sweetness and crisp red apple, with perfectly poised acidity and structure. Stunning colouring too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

Sainsbury's Riverblock Marlborough Sauvignon

Easy-drinking New Zealand Sauvignon here, with zesty, tropical vibes. It’s impressively fresh and cleanses the palate wonderfully, with just enough body to wash down hearty meals too. There is perhaps not the body and depth of others, but for complete refreshment and fresh fruit, it’s great for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Lovely, light, and fresh, this Marlborough Sauvignon is alive with grapefruit citrus and plenty of acidic zing. We recommend serving it chilled and enjoying the clean refreshment, zest and smoothness of this wine, because the balance is stellar for under a tenner.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

Sainsbury’s Rosé Discounts October 2023

Silver Moki Sauvignon Blush

Remarkable at this price, there is so much vibrance and fresh zest in this Sauvignon Blush. It offers the crispness of white wine and a citrusy punch, all while indulging your taste buds with peaches and strawberries. It’s so sophisticated that you’d never guess the price.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8.25)

La Terrasse Rosé Pays d'Oc

It's like summer in a bottle, bursting with luscious red fruits and a crisp, zesty kick. This rosé is a masterpiece from the legendary Jean-Claude Mas, a winemaking wizard. Delicate, pale, and oh-so-crisp, it's perfect for those light dishes, grilled delights, or your favourite salads. With a dash of rich strawberry and a hint of rhubarb, it's like a refreshing, sweet cream finale to your day.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Madame F Rosé Wine

This delicate yet fruity Rosé lives up to the glamorous bottle. A unique blend of vibrant Grenache and red berry Shiraz, the smooth strawberry sweetness is a total crowd pleaser. It’s food-friendly too, pairing wonderfully with seafood paella because of the citrus acidity included. Also, it’s a collaborative effort with Queer Britain, a charity dedicated to creating the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Île-de-Beauté Rosé

Delicate floral notes in the aroma lead to a palate bursting with ripe berries and soft peach, ending with a zing of pink peppercorn spice. This dry and crisp Rosé from the stunning Île-de-Beauté, France, offers the perfect balance of flavours. It’s even picked up a bit of a reputation for attracting red or white drinkers over to Rosé, because from the cork to the profile, it’s a classy affair.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Villa Maria Blush Sauvignon

This blush, with its delicate pink hue, is a real glass of happiness. Bursting with refreshing flavours of passionfruit and cranberry, it’s robust, fruity, and dry, with a food-friendly zing too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

*The below deals were available at the beginning of the month and have now finished.*

Sainsbury’s Red Wine Discounts EARLY October 2023

Santodeno Appassimento Sangiovese

Hand-picked grapes, slow-dried to perfection, go into this Emilia Romagna Sangiovese, resulting in a rich, jammy delight with a luxuriously long finish. There’s just enough acidity to cut through the super smooth blackberry and cherry too, making it ideal for heavy Italian dishes.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Barossa Ink Shiraz

An opulent, intense, and unsurprisingly inky Shiraz from the heart of Australia's premium Shiraz playground. Think dark brooding fruits, with elegant mocha and dark chocolate notes from the oak ageing. Let it breathe for an hour to soften the tannins and enjoy it with a sizzling steak – delicious.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Terre di Faiano Organic Nero di Troia

Terre di Faiano produce a number of great value belters, none better than this sumptuously elegant organic red from sunny Puglia. From the forest floor, dark fruits on the nose to the cherry, plum and baking spice palate, it’s an unbelievably smooth ride with plenty of fruit but no heaviness.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: £8 (usually £9.50)

Journey's End Spekboom Syrah

Spekboom is also known as the elephant bush in South Africa, and that’s what the Gabb Family committed to planting back in 2021, because they have a special ability to absorb CO2. The Syrah wine of this range is serious bang for buck, plush with spiced dark fruits and silky tannins but whilst also going deeper with notes of black olives, blackberry, and smoky oaky touches.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 15%
Find here: £9 (usually £11)

Porta 6 Vinho Regional Lisboa

From vineyards in the mountains north of Lisbon cooled by the Atlantic ocean, this rustic, light-bodied Portuguese red carries fresh fruits. Think blackcurrant and strawberry to fill out the mid palate, with a touch of acidity softening the finish. Let it breathe for a good while, and it’s dreamy easy drinking.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £7 (usually £8)

