Paul Howard and Wine Alchemy
Alchemy (al′ kə mē) n.
1. An early form of chemistry, with philosophical and magical associations, studied in the Middle Ages. Its chief aims were to change base metals into gold and to discover the elixir of perpetual youth.
2. A method or power of transmutation. Esp., the seemingly miraculous change of one thing into something better. From the Greek word ‘chumeia', the art of extracting juices from plants.
About
Wine is fascinating. Alchemy is my chosen word to describe the human ability to create a potentially profound drink from mere fruit juice.
It was an accidental holiday in Beaujolais that first sparked my wine interest. That led to wine history, art, science, people, business, and more besides. Most important was discovering that Wine celebrates life in so many ways. There's more to life than Wine, you know. But not much more.
As for writing, this maxim from Pliny the Elder is my goal: "True glory consists in doing what deserves to be written, in writing what deserves to be read, and in so living as to make the world happier and better for our living in it.”
Now, decades later, I find my wine journey as exciting as ever. I'm a storyteller, communicating about WTF: Wine, Travel, and Food. There are other drinks included, too, and I go off-piste occasionally.
The Wine Alchemy website was founded in 1998. The world has undergone enormous changes since then. Now, the Climate Emergency and degradation of ecosystems require that all wine processes should be sustainable in the journey from grape to glass. Hence, a positive environmental stance is taken, and only sustainable wines are featured here.
Independence is also a fundamental value. I write ALL my stuff. There are no ghosts and no guest posts. No advertising, affiliates or clickbait either. Furthermore, Wine Alchemy does not engage with any social media or AI. Also, because your privacy and security are also paramount, my intention is to make this website secure and safe to use.
This version of the website, launched on 11 April 2016, replaced a more rudimentary version and is now the principal repository for my wine articles. This is a website for wine lovers who like to read.
Regarding my qualifications, an MBA (Master's Degree) and a BA in Geography are valuable in understanding many aspects of Wine. Professionally, I am one of twenty people worldwide with WSET Diploma (Honours) in Wines and Spirits, with Distinction, Level 5. In the same year (2004), I was awarded WSET's Wine Trade Club Paten Scholarship, which I spent in New Zealand.
Other past awards include Wine Education Expert of the Year (Food & Drink Awards 2017), Best Wine Education Expert (Global Excellence Awards 2017), Best Opinion/Editorial Shortlist (Born Digital Wine Awards 2017) and Highly Commended (WinesDirect Awards 2019).
Because actions can speak louder than words, I'm a member of responsible environmental organisations and contribute to local projects and activities.
My Society of Authors membership is also invaluable as an author, editor, ghostwriter and proofreader.
With wine judging, I've participated in the most prestigious international wine competitions in Europe and the UK.
While fortunate to have visited many of the world's wine regions, a special relationship has developed with Italy, Spain, France and New Zealand. I've always been happiest in the vineyard and have supported Organic, Biodynamic and Regenerative agriculture since I began this journey.
Wine remains a matter of opinion, mine and yours. Everyone is different; respecting this is part of the fun and should never be forgotten. After all, wouldn't it be terrible if we all liked the same thing?
Whatever your tastes, I hope you enjoy your Wine. I'm not here to tell you what to like, but I'm happy to make recommendations. And if you'd like to discover more about what's in your glass, then please stay awhile and explore these pages.