This Week in Wine: Insights and Updates for the Week of February 16, 2025

Hello and welcome to a roundup of notable wine stories from the week of February 16, 2025. Here’s a collection of articles that caught my attention:

• Trump Threatens 200% Tariff on Champagne and Wine From Europe
  This week’s biggest headline.

• Don’t Worry About Constellation’s Exit from Wine
  A nostalgic look back at Constellation’s journey.

• Baden: Wines That Zig Where Others Zag
  A compelling exploration of Baden’s unique wines.

• Can old-vine varieties save wine from climate change?
  An insightful discussion on the role of old vines in climate resilience.

• An Overdue Challenge to Organic/Biodynamic Producers
  Terry Thiese shares thought-provoking insights challenging the status quo.

• Champagne’s Loss is California’s Gain
  A look at the shifting landscapes in sparkling wine production.

• ‘The grapes won’t wait’: Lebanese winemakers fight to survive as war rages
  A sobering account of the challenges faced by winemakers in Lebanon.

• China Busts $137M Wine and Spirits Smuggling Ring in Zhuhai
  A major crackdown on illegal trade.

• The Australian Shiraz Stereotype Is All Wrong
  An enlightening perspective on Australian Shiraz.

• Devil’s Advocate: a Few Thoughts on Wine Snobbery
  Robert Joseph discusses the nuances of wine appreciation.

• The Invisible Crisis in Germany’s Wine Industry
  An eye-opening look at the challenges facing German winemaking.

• Update: Trump’s 200% tariff on EU wine would "close" US market, trade body warns
  Concerns over potential market impacts.

• All about Roy
  A profile of a notable wine merchant.

• South African Wine Producers Hit With Onerous New Tax
  An examination of new challenges for producers in South Africa.

• Wine Businesses Fear Disaster in Threat of Huge Tariffs
  An analysis of the looming tariff crisis.

• Tariffs on European Wine Will Harm American Producers—Here’s Why
  The potential consequences for US wine businesses explained.

• Why Wine And Spirits Tariffs Are Bad For American Business
  A broader discussion on the ramifications of trade policies.

• The Messy World of Defining “Regenerative”
  Exploring the complexities of regenerative practices in winemaking.

• In Praise of Dung Beetles, the Unsung, Poop-Eating Heroes of the Vineyard
  Highlighting the role of these vital vineyard creatures.

• Bordeaux Celebrates its Irish Roots
  A cultural look at Bordeaux’s historical connections.

• Which drinks brands are resisting Trump by embracing DEI?
  Brands making a stand for diversity and inclusion.

• A French wine giant bought one of Napa’s most revered vineyards. Have the wines stayed classic?
  Investigating changes in wine production after a major acquisition.

• Will Germany get a wine king for first time in 80 years?
  The change to allow men in the wine queen competition.

• Fear of Trump’s Tariffs Ripples Through France’s Champagne Region
  The tension surrounding potential trade issues.

• Satirical Wayne Gretzky-brand wine labels bring joy
  A lighthearted take that was ultimately denied by distributors.

• Legendary German Wine Importer Rudi Wiest Dies at 88
  Remembering a significant figure in the wine industry.

• How German Wine is Transforming China’s White Wine Market
  Observing shifts in consumer preferences.

• California wine supply drops 24%
  A report on significant changes in supply.

• China Wine’s New York Love Affair
  Analyzing the growing influence of Chinese wine in New York.

These articles provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of wine, covering updates, challenges, and trends affecting the industry today.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!