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These are the top beer producing countries in Europe, report shows

As an American beer drinker, when you think of European beers, Germany is probably first country to come to mind. Of course, Germany is well-known for its annual Oktoberfest party, big beer steins, and influence on American beers. But the United Kingdom has had a major influence as well, thanks to the ever rising popularity of the India pale ale. And what about the profusion of Irish pubs and Guinness? If you think about it, it would be hard to guess what country in Europe actually produces the most beer. Food Ingredients First reported that The Brewers of Europe trade association released data report from last year. Seven nations were highlighted as top beer producers. Unsurprisingly, Germany led the list, producing 9.3 billion liters of beer in 2017 — accounting for 23 percent of Europe’s beer production. The United Kingdom and Poland tied for second place with production at 4…

Hail storms wipe out eight million bottles worth of Champagne grapes

Today the Champagne industry has nothing to toast. Strong hail storms hit the famous wine growing region of France and wiped out the equivalent of eight million bottles of bubbly. The strong hailstorm damaged 4,450 acres of Champagne vineyards — completely destroying about 1,000 of those. This isn’t the first storm to wreck havoc on this year’s harvest. The northeastern Champagne region was hit hard four times between late April and May, which is unfortunately the exact time that the delicate vines begin to flower. The fourth storm, which hit May 27, caused the most harm. “Of course storm and hail are not unusual phenomena in Champagne, but what is rare is to see them at this very early stage and with this level of violence,” the industry’s Champagne Committee said. Thanks to the region’s reserves, the hail damage is not expected to result in a shortage for customers this…

You’ll soon be spending more for that cheap wine

Just when you found a few good, cheap wines to rely on, they’re about to get way more expensive. According to data from the Paris-based International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), wine production was down this year to the lowest production levels seen since 1957. According to Reuters, it’s the weather causing the problem. Three of the world’s top wine producers, Italy, France and Spain, were hit by harsh and unusual weather last year, like drought, hailstorms and late spring frost, leading to an overall drop of 14.6 percent in production. The 2017 harvest only brought 25 billion liters of wine. That’s down from the 2015 harvest which produced 27.6 billion liters, and the 2016 harvest which brought 26.7 billion liters. The continent accounts for 65 percent of global wine production. The OIV told the Independent that this doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a shortage of wine unless the weather conditions and poor harvest…

France’s Wine Theme Park is like Disney for Adults

Anaheim, California may have Disneyland, but the happiest place on Earth is actually located in France. La Cité du Vin, or “The City of Wine,” is located in Bordeaux — one of France’s most storied wine regions. While it may not have whizzing go-around rides and 20-ft tower drops, the two-year-old theme park-museum-hybrid has plenty of thrills for oenophiles. Visitors can start at La Cité du Vin’s on premise restaurant where more than 800 varieties of wine from 70 different countries are stored — all of which are available for tasting and ordering. Guests can then also explore more than 20 wine themed exhibits and sections of the park, including an immersive simulated boat ride that shows what it’s like to be a globe-trotting wine merchant. Bordeaux, France #csmidlifegapyear #memories #travel #travelblogger #travelbug #laciteduvin #bordeaux #france #wine A post shared by midlifegapyear (@midlifegapyear.info) on Mar 28, 2018 at 4:32am PDT A 250-seat auditorium…

19 Fun facts about champagne

Champagne is synonymous with celebration, and nothing says New Year’s quite like popping a bottle of bubbly. Throughout the year it might be seen as slightly snobbish, but on December 31 Champagne becomes holiday revelers’ drink of choice in countries all over the world. It seems that simply letting those bubbles fly sets the tone for a festive celebration, but what do you actually know about this fizzy favorite? Here are 19 fun facts about Champagne you likely never knew. 1. There are about 49 million bubbles in a 7500ml bottle of Champagne. 2. A standard-sized glass emits 30 bubbles every second. 3. France has the largest Champagne market (of course). The French consume 162.5 million bottles every year, or about 52 percent of the entire world production of Champagne. 4. Champagne has 3 times more carbonation than beer. 5. The pressure in a Champagne bottle is about 3 times the amount of pressure…

8 Christmas traditions from around the world

In today’s globalized economy, the Christmas holiday can seem a little too expected. Images of Santa Claus, decorated evergreen trees, and candy canes be found all over the world. But if you dig a little deeper, you can still find people celebrating the beloved holiday in their own special way — particularly with food. While you’re tearing up tissue paper and singing festive songs this Christmas morning, consider what people around the world might be doing to add to their holiday cheer. https://www.instagram.com/p/BcqXOPkn9mb/?tagged=japankfc Japan Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, but that doesn’t stop people from waiting in long lines at their local KFC. So why all the love for the fast food joint? December 25 is the one day a year KFCs in Japan serve “Christmas Chicken” — a tradition that dates back to a wildly successful ad campaign from 1974. The campaign was so successful, the people still flock to KFC…

The World’s Best Cheese has been named

The best cheese in the world has been named, and neither Italy nor France can claim the honor. It’s created in Cornwall, a county in southwest England. The cheese is called Cornish Kern, and it now officially the Supreme Champion of the 2017 World Cheese Awards. Produced by Lynher Dairies, the cow’s milk cheese has a dark black, wax-like rind. Lynher Dairies describes the cheese as being “buttery with caramel notes.” According to iNews, it’s a “Gouda-style recipe” and is made with “Alpine starter cultures.” It’s aged for about 16 months, producing a hard, “flaky and almost dry” cheese. Cornish Kern beats hundreds of cheeses from around the world to win “World’s Best Cheese” title https://t.co/aoVE6mqjp5 pic.twitter.com/3Jq6GBunw0 — Eater London (@eaterlondon) November 18, 2017 It might not be a region commonly thought of for cheese, but this isn’t the first time Cornish cheese has received international recognition. A variety called Cornish Blue won Best…