Altano Rewilding Edition Douro

We love shouting out wines that give back and this one not only supports the conservation efforts of Rewilding Portugal, but would also be recommendation worthy without that. Altitude and attitude go into this wine, resulting in a superbly balanced, soft fruity-driven ruby red with an elegant richness throughout. Think plum and damson. Ideal with meat and pasta dishes too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Sainsbury’s White Wine Discounts October 2023

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc

This win is one hell of an adventure. Grown sandwiched between wild oceans, ancient valleys, and towering mountains, it is finally bottled at the Villa Maria winery... located in the crater of a volcano. Once it reaches the glass, it provides signature Marlborough Sauvignon, with exceptional crispness and refreshment, zero bitterness and lots of flavour but lots of lightness too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

The Ned Pinot Grigio

This might not be what you expect from a Pinot Grigio, but it’s a refreshing change. Different from most European Pinot, this Waihopai Valley, New Zealand wine arrives in salmon ink blush, with notes of quince, pear, nectarine and interesting minerality too. Relatively rich and full-bodied for this kind of wine so well worth trying.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.3%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.50)

Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Staying in New Zealand and in the Awatere Valley, where bees and butterflies flourish amongst the coastal vines. This Sauvignon brings a tropical touch, utterly smooth with mouthwatering notes of passion fruit, kiwi, grapefruit, lime, and mango, as well as pleasant minerality and vivid acidity. Well rounded and exceptional for the money.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £11.50)

Plaimont Côtes De Gascogne Colombard Sauvignon Blanc

Straight from the sunny slopes of Côtes De Gascogne is a perfect mid-week Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect alongside pasta, chicken or cheese, there’s plenty of signature acidity to cut through and refresh, but all softened by the Colombard grape. Bright, punchy and stacks of citrus to refresh – just lovely.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £7.25 (usually £9)

Squealing Pig Sauvignon Blanc

This is a familiar Marlborough Sauvignon profile done really well. Fresh fruit, perfect crispness, and a zesty easy-drinking nature make it a delight. Tropical fruits like pineapple lurk amongst background apple notes and vibrant citrus, with a vein of mineral goodness for balance. Food-friendly and well-rounded, with generous depth for the money too.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 11.5%
Find here: £9 (usually £10.75)

Keep your eyes peeled if you do the weekly shop elsewhere, or if you’re too late for these October offers, because we’re going to be out hunting all the latest bargains wherever you shop...

Galvin at Windows: The New Autumnal Barolo & Truffle Menu

After the sun-kissed panoramic views of summer, the 28th floor of the London Hilton on Park Lane ushers in autumn in style, with Head Chef Marc Hardiman and the team at Galvin at Windows putting on a spectacular five-course Barolo & Truffle tasting menu.

This autumnal dining escapade features a lineup of opulent dishes, each paired with thoughtfully selected Pio Cesare wines. The Italian Vineyard, celebrating 140 years master winemaking, offers wines that perfectly complement Chef Hardiman's innovative culinary creations. From the rich and deeply flavoured Barolo Ornato 2016 to the Barolo Mosconi 2018, each sip takes the dining experience to sky high heights… beyond even the 28th floor!

They’ll be poured out in accompaniment of dishes like slow-cooked beef cheek ravioli with 5-year-aged Parmesan cream and white Alba truffle, as well as the Pheasant Farci au Gratin, finished with celeriac, blackberry and, yes you guessed it, more truffle. And if that's not enough to tantalize your palate, there's the Scottish Highlands venison Wellington with glazed chestnut, red cabbage ketchup, and sauce Périgueux, a symphony of flavours that promises to transport you to culinary heaven.

The Barolo & Truffle menu at Galvin at Windows is available for £299 per person, and with limited availability, you'll want to secure your reservation early. To sweeten the deal, the first 70 bookings will receive a complimentary glass of Louis Roederer champagne, adding an extra touch of elegance to your evening.

This special menu is available for just five weeks, from Friday, October 13th, to Saturday, November 18th, so mark your calendars because it's a limited-time opportunity to experience the ultimate in autumnal decadence.

For more information or to book, click here.
22 Park Ln, London W1K 1BE

Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4: Champagne Artistry

Champagne is already the most exclusive club in the drinks industry, so to produce a bottle that stands out for its prestige and elegance in an area built on just that is quite the achievement. A bravo then, to Cattier’s spectacular Armand de Brignac Assemblage No.4.

