This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates for April 20, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s roundup of intriguing wine-related stories from around the web. For those who prefer to read in-depth articles, I also compile these in my magazine on Flipboard, but here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest news.

• Sommeliers Are Using Their Wine Menus to Rally for Greener Drinking Practices
  Wine lists are increasingly being utilized as platforms for advocating sustainable drinking habits.

• The Tyranny of the Algorithmic Palate
  This piece delves into the impact of algorithms on wine preferences and selections.

• Devil’s Advocate: Fine – and General – Wine Downturn May Not Be Cyclical
  A critical exploration of the current state of the wine industry reveals some tough realities.

• Should Rioja Increase Its Focus on White Wine?
  A discussion on the potential strategic shift for Rioja, emphasizing the necessity to adapt to stay relevant.

• Rethinking Wine’s Red Blends
  An examination of how red blends are evolving in the wine market.

• ‘Organic is a Rising Category in a Declining Market’
  Insights from Galoupet highlight the shift in consumer values towards organic wine.

• US Wine Bodies Lobby Congress for Answers
  Advocacy efforts by wine industry organizations underscore the need for legislative support.

• Still Life With Wine
  A reflective exploration on how wine culture and social media intersect.

• Katherine Cole: ‘The Surest Way to Ensure Wine’s Demise is to Politicise It’
  A humorous yet serious take on the intersection of politics and wine.

• Russians Lure European Diplomats into Malware Trap with Wine-Tasting Invite
  A cautionary tale about cybersecurity cloaked in a wine-tasting invitation.

• Interview: Elaine Chukan Brown on New Book The Wines of California
  Insights from the author discussing her recent work on Californian wines.

• Suspected Wine Theft Ring Busted in Santa Clara County
  Law enforcement cracked down on a gang accused of stealing wine.

• Wine in History: The World’s Oldest Wine
  An exploration of ancient wines still surviving today.

• A Napa Winery is America’s First to Make This Style of Japanese Wine
  An innovative venture from California’s wine scene.

• Tariffs Make Sour Grapes for American Winemakers
  An analysis of how current trade tariffs are affecting American winemakers.

• This Oregon White Wine Has A Cult Following—And it’s About to Go Big
  Highlighting the rise of a particular white wine from Oregon, poised for greater success.

• OIV: Global Wine Consumption Hits Historic Low — How Is Asia Faring?
  A report indicating shifts in wine consumption, particularly in Asian markets.

• Martin Ray Winery Sues Cameron Hughes for Trademark Infringement
  Legal disputes in the wine industry surface, questioning the relationships between brands.

• Everything You Need to Know About the Rhône, the Underrated Region Wine Insiders Love
  A detailed look at the Rhône Valley and its prized wines.

• How Robert Sinskey Vineyards is a Fine Mix of Old and New World
  A study of a winery that successfully blends traditional and modern techniques.

• Why You’ll Love Europe’s Oldest Wine Region — with New Direct Flights
  Travel news that highlights access to one of Europe’s oldest wine-producing regions.

• Why You Should Be Stocking up on 2018 Champagne
  Experts recommend focusing on the 2018 vintage for its quality and potential.

• Champagne’s Heavy-Handed Herbicide Habit
  An investigation into the agricultural practices within Champagne production.

• A New Style of Wine Tasting Room is Popping Up All Over the Bay Area
  The innovation of collective wine tasting experiences is gaining popularity.

Explore these stories further to stay updated on the dynamic world of wine.

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!