Swiss wine, particularly from the Valais region, is largely unknown outside Switzerland due to minimal export, high production costs, and a strong domestic market. Less than 3% of Valais wine is exported, and the region's production doesn't rank in the top 10 in Europe. Despite high-quality wines and a variety of unique grapes like Chasselas (locally known as Fendant) and Petite Arvine, the lack of international market presence and consumer knowledge creates a barrier to global recognition. Wine tourism in Switzerland is thriving, but industry professionals like Laurent Guidoux from Domaine Mont d'Or and Nadine McCallion from Guy Anderson wines in England recognize the challenges in exporting Swiss wine. The article also highlights local dining experiences, such as Jacques Bovier's La Sitterie, and suggests hiking through vineyards as a way to explore Swiss wine culture.

At the 94th Academy Awards, celebrities will be drinking Fleur de Miraval champagne, priced around €350, replacing Piper-Heidsieck. The champagne is a collaboration between the Pitt and Perrin families, known for Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé, and the Péters family, with six generations in Champagne. The ER2 Cuvée consists of 75% Chardonnay from various vintages and 25% young Pinot Noirs, aged on lees for three years. Tasting notes describe it as having a tight mineral structure with dark cherry fruit and almond notes, which opens up over time.

The Chester Grosvenor lost its Michelin star due to prolonged closure, leaving Cheshire without any Michelin stars. In contrast, London's Le Gavroche maintains a record of 47 years with Michelin stars. The Grosvenor plans to launch a new dining concept called Arkle in Spring 2022. Internationally, Paul Bocuse's restaurant held three stars for 55 years but was recently downgraded to two stars.

The Orchestre de la Suisse Romande has replaced traditional chocolate advent calendars with a musical alternative, offering daily video performances from December 1 to 24. The initiative, which began in 2020 due to concert cancellations from the COVID-19 pandemic, features a variety of classical music, jazz, film music, and traditional Swiss melodies. The OSR, a leading symphony orchestra in French-speaking Switzerland, encourages donations for new instruments but offers the calendar for free.

Luxembourg's cultural identity is explored through its art and crafts showcased in a city-wide exhibition, with insights from Culture Minister Sam Tanson. The country's multiculturalism, language pride, and evolution from agriculture to a financial and digital hub are discussed. The Biennale, 'De Mains De Maîtres', serves as a platform for local artists and is part of a broader cultural strategy that includes the creation of Kultur | lx to promote Luxembourgish artists. The article also touches on the country's high culture spending and the progressive shift in national motto reflecting an openness to change.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left Manchester United following a 4-1 defeat to Watford, marking another poor performance by the team. The loss has led to speculation about his successor, with Zinedine Zidane and Brendan Rodgers being potential candidates. Michael Carrick will take temporary charge starting with the upcoming UEFA Champions League match against Villarreal. The defeat has caused frustration among fans and players, with captain Harry Maguire receiving a red card and Bruno Fernandes signaling collective blame to the fans.

Dave Powell of Neldner Road vineyards in Barossa, South Australia, has become the first winemaker to auction his 2021 vintage on the NFT market via OpenSea, starting at 6 ETH. Powell aims to modernize the traditional Bordeaux En Primeur system, hoping to attract a crypto-friendly audience and ignite their interest in fine wine. The 2021 vintage is considered exceptional due to favorable climatic conditions, but Powell notes that such conditions may become rarer with global warming. The NFTs include digital artwork, personalized wine labels, and unique experiences, with a million-dollar purchase earning a private dinner hosted by Powell.

Duran Duran, the iconic pop band, is considering a biopic following the success of similar films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman. Drummer Roger Taylor has revealed that scripts are being reviewed and developments are underway. The band, which formed in Birmingham and rose to fame in the 1980s, recently released their album 'Future Past' and will perform in London's Hyde Park in July 2022.

Roquefort cheese producers in southern France are contesting the Nutri-Score classification, arguing that it unfairly penalizes traditional products like their PDO cheese, which are rated D and E for nutritional quality. The General Confederation of Roquefort, with support from local LREM deputy Stéphane Mazars, is seeking an exemption for products with a Protected Designation of Origin, claiming the system favors ultra-processed industrial products and is misleading for consumers. The Nutri-Score, which is optional but may become compulsory in 2022, is backed by the French government and recommended by the WHO, and has been adopted in several European countries.

The Euro-Mediterranean Centre LIBREXPRESSION awarded the top prize of the 2021 LIBEX cartoon competition to Tom Janssen from the Netherlands for his 'Black Lives Matter' cartoon, which critiques the superficial support for anti-racist movements in Western societies. The competition, themed 'Cancel Culture and Political Correctness', featured 160 press cartoonists from 55 countries who submitted 218 cartoons. Elena Ospina from Colombia and Marco De Angelis from Italy won second and third prizes, respectively. An exhibition of the semi-finalist cartoons will run until December 31 at the Monastery San Benedetto in Conversano, Italy.

Italy's rock band Maneskin won the Eurovision Song Contest 2021, held in Rotterdam, with a strong public vote. The event was marked by a mix of performances, with the UK, Germany, and Spain receiving zero points from the public. The article highlights the return of the contest after a year's postponement due to COVID-19 and features commentary from Graham Norton. It also notes the presence of past winners and the joy of the event, emphasizing that rock music remains significant, especially in Italy.

