Hi and welcome to Diane Wine Voyage

Welcome to Diane Wine Voyage!

Hey there, fellow wine adventurers and welcome to Diane Wine Voyage! 🍷

I know how it feels to get excited about wine, only to end up with the same options over and over. Maybe you’ve tried wine clubs that missed the mark, and it felt like money down the drain.

Or perhaps you’ve had a few disappointing experiences that made you give up on trying new wines altogether, thinking it’s just not worth the risk.

Trust me, I’ve been there.

And let’s be honest: the wine world can feel a bit overwhelming. It’s easy to feel left out when everyone else seems to know something you don’t.

But that’s where I come in.

At Diane Wine Voyage, I’m here to make exploring wine simple, fun, and just a little bit adventurous.

Here, it’s all about wines from lesser-known regions—think Austria’s bold Blaufränkisch, Japan’s elegant Koshu, and England’s sparkling fizz. These are the wines that have a story to tell, and I’m here to share my personal favorites, insider tips, and expert picks. No need to spend hours scrolling or second-guessing—I’ve got you covered.

Ready to get started? Check out my blog for everything from wine tips to regional guides.Or, if videos are more your thing, head over to my Instagram for quick and fun insights.

Let’s make wine exciting again!!

Who is This Blog For (and who it’s NOT for)?

This blog is for you if you love the idea of discovering wines that aren’t on everyone else’s radar—the kind that surprise you, delight you, and maybe even make you say, “How did I not know about this?”

Whether you’re someone who loves exploring new flavors, a sommelier hunting for unexpected pairings, or just a curious wine lover eager to step beyond the usual, Diane Wine Voyage is here to guide you.

But let’s be real—if you’re here for a list of “the best wines ever” or if you only drink French wine (no shade, I promise!), this probably isn’t the blog for you.

What you’ll find here is something different: a celebration of unique wines that I’ve tasted and fallen for. No snobbery, no pressure—just exceptional wines with stories that are as fascinating as their flavors.

My Unique Expertise

So, dear friend, here’s why I’m the perfect companion for your wine adventure.

First, the credentials. I’ve earned my WSET Level 2 certification with distinction and am currently diving even deeper into the world of wine with WSET Level 3.

In 2022, I also completed the Perfectionnement diploma at the French University of Wine in Suze-la-Rousse. Fancy, right? But don’t worry, I’ll keep things fun and straightforward—no overwhelming jargon here!

Now, let’s talk experience. Austria, Japan, and England aren’t just random places I picked off a map. These countries are part of my story (see below, in the part about me).

I’ve walked their vineyards, tasted their wines, and learned firsthand what makes each region so special. From Austria’s bold Blaufränkisch to Japan’s delicate Koshu and England’s sparkling fizz, I’ve been there, sipped that, and brought it all back to share with you.

But there’s more: I have an engineering degree in aeronautical techniques and nearly a decade as a program manager.

And yes, my background in engineering and project management does play a role here. It means I have a knack for turning complex wine concepts into simple, approachable tips you can actually use. Whether you’re choosing a bottle for dinner or impressing your friends with a fun fact, I’ve got you covered

My background in engineering helps me simplify wine concepts, and my experience as a program manager means I know how to organize and share information clearly. From beginners to aficionados, I aim to make wine knowledge approachable and enjoyable

At Diane Wine Voyage, it’s all about helping you explore wines without the stress. Together, we’ll find bottles that excite your taste buds, expand your horizons, and make every sip feel like you’re travelling the world.

What You’ll Find Here at Diane Wine Voyage

Diane Wine Voyage is your guide to discovering wines that surprise and delight.

We’re starting this journey in Austria and Japan, two regions packed with incredible wines that deserve a spot on your table. I’ll take you through these places, sharing what makes their wines so special, introducing you to my favorite wineries, and recommending bottles you can actually find and enjoy.

But it’s not just about the wines. Here, you’ll get easy-to-follow tips—like how soil shapes a wine’s flavor or why certain grape-growing methods matter. Everything is written simply, so you can enjoy learning about wine without feeling overwhelmed or out of your depth.

I created Diane Wine Voyage because I know what it feels like to stare at a wine list, totally lost, or sit in a conversation about wine and feel like you’re missing something.

