This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates for January 11, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s wine news roundup, where I share interesting stories from the world of wine. If you prefer reading these stories on Flipboard, check out my magazine, but for those who don’t, here are the highlights for the week of January 11, 2026.

Big Changes in U.S. Alcohol Guidelines

The most significant news this week is the remarkable shift in U.S. alcohol consumption guidelines, the first major change in 40 years. It appears the influence of lobbyists has finally led to a more balanced approach towards alcohol consumption.

• U.S. guidelines on drinking alcohol just changed dramatically for the first time in 40 years

• New Dietary Guidelines Abandon Longstanding Advice on Alcohol

• ‘An Evasion of Public Health Responsibility’: Doctors, Wine Industry Clash on Trump Alcohol Guidelines

Other articles delve into the nuances of these new guidelines:

• Undefining Moderate Drinking

• It’s Not “No Safe Level” — But Not Moderation Either

Profiles and Discussions

In more personal stories, we read about Eric Asimov and his journey into food, wine, and writing, along with a thoughtful conversation on the importance and responsibilities of wine writing in today’s society:

• How Eric Asimov Fell in Love with Food, Wine, and Writing

• A Defense of Wine Writing

Interesting Innovations and Events

The wine scene continues to evolve. A new bar in East Village is gaining attention for its unique concept of serving only wines that are at least ten years old:

• New East Village Bar Only Pours Wines That Are at Least 10 Years Old

Additionally, there’s excitement surrounding a California winemaker who is honoring their Chinese roots and the remarkable tale of winemaking at extreme altitudes in Tibet:

• California Winemaker Honors Chinese Roots

• Winemaking at 3,700 Metres: Tibet Tests the Limits of Wine

Challenges for the Industry

On a more serious note, French organic winegrowers face new challenges following the loss of an essential tool in their operations due to a recent ban:

• France’s Organic Winegrowers Lose an Indispensable Tool. What Now?

With these developments, the landscape of wine continues to shift. I hope you find these summarized stories as engaging as I did!

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!