This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates – June 20, 2025

Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of the most interesting wine-related stories from across the web. If you’re not inclined towards Flipboard, here’s a summary of notable highlights from this week.

Key Stories

• Olivier Krug on Tariffs: Olivier Krug is steering clear of discussing tariffs, highlighting bigger issues challenging growers in the industry. Read more

• Influence of Weight Loss Drugs: A discussion on how weight loss drugs are emerging as a significant threat to the wine industry. Explore the analysis

• End of an Era at World of Pinot Noir: The annual event, revered in the wine calendar, has concluded its operations for the time being. Learn more about this development

• Oregon Vineyard Controversy: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has initiated deportation proceedings against a vineyard manager in Oregon, raising concerns within the community. Details here

• Emerging Wine Regions: Discover why North Carolina is quietly becoming a producer of some of the best wines in the United States. Read about it

• South African Sparkling Wines: A spotlight on the golden age of South African sparkling wines, challenging the traditional dominance of Champagne. See the trends

• Rare White Grapes in California: A look at a California wine region that is a hidden gem for rare white grape varieties, as long as vine replanting doesn’t occur. Find out more

• Māori Influence in New Zealand Winemaking: Insights into how Māori beliefs are guiding some winemakers in New Zealand. Read Eric Asimov’s reflections

• Burgundy’s Hidden Heritage: An exploration of a Burgundy village where the locals work to preserve their wine heritage from the encroachment of tourism. Discover the story

• Crisis in French Wine: The French wine industry faces one of its most serious crises in history, with implications beyond its borders affecting Italy and the U.S. Read the report

Additional Highlights

• Columbia River Gorge: A fusion of breathtaking nature and remarkable food and wine experiences. Plan your visit

• Italian Wine Trends: Despite tariffs, Italian wine continues to adapt and strengthen its presence in the U.S. market. Explore the business strategies

• Understanding Wine Labels in China: A look into the components of effective wine labels in the Chinese market, revealing more similarities than differences globally. Learn what makes a good label

• Chateau Pavie’s Loss: The owner of Chateau Pavie has passed away, marking the end of an era for the famous estate. Reflect on his legacy

This week’s roundup reflects a dynamic and evolving wine landscape, filled with challenges and opportunities.

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!