Paulus Willem Heemskerk has launched Herovina, which he describes as Ireland’s first commercial-scale vineyard, by planting 36,000 vines across 13 hectares of the Fennor House estate in Co Meath. According to Heemskerk, the venture aims to produce approximately 90,000 bottles of wine annually, with the first harvest expected in October 2029. Investment and Scale of … Read more
Future Trends in NZ Architecture: Sustainability, Quirk, and the Rise of “One-of-One” Design From Martinborough’s vineyard-inspired homes to the resurgence of yakisugi timber, New Zealand’s architectural landscape is evolving. Here’s what’s next—and why “grand” design is no longer just about scale. — ### 1. The Grand Return: Why Subjectivity is the New Luxury The days … Read more
From Vineyards to Fuel Tanks: Can Australia’s Wine Glut Power the Future? Imagine pulling up to a petrol station and filling your tank not with crude oil, but with a refined version of a robust Shiraz or a bold Cabernet. While it sounds like a punchline to a joke about “drink driving,” it is becoming … Read more
Beyond the Headlines: What the Jolie-Pitt Winery War Tells Us About the Future of High-Stakes Asset Divestment When two of the world’s most recognizable brands—Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt—clash over a $164 million French estate, it is rarely just about the land. The ongoing battle over Château Miraval is a masterclass in the complexities of … Read more
The Shifting Sands of American Identity: How State Choices Reflect a Nation in Flux The United States, a nation built on diversity, is increasingly defined by the diverging paths of its states. Recent data and trends reveal a growing chasm between states like California and Texas, not just in politics, but in economic trajectories, population … Read more
Longtime restaurateur Leena Culhane has opened Force of Nature, a speakeasy in Venice, California, focused on fostering connections and championing sustainability. A Recent Venue on Abbot Kinney Culhane, previously the owner and creative director of Crudo e Nudo and Isla in Santa Monica, and a contributor to Bella Dea in Manhattan, has established Force of … Read more
Hawke’s Bay Wine Country Faces a Reset: What’s Behind the Liquidations and What’s Next? The recent news of liquidations impacting Te Awanga Estate, Hawke’s Bay Wine Co., and related businesses has sent ripples through New Zealand’s vibrant wine industry. While the immediate cause is financial distress – with debts totaling millions – the situation highlights … Read more
From Screen to Sommelier: The Rise of Celebrity Second Acts & Wine Investment Bernice Liu, the former TVB actress now making waves as a wine entrepreneur and lecturer at the University of Hong Kong, embodies a growing trend: the successful pivot. Her story isn’t just a feel-good tale of reinvention; it’s a glimpse into the … Read more
Why Celebrity Drinks Are More Than a Flash‑In‑The‑Pan From José Mourinho’s Douro red to 50 Cent’s $25,000 Cognac, the celebrity‑drinks boom has moved beyond pure vanity. Brands are now using star power to unlock new consumer segments, accelerate product‑innovation cycles, and command premium price points. The question on every founder’s mind is: what’s next? Trend #1 – … Read more
Vacation Vibes and Social Snubs: How Changing Social Norms are Reshaping Travel The story of a woman’s vacation clash over alcohol consumption, as shared on Reddit, has sparked a heated debate. It highlights a significant shift in how we perceive social interactions and personal boundaries, particularly during leisure time. This incident is more than just … Read more