Morzine, a French Alps town known for skiing, is now a summer destination for sports enthusiasts. The town offers affordable and accessible sports facilities and is bidding to be the French cycling team's preparation center for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The author experienced a triathlon training session, including swimming in Lake Montriond, cycling in the hills, and running through diverse terrains, guided by professionals like Amelia Pearson and Edwina Sutton. Dining at La Chamade and a bivouac experience with guide Hervé Le Sobre are also highlighted. The town's ability to adapt for year-round tourism, especially overcoming challenges posed by COVID-19, is essential for local businesses' survival.

London's West End theatres are facing an existential crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with streets like Soho and Covent Garden quiet and playhouses dark. The industry, which generated significant revenue and VAT for the UK Treasury in 2019, employs a vast range of people now at risk of unemployment. UK Theatre's Julian Bird warned that without government support, many theatres and production companies could go out of business by year's end. The government's furlough scheme is set to taper off, increasing financial pressure. Freelancers like Chris Withers and organizations like Bectu are concerned about the lack of support and information. The Royal Opera House announced it will cease furlough arrangements for casual workers from July 31. Theatre producer Jason Haigh-Ellery emphasized the need for government support to ensure the industry's return with strength.

World leaders and international organizations are urging de-escalation in the Middle East following the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian military chief Qassem Soleimani. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concerns over rising global tensions and the potential for a new conflict. The EU plans an extraordinary foreign affairs council, while France's finance minister warned of economic repercussions and a boost to the Islamic State group. The UK and Germany are also involved in diplomatic efforts, with Germany planning to relocate troops and Chancellor Angela Merkel set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for discussions on various international conflicts.

Boozy marathons combining running and wine-tasting are gaining popularity in Europe, with events in regions like Bordeaux and Beaujolais and new ones like the Marathon of Flavours in Switzerland. Participants run through scenic routes, stopping at stations to taste local wines and foods. Despite concerns about the effects of alcohol on exercise, such as dehydration and cardiovascular strain, the author, a regular runner, participates and finishes third. The article also touches on the challenges of exporting Swiss wine, as high production costs and low international profile make it difficult for local wines to compete abroad.

A Turkish munitions convoy entered northwest Syria to support insurgents in Khan Sheikhoun against a Syrian government offensive. Syrian state media described the move as aggressive but stated it would not hinder the Syrian Arab Army's efforts to combat terrorists in Idlib province. The Syrian Foreign Ministry source's comments were reported by SANA, and there was no immediate response from Ankara.

French farming minister Didier Guillaume criticized US President Donald Trump's threat to tax French wines in response to France's proposed levy on big U.S. tech companies. Trump's assertion that American wine is better than French wine further fueled the dispute. French wine producer Olivier Fleury expressed concern that additional tariffs could negatively impact the American market for French wines.

Over 1,000 protesters advocating for democracy and chanting 'free Hong Kong' gathered at the city's airport, amidst advisories for travelers to avoid protest areas. Despite the mass sit-in, airport authorities announced that operations would remain unaffected, though they recommended passengers arrive early. Hong Kong is experiencing its worst political crisis in decades with daily protests, recently marked by the defacement of China's main representative office and violent attacks at a train station by individuals believed to have triad connections, resulting in 45 injuries.

Sebastian Bach, the former frontman of the rock band Skid Row, has penned an autobiography titled '18 and Life on Skid Row', chronicling his life experiences. The book opens with 'The Bottle Incident', setting the tone for a candid and truthful narrative. Bach's storytelling is vivid and unfiltered, sharing tales from his childhood to his rise to fame, including his foray into musical theatre and television with 'Gilmore Girls'. The memoir is a rollercoaster of emotions, from the thrill of discovering rock music to the sorrow of personal losses. Despite some structural and stylistic criticisms, the book is a genuine account of Bach's life, filled with humor, wit, and a sense of unstoppable destiny. It provides insights into the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, including interactions with other music legends and the challenges of touring with sober bands like Mötley Crüe and Aerosmith.

The article discusses the enduring popularity of classic rock bands, as evidenced by the performances at the Ramblin' Man Fair in Kent, UK. The fair featured bands like Thin Lizzy, Uriah Heep, Whitesnake, and Europe, celebrating milestones and the legacy of rock music. The journalist reflects on the genre's evolution, the peaceful nature of rock festivals, and the intergenerational appeal of the music. The fair also showcased up-and-coming UK artists, indicating a future for classic rock. Interviews with members of Thin Lizzy and Europe highlight the respect for rock's history and the importance of nurturing new talent. The article concludes with a positive outlook on the future of classic rock, as it continues to be celebrated by fans of all ages.

The article is a review of a new adaptation of Chekhov's 'The Seagull', directed by Matthew Dunster and adapted by Torben Betts. The review celebrates the 120th anniversary of the play and discusses its themes of failure and tragedy. The adaptation is noted for its balance of harrowing and hilarious elements, with a modern language that remains faithful to Chekhov's intentions. The performances, particularly by Mathew Tennyson and Janie Dee, are praised, as is the innovative use of a 'voiced thought' technique. The reviewer finds the energy of the characters' despair to be electric and plans to revisit the show. The adaptation is ultimately described as a masterpiece, with a standout performance by Lisa Diveney as Masha.