MJ Hecox’s career as a wine professional was boosted by a strong sense of smell. “As a kid, I found [it] very burdensome,” says Hecox. “But when I was older and first learning about wine, it was ...

Axel Heinz, former winemaker of Masseto and Ornellaia, is now leading the 2nd Growth estate Château Lascombes in Margaux, and surprisingly, has discovered a plot of Merlot with blue clay in the soil.

Hobbies that result in homemade goods are always worth pursuing, and perhaps none is as worthy as learning to brew beer, wine, mead or cider. Many companies offer complete brewing kits that come with ...