On the third Thursday of November every year the world celebrates Beaujolais Nouveau Day. It seems like every day is celebrated in some way these days – so much so that events even have to share days! This year Beaujolais Nouveau Day falls on World Philosophy Day,...

“I drink Champagne when I’m happy and when I’m sad. Sometimes I drink it when I’m alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I’m not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it – unless I’m thirsty.” ~ Madame Lilly Bollinger...

We’ve almost finished the delicious bottle that was 2014 – and what a classic vintage it has been! As I celebrate one year of blogging on The Secret Cellar I thought I’d take a look back on this year’s journey through the world of wine and the strongest wine trends of...

It must be the beginning of the year because I’m writing about Riesling again… I started 2014 with a Summer and Winter of Riesling but it’s Summer Riesling all the way in 2015 and 12 months on I’ve still got plenty to say. I can only hope you like reading about...

Working in a wine store I’m regularly asked what my favourite grape variety is. Of course, I reply, it all depends on the occasion and my mood. But to be honest, I do have my all-time favourites. While you might be forgiven for thinking Riesling is one, my most...

Claiming to have liked something before it became fashionable isn’t usually something I do… even if it’s true. It’s irritating when other people do it and always seems like you’re trying to show off. I have a confession to make though: I loved whisky before it was...

Wintery weather still seems like a remote possibility in Perth right now, but I’m sure I remember a few bitterly cold, miserable days last year… Winter is coming. F0r our friends on the other side of the world, the Winter season is more extreme and a longer affair...

Sometimes I feel like writing this blog has elevated me from a wine lover and seller to a wine evangelist. Sure, in-store at La Vigna I can convert a few people to my way of thinking, but hopefully through my blog I’m spreading my message further and wider. So, what...

As you all know, I’m a keen traveller and seeker of interesting experiences, especially where food and wine are concerned. This year my eye turned to Italy and on my many strolls through the streets of small towns in Sicily, Sicilian culture offered up some curious...

I have to admit; today’s post is all about tempting you to come to La Vigna’s exciting upcoming Cheese and Spring Wine tasting on the 15th of September. As the weather warms and the grapevines flower, Perth is coming to life again and La Vigna has something to offer...

After patiently waiting backstage for generations, Vermouth is stepping boldly through the curtains and emerging centre stage. Yes, I said Vermouth. While you could be forgiven for having dismissed this humble beverage as merely a necessary component of your Martini...

While the bloom of the Jacaranda tree signifies the approach of Christmas for some, for me it’s the increase in Rose sales. As the weather warms we naturally look for lighter, fresher wines to wet our palates, and Rose with its innate versatility, is an obvious...

While the streets are aglitter with tinsel and lights, and roaming carollers spread Yuletide joy throughout the city, like many, I will have to wait until Christmas Day before ‘all is calm’ and ‘all is bright’. Christmas is almost upon us and while I am eagerly...

The official ‘festive season’ may be over, but Perth’s summer is still graciously providing a backdrop for leisurely lunches and refreshing afternoon drinks. The clear skies, warm weather and a few glasses of Argentina’s finest, have inspired me to dedicate La Vigna’s...

According to Rumi you should ‘Let the beauty of what you love, be what you do’- a philosophy that Steven Pannell (SC Pannell), Rose Kentish (Ulithorne), Bernice Ong and Julian Forwood (Ministry of Clouds) live by. These three winemakers of the McLaren Vale region...

Over the years I have attended hundreds of wine tastings and shows, but an event that indulges my love for whisky is a rare and special treat. When I received the invitation to attend an all-expenses paid luncheon facilitated by  world renowned malt master, David...

You could certainly be forgiven for overlooking Greek wines. Deterred by an unpleasant experience with Retsina, or repeated encounters with cork taint, few associate Greece with superior wine. Travellers visit the Greek Cyclades for breathtaking vistas, ancient...

Bubbles have certainly added sparkle to the world of wine.  There was once a time when bubbles were cursed by winemakers and believed to be a fault.  In fact, it is said that Dom Perignon, widely considered the grandfather of Champagne, was actually employed to...