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
Happenings This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates for October 4, 2026 Chris Lehoux, October 6, 2026 Hello and welcome to the weekly roundup of wine stories curated for your reading pleasure. Each week, I explore the internet for the latest developments and discussions in the world of wine, and here are this week’s highlights. Marc Kent on Porseleinberg 2024 and the Birth of a SA Wine… Continue Reading
Wine Can Germany’s Wine Industry Capture the Hearts of Gen Z? Chris Lehoux, October 6, 2026 Impractical, uncool, and generally not appealing to the younger generation, wine struggles to find the same popularity among Gen Z as it does with their parents and grandparents. Marketing professor Laura Ehm from the Weincampus Neustadt, located in Germany’s Palatinate wine region, points out that this demographic takes a critical… Continue Reading