David Round MW
@davidroundmw.bsky.social
Head of Taxonomy at wine start-up Pour Now. Director of events business Big Fish Little Fish. London-based.
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David Round MW
@davidroundmw.bsky.social
· Aug 14
My Concise Guide To Food And Drink Matching: drink what you like and eat what you like, when you like. If you like.
Reposted by David Round MW
"which wines would sommeliers like to see less of in 2026?" An interesting take on the wine list and at first glance a controversial list. But read the article to get the whole picture and nuance. By @vinepair.com
We Asked 17 Sommeliers: Which #Wine Should Disappear From Lists This Year? (2026) | #VinePair zurl.co/29AqO
We Asked 17 Sommeliers: Which Wine Should Disappear From Lists This Year? (2026)
We asked 17 wine professionals from around the nation for the wines they think should be ditched this year. Here's what they said.
zurl.co
January 13, 2026 at 7:14 AM
"which wines would sommeliers like to see less of in 2026?" An interesting take on the wine list and at first glance a controversial list. But read the article to get the whole picture and nuance. By @vinepair.com
From hero to Zero.
Having broken the news last week that British singer-songwriter Elton John had decided to enter the drinks category, we now look at what prompted him to launch an alcohol-free alternative to Champagne.
Why has Elton John launched an alcohol-free alternative to Champagne?
Following news that Elton John has entered the drinks sector, we reveal what prompted him to launch an alcohol-free alternative to Champagne.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
January 12, 2026 at 1:45 PM
From hero to Zero.
Reposted by David Round MW
Calling all wine and food writers, professional or aspiring.
I'm hosting a residential course on non-fiction writing this May.
We'll be based in a beautiful location in the hills of Vipava, Slovenia.
Full details & how to book:
themorningclaret.com/p/writing-co...
I'm hosting a residential course on non-fiction writing this May.
We'll be based in a beautiful location in the hills of Vipava, Slovenia.
Full details & how to book:
themorningclaret.com/p/writing-co...
Residential Writing Course with Simon J Woolf
Spend a week in the beautiful Slovenian countryside working on your writing
themorningclaret.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Calling all wine and food writers, professional or aspiring.
I'm hosting a residential course on non-fiction writing this May.
We'll be based in a beautiful location in the hills of Vipava, Slovenia.
Full details & how to book:
themorningclaret.com/p/writing-co...
I'm hosting a residential course on non-fiction writing this May.
We'll be based in a beautiful location in the hills of Vipava, Slovenia.
Full details & how to book:
themorningclaret.com/p/writing-co...
“there were, in 2025, 1.1 killings for every 100,000 residents of London, compared with 3.2 for Berlin, 2.9 in Brussels and 1.6 in Paris”
London’s homicide rate drops to lowest in more than a decade
London’s homicide rate drops to lowest in more than a decade
Sadiq Khan says ‘public health’ approach has made the capital one of the safest cities in the western world
London’s murder rate has dropped to its lowest in more than a decade with police in the capital and the mayor saying it is now one of the safest cities in the western world.
The figures come as those on the radical right criticise the city for having a crime problem, hoping to gain politically from such claims being believed. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 10:35 AM
“there were, in 2025, 1.1 killings for every 100,000 residents of London, compared with 3.2 for Berlin, 2.9 in Brussels and 1.6 in Paris”
The Daily Mash gets it (and no, despite any passing similarities, I did not write this):
“Unless you can afford a decent bottle, all white wine tastes like Satan’s urine after he’s had a night out on the lash. Remove the alcohol content and it becomes not only nasty but also utterly pointless.”
“Unless you can afford a decent bottle, all white wine tastes like Satan’s urine after he’s had a night out on the lash. Remove the alcohol content and it becomes not only nasty but also utterly pointless.”
Alcohol-free gin, and other drinks that should make you get a grip and have a Diet Coke buff.ly/OIvSKza
January 11, 2026 at 6:06 PM
The Daily Mash gets it (and no, despite any passing similarities, I did not write this):
“Unless you can afford a decent bottle, all white wine tastes like Satan’s urine after he’s had a night out on the lash. Remove the alcohol content and it becomes not only nasty but also utterly pointless.”
“Unless you can afford a decent bottle, all white wine tastes like Satan’s urine after he’s had a night out on the lash. Remove the alcohol content and it becomes not only nasty but also utterly pointless.”