With 250 years and 13 generations of experience and expertise, the Armand de Brignac label needs no introduction, releasing a select number of exquisite cuvées at the pinnacle of quality and taste. Only the finest vineyards, the freshest press and unparalleled craftsmanship will do, and that’s no different with their latest release – 7,328 bottles of Blanc de Noirs.

A rich and intense expression of Pinot Noir bringing together a trio of vintages from 2013 to 2015, the signature metal bottle housing it is finished with the iconic French pewter Ace of Spades label and unique disgorgement date, setting up grand expectations for the liquid within. These build when you learn what goes into this meticulous release, from the sourcing of the best Premier and Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to the balancing of the vintages, to the 7 years of resting in some of Champagne’s deepest cellars.

We’ve been lucky enough to taste it, and it exceeds those lofty expectations. Intense minerality hits the nose alongside wafts of blackberry and plum before dark fruits flood the mouth on the palate. This lively exploration unfolds with a somewhat tropical stone-fruit note and vibrant citrus, before a gorgeous, honeyed finish that winds long into the distance. Unparalleled complexity, depth, and freshness.

As with every Armand de Brignac release, collectors and connoisseurs will have their interest peaked by this bottle. First, it will be available as an exclusive with Harrods as part of a special edition set featuring all six cuvées in a lacquered gift box for a total of £6,400. Then, you can find it paired with the Brut Gold for a luxury twin pack for £1,385, before a final solo release in 2024 at retailers worldwide for £1,055, where the world gets to taste the artistry. Well, 7,328 people anyway.

So much goes into a Champagne like this, so if you’re interested in the process or fancy purchasing, find out more at www.armanddebrignac.com.

For more wine content, make sure you click here!

Black History Month in Focus: Wine

There is still plenty of room for growth and awareness of black-owned wine brands in the wine industry, despite slow progress. Just 1% of wine producers in the US are still black-owned, and as an industry steeped in history, inheritance and the importance of connections, it is a difficult club to break into.

We think winemaking would be all the better and richer for a more diverse and inclusive philosophy, and supporting black-owned brands producing exceptional wine is one of the best ways to contribute.

There are plenty of black winemakers with inspirational stories making wines that attract major recognition, but we’ve included seven below from across the world, who have helped mould a brighter and more inclusive wine landscape. Cheers to that!

Amandla - Praisy Dlamini

Meet the South African powerhouse behind Amandla, Praisy Dlamini, a multi-lingual agricultural ace and the first woman CWG Protégée. With her all-female, all-black squad, Amandla is shaking up the Western Cape's winemaking scene with Amandla, after rising up the ranks of Distell and Anchor Yeast. Translating to ‘power’, Amandla have a vibrant portfolio, many of which you can find brightening up supermarket shelves in the UK – make sure to try their jammy Shiraz Zinfandel.

Click here for more information!

Theopolis Vineyards – Theodora Lee

Theodora Lee, AKA Theo-patra, Queen of the Vineyards, is a dynamo of the wine world. Her Theopolis Vineyards in California's Yorkville Highlands produces handcrafted wines that have earned high praise, with ratings soaring as high as 94-96 from Robert Parker. A lawyer turned winemaker, she's embraced her passion for wine, especially Petite Sirah, and crafted so many award-winning bottles. From her beloved Petite Sirah to Pinot Noir, her wines shine, consistently winning gold medals and accolades. Not only does she make incredible wine, but she's also an advocate for black women in the wine industry, organizing events that celebrate their contributions.

Click here for more information!

Abbey Creek Vineyard – Bertony Faustin

Bertony Faustin, Oregon's pioneer, broke barriers to become the state's first recorded black winemaker in 2008. His journey wasn't your typical grapevine tale, it was a symphony of passion, perseverance, and family legacy. Taking over Abbey Creek Vineyard, he transformed it into a hub of life, music, and exceptional wines. Faustin didn't just stop at winemaking; he ventured into filmmaking with the award-winning documentary "Red, White & Black," shedding light on diversity challenges in the wine industry. Beyond the bottle, he's building bridges, fostering community, and championing diversity and inclusion.

Click here for more information!