My goal? To help you feel confident and excited about wine—whether you’re picking a bottle for dinner, impressing friends with a fun fact, or just treating yourself to something new.

This blog is your space to explore, learn, and fall in love with wines from places you might not have considered before. Let’s make wine fun, approachable, and a little adventurous—just like you.

A Little About Me, Diane

Mesdames et messieurs, commençons par une confession : je suis française.

[Pause for effect—you’re imagining it, right?]

And like any self-respecting French woman, I grew up thinking wine was our thing. Not just a thing—the thing. Beyoncé is to pop music what Chanel is to fashion, and France? We’re the undisputed champions of wine. Case closed, right?

Eh bien… FAUX.

Here’s the twist: I learned just how wrong I was while traveling the world—and, let’s be honest, making a fool of myself. Not once. Not twice. But three times.

The Austrian Revelation

First stop: Austria. Picture this: I walk into a charming little bar with rustic wooden beams and confidently order, “Ein Bier, bitte.” Austria’s the land of beer, right? Well, the bartender looked at me like I’d insulted his grandmother. “Here, madame,” he said with a mix of pride and disbelief, “we drink wine.”

That’s when I discovered Austria’s Blaufränkisch—intense, spicy, and oh-so-bold. It was like meeting Cabernet Sauvignon’s rebellious, sexy cousin. Lesson learned: In Austria, skip the beer and go straight for the wine.

An English Surprise

Next, England. Tea, rain, maybe a pint or two—that’s the stereotype, isn’t it? So, there I was, sipping a proper British pint when someone suggested, “Have you tried English sparkling wine?” Sparkling wine? In England? I almost choked on my fish and chips.

But then I tasted it. Fresh, elegant, and absolutely brilliant—like a rare sunny day in London. Let’s just say I’ve been raising a glass to English fizz ever since.

The Japanese Curveball

Finally, Japan. Naturally, I signed up for a sake tasting, feeling proud of my cultural savvy. Twelve tiny glasses later, I was ready to call it a day. That’s when my guide casually mentioned, “You know, we also make wine.”

Wine? In Japan? My French brain couldn’t compute. But then I tried Koshu—light, delicate, with a hint of yuzu. It was like a refreshing breeze of citrus and elegance. Who knew Japan could bottle that kind of magic?

Why I Started Diane Wine Voyage

I used to think the world of wine began and ended in France. But these travels taught me something life-changing: Wine is so much more than a drink—it’s an adventure. Limiting yourself to one country’s wines is like traveling the world and eating nothing but baguettes.

Now, I’m here to share what I’ve learned with you. Whether it’s Austria’s Blaufränkisch, England’s sparkling fizz, or Japan’s Koshu, I want to help you step out of your comfort zone and discover wines you never imagined.

Because wine, like life, should be full of surprises. Santé!

So where do you want to start?

How Does Soil Affect the Taste of Wine?

Ever wondered why the same grape can taste so different depending on where it’s grown? It all comes down to the soil.

In this post, I break it down simply, showing how soil shapes the flavors and character of your favorite wines. Whether you’re new to wine or just curious, this guide will help you see why wines from Austria, Japan, and England taste so unique.

A Quick Guide to the Best Austrian Wine Regions

If you’ve ever been curious about Austrian wines, this guide is for you.

I take you through Austria’s top wine regions—like the Wachau, Kamptal, and Burgenland—and introduce you to their iconic grapes, from the crisp Grüner Veltliner to the bold Blaufränkisch.

Wine Regions in Japan

Let’s talk about Japan.

This guide dives into Japan’s fascinating wine regions, like Yamanashi and Hokkaido, and introduces you to their star grape, Koshu.

If you love discovering wines with a unique story (and flavors that pair perfectly with sushi), this post is your ticket to the delicate, citrusy world of Japanese wines.

What Are the Wine Regions of the UK?

Did you know England is home to some of the world’s most exciting sparkling wines?

In this guide, I walk you through regions like Sussex and Yorkshire, showing you why English fizz is becoming a real rival to Champagne. If you’re a sparkling wine fan or just curious about England’s growing wine scene, you’ll love this one.