Reposted by David Round MW
If you're looking for something with a bit of depth and warmth to go with your Sunday lunch you could try this Psi Dominio de Pingus from @petersisseck.bsky.social Made from lots of little parcels of old vines, 92% Tempranillo and 8% Garnacha, it's full of brambly fruit and spice with fine tannins
January 11, 2026 at 9:52 AM
If you're looking for something with a bit of depth and warmth to go with your Sunday lunch you could try this Psi Dominio de Pingus from @petersisseck.bsky.social Made from lots of little parcels of old vines, 92% Tempranillo and 8% Garnacha, it's full of brambly fruit and spice with fine tannins
Reposted by David Round MW
Escape to the Country:
I'm Jacinta, I'm an artisan sandal handler. This is my husband Tristan, he nails parsnips to Anderson shelters. Our budget is 8.4 million pounds.
I'm Jacinta, I'm an artisan sandal handler. This is my husband Tristan, he nails parsnips to Anderson shelters. Our budget is 8.4 million pounds.
January 10, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Escape to the Country:
I'm Jacinta, I'm an artisan sandal handler. This is my husband Tristan, he nails parsnips to Anderson shelters. Our budget is 8.4 million pounds.
I'm Jacinta, I'm an artisan sandal handler. This is my husband Tristan, he nails parsnips to Anderson shelters. Our budget is 8.4 million pounds.
Reposted by David Round MW
This, on cats, by @realbaddiel.bsky.social is perfect:
January 11, 2026 at 7:11 AM
This, on cats, by @realbaddiel.bsky.social is perfect:
Guilty as charged
January 11, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Guilty as charged
Exactly. If your business plan relies on you being a nonce-adjacent, bigotry-tolerant Twitter user, you don't actually have a business plan.
If you’re still on twitter I will have to assume you’re either a paedophile or absolutely fine with hanging out with them & seeing CSAM in your feed.
January 9, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Exactly. If your business plan relies on you being a nonce-adjacent, bigotry-tolerant Twitter user, you don't actually have a business plan.
You now need the training of an MI5 Intelligence Officer just to attend a protest. What a world we live in.
For the best chance at anonymity, you should leave your phone at home. But if you can’t, keep it off as much as possible—or keep it in a Faraday bag that blocks all of its radio communications.
You can also consider using a secondary phone or a burner.
You can also consider using a secondary phone or a burner.
How to Protest Safely in the Age of Surveillance
Law enforcement has more tools than ever to track your movements and access your communications. Here’s how to protect your privacy if you plan to protest.
www.wired.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:31 PM
You now need the training of an MI5 Intelligence Officer just to attend a protest. What a world we live in.
There can be no doubt now that Twitter / X is for nonces and Nazis. People still posting on there are saying they are fine with child abuse, exploitation of women and right wing authoritarianism. I have been unfollowing people here who still post there.
If you’re still using Twitter at this point then yes, I will judge you for it. No ifs, no buts.
January 8, 2026 at 8:54 AM
There can be no doubt now that Twitter / X is for nonces and Nazis. People still posting on there are saying they are fine with child abuse, exploitation of women and right wing authoritarianism. I have been unfollowing people here who still post there.
I’m extremely concerned to read that some Americans* still believe there will be mid-term elections later this year. I fear that this is just the same patronising complacency some already showed over the Constitution, checks and balances and independence of the judiciary.
*not all Americans
*not all Americans
January 6, 2026 at 10:26 PM
I’m extremely concerned to read that some Americans* still believe there will be mid-term elections later this year. I fear that this is just the same patronising complacency some already showed over the Constitution, checks and balances and independence of the judiciary.
*not all Americans
*not all Americans
Reposted by David Round MW
Editor friends: is anyone looking for a fermentation/food preserving column or series this year?
I can focus on low waste, saving $, flavorful ingredients, or whatever else.
Lmk, or email me! Julia@root-kitchens.com
I can focus on low waste, saving $, flavorful ingredients, or whatever else.
Lmk, or email me! Julia@root-kitchens.com
January 4, 2026 at 11:32 AM
Editor friends: is anyone looking for a fermentation/food preserving column or series this year?
I can focus on low waste, saving $, flavorful ingredients, or whatever else.
Lmk, or email me! Julia@root-kitchens.com
I can focus on low waste, saving $, flavorful ingredients, or whatever else.
Lmk, or email me! Julia@root-kitchens.com
Reposted by David Round MW
Having spent far too much on NA/LA drinks so going sober 2.5 years ago - it's Robinson's Fruit and Barley for me.
Some of the Apple Cider Vinegar stuff like Bovito and Mother Root ginger is OK in very small doses, but even the best LA/NA beers are just an expensive can of pop.
Some of the Apple Cider Vinegar stuff like Bovito and Mother Root ginger is OK in very small doses, but even the best LA/NA beers are just an expensive can of pop.
January 3, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Having spent far too much on NA/LA drinks so going sober 2.5 years ago - it's Robinson's Fruit and Barley for me.
