China to ban public purchases of ‘High-End’ alcohol and cigarettes

Chinese government pledged to ban the use of public funds to buy cigarettes and “high- end” alcohol. “Corruption is the biggest danger facing the ruling party,” Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said, according to an official statement. “If not dealt with properly, the problem may change the nature of, or terminate, the political regime.” Wen Jiabao, … Read more

French organic vineyards: “For us, it’s not marketing, it’s our philosophy”

Chateau Guiraud 2011 awarded the official biological farming (AB) logo French organic vineyards doubled between 2007 and 2010 and then increased again 28 percent between 2009 and 2010 to reach 50,268 hectares (124,214 acres). These vineyards were run by 3,945 producers, up by 30 percent between 2009 and 2010, who made some 322 million euros … Read more

Speaking about luxury with Patrick Roger – Chocolate Artist

Exacting, Passionate, hard Purist and rebel, appointed best craft-man of France in 2000, Patrick Roger didn’t put the genuineness and the subtlety of his chocolates after profitability and fame. Patrick Roger places great importance on the world, flavours, cuisine and gastronomic heritage, and makes no compromise with the source of the ingredients used in his … Read more

46th Annual Vinitaly – 3,500 sommeliers and 4,200 exhibitors

46th Annual Vinitaly: The wine-growing sector is still driving the Italian agro-foods field 46th Annual Vinitaly Fair, Italy’s answer to France’s Vinexpo takes place March 25-28 in Verona. Vinitaly is an event devoted to international wines and spirits, winemaking and wine business. Last year’s event attracted more than 4,000 exhibitors, and 156,000 visitors from 100 … Read more

La Bullipedia: chef Ferran Adria to launch Culinary Wikipedia

Spanish chef Ferran Adrià plans to launch a virtual encyclopedia about food, akin to Wikipedia At a gastronomy event in Mexico, Spanish Chef Ferran Adria released more details on life after El Bulli. The famous chef will launch an online encyclopedia devoted to food, gastronomy and modern cooking, a culinary version of Wikipedia christened La … Read more

First 5* luxury London hotel to adopt Digital Sommelier

First Digital Sommelier at Hotel Baglioni London Baglioni Hotel London has become the first 5* luxury London hotel to adopt a digital sommelier. The hotel’s Brunello Restaurant has around 500 wine labels including a precious vertical collection of Sassiciaia wines.  These will now be displayed on iPads for diners to choose from, turning their existing … Read more