By-The-Glass: a Great Concept That is Undermining Wine

Wine by the glass is often oxidised. A new investigation reveals that tourists ordering Chablis by the glass in Paris are being given cheaper wine from other regions. Robert Joseph believes it's time for a change.

Reading time: 3m 30s

Devil's Advocate: Why We Don't Need Personalised Wine Recommendations

Robert Joseph tackles the debate over human vs AI wine advice head on – by suggesting that, for much of the time, personalised advice may be a waste of time.

Reading time: 3m 30s

Devil's Advocate: Tito's Vodka – Success Requires Much More Than Quality

Tito's is a hugely best-selling vodka in the US. Many enjoy drinking it; some see it as a craft spirit but, as Robert Joseph points out, there are other ways of looking at this brand.

Reading time:  4m 45s

Devil's Advocate: Fine - and General - Wine Downturn May Not Be Cyclical

As professionals head to Bordeaux for a likely lacklustre 2024 En Primeur campaign, some believe patience is key amid falling wine sales and rising competition from other products. Robert Joseph suggests this approach lacks scientific credibility.

Reading time: 3m 15s

Devil's Advocate: More Thoughts About the Trump Tariffs

Robert Joseph offers an updated version of his early reactions to the US president's on-again, off-again tariff policy.

Reading time: 5m

Devil's Advocate: A Plea for Friendlier, More Empathetic Wine Lists and Service

Many sommeliers today seem to set on creating wine lists full of unfamiliar wines that express their own tastes, and rely on customers asking them for help and explanations. Robert Joseph, who grew up in a family-owned restaurant, finds this annoying.

Reading time: 4m 30s

Devil's Advocate: Sampling – The Trick Wine Could Learn From the Perfume Industry

Robert Joseph questions the wine industry's expectation for customers to buy potentially very pricy wine without having the chance to try it first.

Reading time: 3m

Devil's Advocate: Wine – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

In his keynote to the Meininger's Wine Conference, Robert Joseph offered a brief SWOT analysis of the wine industry. This is a fuller version.

Reading time: 4m 15s

Devil's Advocate: a Few Thoughts on Wine Snobbery

Robert Joseph addresses the thorny subject of the wine snob. Does he exist? And, if so, how can we get rid of him?

Reading time: 1m 30s