Some of the Apple Cider Vinegar stuff like Bovito and Mother Root ginger is OK in very small doses, but even the best LA/NA beers are just an expensive can of pop.
Some of the Apple Cider Vinegar stuff like Bovito and Mother Root ginger is OK in very small doses, but even the best LA/NA beers are just an expensive can of pop.
Reposted by David Round MW
De-alcoholised wine is looking like being another stumble down a blind alley for the wine trade. We’re basically building a pot-holed off-ramp. And it’s got me mixing my metaphors.
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
De-alcoholised wine is a poor substitute for the real thing. But there are one or two palatable alternatives.
https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/how-drink-less-wine
@ft_weekend #jancisrobinson #noandlow #winealternatives #wine
https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/how-drink-less-wine
@ft_weekend #jancisrobinson #noandlow #winealternatives #wine
January 3, 2026 at 10:41 AM
De-alcoholised wine is looking like being another stumble down a blind alley for the wine trade. We’re basically building a pot-holed off-ramp. And it’s got me mixing my metaphors.
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
Reposted by David Round MW
I don’t usually like advertising our tiny cider on here, but sod it 😄
Kertelreiter Cider – Von der Blüte bis ins Glas
kertelreiter.de
January 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM
I don’t usually like advertising our tiny cider on here, but sod it 😄
De-alcoholised wine is looking like being another stumble down a blind alley for the wine trade. We’re basically building a pot-holed off-ramp. And it’s got me mixing my metaphors.
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
De-alcoholised wine is a poor substitute for the real thing. But there are one or two palatable alternatives.
https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/how-drink-less-wine
@ft_weekend #jancisrobinson #noandlow #winealternatives #wine
https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/how-drink-less-wine
@ft_weekend #jancisrobinson #noandlow #winealternatives #wine
January 3, 2026 at 10:41 AM
De-alcoholised wine is looking like being another stumble down a blind alley for the wine trade. We’re basically building a pot-holed off-ramp. And it’s got me mixing my metaphors.
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
“My advice to wine drinkers wishing to cut down their alcohol intake is to find a non-alcoholic drink that they like”
The US is a rogue state and its traditional allies must now accept this and move on. Voters’ remorse in mid-terms or other elections won’t change the fact that the US electorate voted twice for Trump to do what he’s doing. Who can rely on them not voting for fascism yet again?
January 3, 2026 at 9:44 AM
The US is a rogue state and its traditional allies must now accept this and move on. Voters’ remorse in mid-terms or other elections won’t change the fact that the US electorate voted twice for Trump to do what he’s doing. Who can rely on them not voting for fascism yet again?
The wine trade anti-duty campaigners in the UK who point out that increasing duty is causing a decrease in government revenue seem not to have realised that reducing consumption might be the aim. With the health, public order and productivity benefits that entails, it’s totally rational policy.
"more than half of all police work involves alcohol in some capacity, and it’s estimated that approximately two-thirds of individuals in police custody have alcohol use disorders"
This is the column you should read this morning. Gift link free 300x as.ft.com/r/6824147c-4...
January 3, 2026 at 8:54 AM
The wine trade anti-duty campaigners in the UK who point out that increasing duty is causing a decrease in government revenue seem not to have realised that reducing consumption might be the aim. With the health, public order and productivity benefits that entails, it’s totally rational policy.
The two are related. Russia pushes harder on the battlefield whenever the US pushes for a peace deal. The US and Russia are working together.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Russia's losses in Ukraine rise faster than ever as US pushes for peace deal
A steep rise in soldiers' obituaries is documented by the BBC as part of its work in counting Russian war losses.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 9:07 AM
The two are related. Russia pushes harder on the battlefield whenever the US pushes for a peace deal. The US and Russia are working together.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by David Round MW
Why de-alcoholize wine when you can offer healthier more authentic grape juice?
"Pourquoi désalcooliser un vin quand on peut proposer un jus de raisin plus sain et authentique ?"
Entre poussée des boissons non-alcoolisées et crise du vin poussant les vignerons à trouver d'autres débouchés, les jus de raisin constituent un marché
www.vitisphere.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Why de-alcoholize wine when you can offer healthier more authentic grape juice?
I’m on a bit of a Seyssuel thing this Christmas. This one is dense, earthy and structured, with a vanilla, chocolate and creamy overlay. Seems a bit backward and quite bold in its oakiness. I think the Sotanum is much more my style, but it’s really good nonetheless.
December 27, 2025 at 10:25 PM
I’m on a bit of a Seyssuel thing this Christmas. This one is dense, earthy and structured, with a vanilla, chocolate and creamy overlay. Seems a bit backward and quite bold in its oakiness. I think the Sotanum is much more my style, but it’s really good nonetheless.