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A whirlwind of wine! A 2026 update from The Wine Fairy

A big, hearty “Cheers!” to those amazing readers who follow my wine adventures. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes at The Wine Fairy. Things are flowing fast. It’s been the craziest three months in my wine career–probably in my life. My brain is mush, my palate is exhausted…and yeah, I’m ready…
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The 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards: I’m longlisted!

This morning started with a small thrill–Château Giscours liked a recent post I made about enjoying their wine with dinner. A few minutes later, a much bigger surprise landed in my inbox: I’m longlisted for the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards! My name is on the 2026 longlist in two categories: • Laurent-Perrier…
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The Wine Fairy on Substack

Some cool news: The Wine Fairy is now on Substack (@winefairymichelle). If you’d like, you can follow me there for the same articles and reviews you see on the blog, delivered via email or the Substack app. Or keep reading here, as always. (Or via the RSS feed–I know there are some of you who…
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Merlot Thursday: Sydney Back South Africa Merlot (2022)

Oh no–#MerlotThursday snuck up on me again. Fortunately, I have this bottle that a friend gifted me last night: A Kosher Merlot from South Africa. Happy Passover to those who observe it! This medium-bodied, lightly oaked Merlot is fresh and red-fruited with some earthy character. Red cherries, black plum, and spiced cranberry yield to deeper…
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Texas Wine News Roundup: Spring 2026

Spring is here in Texas! That means it’s time for bluebonnets, barbecue, and rosé on the patio. As Texas wine superfans, we’re always on the lookout for new wines to taste and new places to visit. Here are the five Texas wine stories that broke through the noise in the first quarter of 2026. Story…
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DFW Wine Events: April 2026

Wine Fairy checking in with a yummy collection of April wine happenings! Here are 20 upcoming events in the DFW area, including tastings, classes, and dinners. From luxe to free (yep, free!) there’s something to suit your schedule and budget. As always at The Wine Fairy, we’ve done our best to make this info current and…
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The 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards: Last call!

March 8 is the last day to submit your entries for the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards! (I know this because…well, I also put it off until the last minute.) The third edition of the awards will recognize wine communicators across six categories, spanning written, audio, and video content. Being at the Wine…
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Merlot Thursday: St. Supéry Rutherford Estate Vineyard Merlot (2021)

I’ve pinched myself a bunch of times today, but it hasn’t worked. This is no dream…I really am in California. It’s the last full day of the Wine Writers’ Symposium in Napa Valley. It’s just after sundown. And there is excellent wine everywhere. Earlier today, I woke up in a cottage on the side of…
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DFW Wine Events: March 2026

Hear that? It’s the sound of corks popping all over Dallas-Fort Worth! Spring is here, and it’s time to treat yourself to a nice glass of rosé. Or Cabernet, or Riesling…whatever is pleasing your palate at the moment. Here are 12 upcoming events in the DFW area to help you plan your March wine indulgences.…
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Bottoms up, and back to school: Why wine education is trending now

Even as wine consumption is slumping worldwide, wine education is enjoying a healthy surge. Whether it’s full-blown certification courses or more casual learning sessions, more and more people are taking their drink with a side of “think.” As a wine blogger, I keep tabs on wine activities in my community with a monthly post of…
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Six takeaways from Wine Paris 2026

We’re back from three days of tasting, learning, and exploring at the colossal Wine Paris trade show! Each day, I wandered the exhibition halls from open until close to try and soak up clues about what’s happening in the international wine biz. On Friday, I shared seven personal moments that defined my Wine Paris experience.…
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Wine Paris 2026: A trip to remember

“Mind-blowing.” “Insane.” That’s how Wine Paris was described to me before I went–and now that I’m back home, I’ve got to say that I agree. As a new-to-the-industry person, I’ve wasted no time jumping straight into the deep end. (If not now, then when?) The opportunity came to go to Paris. So I cashed in…