Longevity Wines – Phil Long

Phil Long and wife Debra turned Longevity Wines from a garage hobby into a thriving family-owned winery, with love baked into every aspect of it, even the name which celebrates their enduring love for each other. Located in California's Livermore Valley, they're making waves in the wine world, from their cozy tasting room welcoming all to exceptional wines, like their crisp 2019 Chardonnay which received rave reviews across the industry. Sadly, just a few days after being named Livermore Valley’s Winery of the Year, Debra passed away in 2019 but Phil and his son continue to draw on the inspiration of their love story to take Longevity from strength to strength, including a 2019 partnership with Bronco Wine to get Longevity to the world – what a story.

Click here for more information!

Brown Estate – Coral, David, and Deneen Brown

The Brown siblings, Coral, David, and Deneen, turned their parents' Napa estate into a wine wonderland, and the Valley’s only black-owned vineyard. Taking the reins, they decided it was time for Brown Estate to create its own magic in a bottle. From Zinfandel to Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, their wines are a flavourful symphony. Their 2017 Big Dam Cab is a standout, aging gracefully in French oak, revealing a remarkable complexity that'll keep you sipping and smiling. Established officially in 1996, they've grown considerably since, accruing a loyal and diverse following, and have recently opened up their Brown Downtown tasting room in Napa, bringing their passion to wine lovers far and wide.

Click here for more information!

La Fete du Rosé - Donae Burston

Rosé has long been targeted only at white women, but wanting to change that, Donae Burston met with the owner of Domaine Bertaud Belieu, the oldest vineyard in Saint Tropez and La Fete du Rosé was born. Originally from Baltimore, Donae worked in the luxury spirit industry for nearly 20 years, seeing up close how brands market to people of colour, and now he gets to take this experience to the world of Rosé. Light, smooth, and fruit-forward, the brand has now rolled out across America and even has its own giveback scheme, donating to programmes that fund travel opportunities for underrepresented youth.

Click here for more information!

Mermosa - Desiree Noisette

Desiree Noisette is the unstoppable force behind Mermosa Wines, Florida's first black woman-owned wine brand. She's not just ‘Head Mermaid’ at Mermosa; she's an attorney, artist, business dynamo, wife, and mum. In 2017, she went all in, selling her home to start Mermosa, inspired by ready to make cocktails at after work drinks. They now sell this signature serve, as well as a range of sparkling wines in 16 US States. The story of her ancestors is a must read too, so make sure to read that on the link below!

Click here for more information!

The Perfect Autumn Sangria Recipe

Who says sangria is just for summer? With a perfect Fall switch up, you can embrace a cosy Autumn without completely waving goodbye to summer. The natural sweetness of ripe fruit, the warmth of cinnamon, the heart of apple cider and the crisp elegance of your favourite white wine – it’s refreshing, comforting and full to the brim with flavour.

Ingredients (for 1 jug/pitcher)

150ml apple juice
2tsp of cinnamon
1 tbsp of sugar
1 bottle of white wine (Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay)
30ml lemon juice
2 sliced apples
1 sliced pear
1 sliced orange
1 bottle of apple cider
Optional garnishes: cranberries, lemon wedges, pomegranate seeds, rosemary sprigs

Method
1.      Slice your fruits the night before (or just a few hours) and let them rest with cinnamon and sugar.
2.      Now the fun bit, start adding everything into your pitcher. Pour in the juices, cider, wine and gently tip in your cinnamon sugared fruits.
3.      The most important thing here is to let everything combine in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but ideally longer. Remember to cover the pitcher too.
4.      Fill up individual glasses with ice before pouring out your Autumn Sangria. Almost anything goes with sangria, so garnish with cranberries, or leftover lemon, pomegranate seeds, sprigs of rosemary – any fruits and berries you’ve got!

For more autumnal cocktail recipe, how about our Spiced Rum Hot Toddy and Fig Martini.

7 Wines for an Indian Summer!

The sun is back out and we’re in for some glorious, warm evenings. Here are seven of my favourite summer sippers from this year to elongate that holiday feeling!

