While our top videos of 2020 highlighted creative ways to pass the time at home, 2021’s favorites focused more on getting out and about and meeting big names in wine in their element. Whether it was riding along on vineyard visits with winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, talking wine with NBA legend Dwyane Wade or seeing Italian comedian Maccio Capatonda go overboard in pursuing wine expertise, we covered many aspects of wine education and enjoyment. Our top videos also included an inside look at the Wine of the Year, an exploration of European wine regions and how to master the cheese board. So raise your glass and enjoy this year’s favorite clips!
Top 10
Once again, wine lovers around the world tuned in to see Wine Spectator‘s Wine of the Year reveal. Senior editor James Molesworth, lead taster for California Cabernet and Bordeaux, unveiled the Dominus Estate Napa Valley 2018, the Yountville project of Right Bank Bordeaux leader Christian Moueix, who brought decades of experience, patience and good instincts to a benchmark vintage for Napa Cabernet. For more information on all Top 100 Wines of 2020, check out our Top 100 video page to hear from our senior editors about what makes the Top 10 wines special and explore other regions, grape varieties and wine styles featured in this year’s list.
Video Contest Winner
Sommelier: Don’t Try This at Home
For our 2021 Video Contest, filmmakers got their creative juices flowing to bring their personal wine stories to life. In this year’s winning submission, Italian winery Caviro and Volio Imports brought together Italian wine professionals and famous comedian Maccio Capatonda to show what happens when we attempt to seem like an expert instead of just being ourselves. “Sommelier: Don’t Try This at Home” proved to be the favorite among voters, followed by “High Tannins” and “finalists and honorable mentions!
Wine 101
How to Build a Better Cheese Board
As friends and family began gathering again in 2021, it was time to break out the special treats—like a beautiful charcuterie board overflowing with fine cheeses, enticing meats, fruits, nuts and more. Our editors shared 3 keys for constructing a winning cheese board, tips on how much you need, an easy hack for stunning salami rosettes and 4 wine-pairing recommendations. Find more cheese tips and get your charcuterie on!
Take your breakfast to the next level with perfect poached eggs. We headed to the chicken coop at Vegetable Power Farm for this quick and easy recipe!
Do you like your coffee extra creamy and frothy? We shared a recipe for this instant coffee–based Korean treat to go along with the full story on this Internet sensation in our June 15 & 30, 2021, double issue of Wine Spectator!
People
This fall, NBA legend and Napa vintner Dwyane Wade joined senior editor MaryAnn Worobiec in Wine Spectator‘s Napa office for a deep dive into Wade’s journey into wine appreciation and then production, as well as what he hopes to accomplish as a new U.C. Davis board member. Learn more about what he aims to bring to the wine industry!
Wine Regions
No matter how long you study wine, there’s always a new region to explore or an old region to rediscover, and guiding wine lovers through them is a core part of Wine Spectator‘s mission. Learn about one of Spain’s historic winemaking regions: Cariñena. Check out its fascinating history, demanding terroir and signature grapes.
As New Year’s approaches, Prosecco takes the stage. But how do you find the best of this booming Italian sparkling wine category? Senior editor Alison Napjus walks viewers through the Prosecco DOCG’s terroirs, top classifications and terms, so you’ll know exactly what to look for on the bottle before you snag one for upcoming festivities!
While Prosecco has become widely known, there’s much more to Italian sparkling wine. Our editors introduced viewers to the traditional-method sparklers from Italy’s mountainous Trentino region. Get to know this historic area, its winemaking traditions, key grapes and what makes these bubblies so exciting!
With its diverse culture, incredible cuisine and a long history of wine production, this Mediterranean island has broad appeal. Learn more about Italy’s Sicilia D.O.C. with senior editor Alison Napjus and associate editor Julie Harans as they explore the history of the wines, important indigenous grapes, food pairings and more!
In the Vineyard
Napa Vineyard Ride-Along with Thomas Rivers Brown
California’s most sought-after winemaker offered an inside look at three different Napa Cabernet vineyards—demonstrating pruning techniques and showing the impact of drought—as senior editor James Molesworth rode along this summer. Plus, watch a bonus video of Brown and Schrader Cellars founder Fred Schrader from the 2018 New York Wine Experience!