Wine Unshackled Wines Bring Easygoing, Crowd-Pleasing Options to Holiday Gatherings Chris Lehoux, October 24, 2026 The Prisoner Wine Company’s Unshackled range offers three California Central Coast wines aimed at both experienced wine drinkers and newcomers. The collection includes Chardonnay for $17.99, Pinot Noir for $22.99, and Cabernet Sauvignon for $19.99—less than the company’s traditional wines, which generally cost $35.99 to $40. The lineup was created… Continue Reading
Alder Yarrow Vinography Images: Fire in the Forest Chris Lehoux, October 23, 2026 Fall colors spread across the Pintas vineyard in Portugal’s Douro Valley, where ancient stone terraces sit among lush greenery. One tree stands out, its orange leaves glowing against the surrounding evergreens. More than 70 years old, the vineyard—like many in the region—contains over 40 grape varieties. Continue Reading
Wine 4 Best Red Wines to Sip This Fall, According to a Wine Expert Chris Lehoux, October 23, 2026 As the weather cools, many wine drinkers trade crisp whites and light rosés for richer reds. Wine consultant Leslie Sbrocco recommends looking for medium- to full-bodied wines with dark fruit and earthy aromas. They pair well with fall meals like stews, saucy pasta, lentils, beans, and grilled mushrooms—and are just… Continue Reading
Wine Livermore Valley Named Wine Enthusiast’s ‘Wine Region of the Year’ Chris Lehoux, October 22, 2026 Livermore Valley has been named Wine Enthusiast’s “Wine Region of the Year,” recognizing a region whose influence includes the spread of Concannon cabernet sauvignon clones and the Wente chardonnay clone across the Western United States. The news came as the Tri-Valley celebrated its wine and food scene at the 24th… Continue Reading
California Cult Bubbles and More: The Latest from Ultramarine and Cruse Wine Co. Chris Lehoux, October 22, 2026 Michael Cruse’s winemaking is guided by a rare mix of scientific curiosity and a practical goal: making bottles people want to open. Trained in molecular biology at UC Berkeley, he worked in academic labs before moving into wine. After gaining experience in Napa, he set up his own custom-crush facility… Continue Reading
Wine NBA Star CJ McCollum and His Wife Take Wine Seriously—Their Family Vineyard Proves It Chris Lehoux, October 21, 2026 C.J. McCollum’s life as an NBA player may seem far removed from running a vineyard, but the Atlanta Hawks guard sees a lot in common between the two. Both demand patience, hard work and attention to detail—and both require adapting to factors beyond your control. McCollum and his wife, Elise,… Continue Reading
Wine Good Wine, No Bottle Required Chris Lehoux, October 20, 2026 For generations, boxed and bagged wine has been associated with inexpensive, mass-market bottles. Now, producers are trying to change that reputation by putting carefully made, distinctive wines into flexible pouches with built-in taps. Chicago beverage consultant Dylan Melvin, co-founder of My Dear Friends, sells small-production wines from family-owned growers in… Continue Reading
Happenings Wine News: What I’m Reading the Week of October 18, 2026 Chris Lehoux, October 20, 2026 Welcome to this week’s roundup of wine stories worth your time, gathered from around the web. Wine: It’s the People’s Drink — A reflection on wine’s role in bringing people together. Pedro Parra: We need to replant Burgundy, the system isn’t working — Burgundy faces a rootstock crisis as drought… Continue Reading
Burgundy Burgundy Comes to San Francisco: Notes from La Paulée Chris Lehoux, October 19, 2026 San Francisco rarely offers the chance to taste top Burgundy wines. Many are scarce, expensive, and snapped up by collectors, restaurants, and retailers without needing promotion. When they do appear at public tastings, the winemakers themselves are often absent. That made the Grand Tasting at La Paulée de San Francisco… Continue Reading
Wine Move Over, Champagne: Ultra-Aged American Sparkling Wine Is Here Chris Lehoux, October 19, 2026 American wineries are increasingly releasing sparkling wines aged for years on their lees—the yeast cells left behind after fermentation. This extended aging can give the wines greater complexity and a creamy texture, with flavors such as brioche, shortbread, and toasted nuts. Some bottles spend five to seven years aging this… Continue Reading