Mar de Frades Albariño Atlantico

Razor sharp, dry and saline, this is citrusy white hails from Rias Baixas in Galicia, northwestern Spain. It tastes as fresh as squeezing lemon juice on your fish and chips and is delicious with all seafood but great on its own too.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: £17

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Misco Tenuta di Tavignano 2021

Once a staple in our fridges, the Verdicchio grape fell out of favour here in the UK when the bold Aussie Chardonnays stole the limelight in the nineties. Now as our palates have matured, the lean, cool yeastiness of this Italian white from Le Marche appeals once again . This Misco is a serious version with compex notes of apple, green almond and subtle apricot.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13.98%
Find here: £25

Pasqua “Hey French You Could Have Made This But You Didn’t”

This multi-vintage white is a juicy blend of Garganega, Pinot Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc from 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 and Pasqua’s finest vineyards in Verona, Italy. Lots of aromatics, texture and flavours of greengage, peach and candied peel.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £32

Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko

Of all the Assyrtiko wines I have tasted this summer, this is my favourite. A fabulous combo of zesty lemon, quince and peach with a slick of saline making it ridiculously glugworthy. A really special wine that sets the benchmark for balance.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: £40

Hidden Sea Chardonnay

Fans of easy-going, Aussie Chardonnay will love Hidden Sea, not just for its generous, melon and honeysuckle-scented juice, nor for its super stylish bottle but each product purchased helps remove plastic from the oceans! What an excellent reason to stock up. A great, affordable, all rounder wine.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13%
Find here: £10

Hampton Water Rosé

This elegant but ripe Grenache-based blend hails from the Languedoc and is the brainchild of Jon Bon Jovi and his son Jesse with wine skills by vinous Languedoc legend, Gerard Bertrand. Think wild strawberry and creamy, raspberry compote. A real easy drinker but smart with it.

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13%
Find here: £19

Babylonstoren Rosé

This lively, pale, South African pink cuts a stunning figure in its smart, screen printed bottle. Fans of Bandol in Provence will like this more savoury, fuller-bodied rosé made with the meaty Mourvèdre grape. It’s a BBQ in a bottle with its aromatic nose, ripe strawberries and cream notes and crisp acidity. Lush!

Size: 750mL
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £16

If you’re looking for more end-of-summer sips, then take a look at these wines from Santorini, and for recipes to pair perfectly with Albariño, check out this article.

The Country That Went From Producing The Most Wine to Almost Nothing

It’s hard to imagine it now given the 21st century landscape of wine production, but in the 1960s it wasn’t Italy, Spain or France producing the most wine on the planet. It wasn’t even other modern day wine nations like Argentina or Portugal.

It was Algeria, and by a wide margin too. In 1960, Algeria exported twice as much wine as France, Italy and Spain combined! Nowadays, the Algerians produce barely anything which is why it’s so surprising that they once topped the global charts. So, what happened?

Well, producing very little wine is actually a return to the norm in Algeria. For most of the 19th century, hardly a bottle was produced. In 1830, the French invaded and re-organised Algeria and within a few decades, settlers arrived and of course, being French, vineyards were planted. The Atlas Mountains provided an ideal micro-climate for developing a French-Algerian wine industry.

Whilst grapes here flourished, the opposite was happening on the continent. The phylloxera epidemic in the 1870s devastated Europe’s vineyards, and the demand for Algerian vines grew. By 1930, Algeria was already producing 7% of all wine. Now, you might be wondering how that works given that Algeria is predominantly Muslim, and the answer is that they exported most of it. In fact, 40% of wine exports were from Algeria before the First World War, and just before the Second World War, this had risen to a staggering 67%!

Other countries, like France, produced a lot but they also kept most of it. As a result, Algeria had become an unexpected global powerhouse of wine. This looked set to continue, as Algeria signed up to trade agreements and communities in the 1950s. Then, a push for independence was made in Algeria and after years fighting, Algeria was granted independence, but how did this affect wine production?

Well, initially, not so much. New President Ahmed Ben Bella maintained the status quo, but with French settlers leaving, they were now entirely reliant on exporting to foreign countries. Stability was short-lived however, with a coup d’état in 1965 and years of dictatorship, religious extremism and civil war to follow.

As a result, European trading communities stopped treating Algeria in the same way, withdrawing their benefits, and making the whole process far less appealing for all parties. For instance, Algeria now had to buy bottles from Europe for them to be legally sold in Europe. French-owned vineyards were now run by Algerian Muslims or the state, and many were converted to produce different goods.

Desperately seeking new markets, Algeria agreed a wine trade agreement with the Soviet Union but prices were unprofitably set and this fell apart. By the time the 20th century came to an end, Algeria produced and exported next to nothing.

In 2021, the Algerian government launched an action plan to help several industries but there was nothing for wine. With a similar climate to Spain, Algeria could one day produce large quantities of wine again but for now, it just looks set to remain an interesting story of the rise and fall of the largest wine empire ever.