Matthew's World of Wine and Drink

About Matthew's World of Wine and Drink.

This blog began as a record of taking the WSET Diploma, during which I studied and explored wines and spirits made all around the world. Having passed the Diploma and become a WSET Certified Educator, the blog has become much more: a continual outlet for my passion for the culture of wine, spirits, and beer.

I aim to educate in an informal, enlightening, and engaging manner. As well as maintaining this blog to track my latest enthusiasms, I provide educational tastings for restaurants and for private groups. Details can be found on the website, and collaborations are welcome.

Wine is my primary interest and area of expertise and this blog aims to immerse the reader in the history of wine, to understand why wine tastes like it does, and to explore all the latest news. At the same time, beer and spirits will never be ignored. 

For the drinker, whether casual or professional, today is a good time to be alive.

Albania

Albania

Wine has been made in Albania for thousands of years, and grape-growing used to be central to its culture before rule by the Ottoman Empire and then an isolated communist regime led to a centuries long decline in wine production. It's still a predominantly agricultural country and winemaking is coming back, with international varieties and interesting, largely unknown indigenous grapes.

Long Island

Long Island

Montenegro and Kosovo

Montenegro and Kosovo

0