Happenings Wine News: What I’m Reading the Week of October 11, 2026 Chris Lehoux, October 13, 2026 Welcome to this week’s roundup of wine stories worth a closer look. Masked robbers steal wine worth over $5m from top Italian vineyard — Some are calling it the biggest wine theft ever. Stealing 30,000 bottles is no small undertaking, and the Marchese is understandably unhappy. Turning the Tables on… Continue Reading
Wine Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival Returns This Week with an All-Star Lineup Chris Lehoux, October 13, 2026 The Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival returns Oct. 15–18 for its 19th year, with more than 50 events celebrating the city’s food scene. Programming will include tastings, cooking demonstrations, rooftop gatherings and special chef collaborations. Tickets remain for some events at nycwff.org. The four-day festival will… Continue Reading
1960'S Cabernet A Taste of California Wine History Chris Lehoux, October 12, 2026 A recent blind tasting in San Francisco offered a rare chance to explore a broad range of well-cellared California wines from the 1960s and ’70s. A collector shared bottles from their cellar over a home-cooked dinner, and the group was surprised by how many remained sound and enjoyable—especially since most… Continue Reading
Wine How Much Should You Spend on a Good Bottle of Red Wine in 2026? Chris Lehoux, October 12, 2026 A good bottle of red wine doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In 2026, spending around $20 to $25 is a sensible target for finding a bottle with noticeable quality without paying a premium for rarity or famous regions. Wines in the roughly $15–$25 “premium” range are more likely to… Continue Reading
Wine My Way of Feeling Wine Series #4: Wine, a Drink That Awakens Memories Chris Lehoux, October 11, 2026 In Japan, people who want to learn about wine often attend schools or academies, where they study regions, grape varieties, soils, winemaking methods, and vintages. That knowledge matters. But the first lesson I received from wine lovers in Spain and Portugal was simpler: “First, drink. And cherish what you feel.”… Continue Reading
Alder Yarrow Vinography Images: A Kaleidoscope of Wine Photography Chris Lehoux, October 10, 2026 Let’s keep the autumn feeling going. Some of the most spectacular fall vineyard views I’ve seen were in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Terraced vines rise above green slopes, and the landscape’s sheer scale makes for an impressive view in every direction. Continue Reading
Wine California’s Wine Crisis Deepens as Luxury Bottles Hit Costco, Aldi and Kroger at Steep Discounts Chris Lehoux, October 10, 2026 California’s wine industry is grappling with a surplus as demand falls amid changing attitudes toward alcohol, inflation and the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. The state produces about 80% of the wine consumed in the United States, making the supply-and-demand imbalance especially significant. To move excess inventory, premium wineries are… Continue Reading
Wine The Great Wine Glass Debate: Are Thinner Stems Better? Insights from Top Restaurateurs Chris Lehoux, October 9, 2026 Wine enthusiasts often debate the merits of different wine glass designs, particularly the stem. While thin-stemmed glasses are frequently favored in upscale dining, experts suggest that the ideal choice ultimately depends on your drinking environment and personal preference. Through discussions with several top restaurateurs, it becomes clear that the shape… Continue Reading
Wine Delicious Duos: 5 Wine and Halloween Candy Pairings to Savor This Year, Recommended by a Sommelier Chris Lehoux, October 8, 2026 If you’ve never considered pairing Halloween candy with wine, now is the perfect opportunity. Whether you enjoy chocolate, sour, or fruity treats, this Halloween can become a sophisticated dessert affair with the right wine selections. Sommelier Sandra Stefano of Sandra’s Wine Life suggests various candy and wine combinations, ensuring there’s… Continue Reading
Wine Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Ukrainians’ Unyielding Love for Wine Amidst Conflict Chris Lehoux, October 7, 2026 Winemakers often find themselves watching the sky during harvest season, but for Giorgi Iukuridze in Ukraine, the threats are far more severe than errant weather. As the owner and CEO of SHABO wines, Iukuridze operates his vineyards about 120 miles from the frontlines of an ongoing war that has seen… Continue Reading