Wine News Roundup: Highlights for the Week of February 22, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s roundup of noteworthy wine stories that have captured interest across the web.

A landmark decision from the Supreme Court has rescinded former President Trump’s tariffs, marking a significant change for wine and food imports, although industry experts advise caution regarding its implications. The case revolved around Victor Schwartz, a wine importer who fought valiantly against these tariffs, emerging victorious in what has been likened to a David vs. Goliath scenario.

In other news, Simon, a prominent voice in the industry, has publicly criticized regenerative organic viticulture, sparking debates among wine producers. Meanwhile, Chile’s ancestral grape, País, which has often been overlooked, is poised for a revival, attracting renewed attention from winemakers.

On a somber note, Chalone Vineyard, known for producing Julia Child’s favorite California wine, has laid off its winemaking staff while the vineyards remain intact, a reflection of ongoing challenges in the market.

A recent article scrutinizes the New York Times’ repetitive warnings about alcohol consumption, seeking to clarify the discourse surrounding alcohol’s impact on health. Additionally, industry observations reveal a disconnect regarding sugar content in California wines, raising questions about consumer awareness and ingredient transparency.

From a disaster-managed perspective, one winery has turned adversity into opportunity following Tenerife’s worst wildfires in four decades, resulting in their best-selling bottle. Another article recounts the resilience of Bodegas El Grifo, a 250-year-old winery, which shares insights about adapting to rapidly changing conditions.

The economic landscape for U.S. wine exports looks bleak, with a significant decline of $428 million in 2025 attributed mainly to the Canadian market. Furthermore, waves of layoffs are being felt across major wine companies, with Gallo announcing cutbacks at several facilities while the third-largest U.S. wine company is selling two of its premier Napa vineyards.

There’s also a rather dramatic twist on crime in the wine world, as a gang involved in a high-profile heist stealing 4,000 bottles of luxury wine has been sentenced. On the more scientific side, a discussion on the role of trees in vineyard health highlights their multifaceted benefits, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between forests and wine.

Lastly, Russia’s focus has shifted towards bolstering its domestic wine production amidst plummeting imports, signaling a potential shift in the global wine market dynamics.

For detailed articles and further insights, you can explore the stories linked below:

• Trump’s Tariffs and their Impact on Wine and Food Imports
• Victor Schwartz: The Wine Importer Who Fought the Tariffs
• Industry Leader Critiques Organic Viticulture
• Chile’s Ancestral Grape – A Renaissance
• Chalone Vineyard Layoffs
• New York Times and Alcohol Discussion
• California Wines and Sugar Misconceptions
• Tenerife’s Wildfires and Wine Success
• Gallo’s Facility Closures and Layoffs
• U.S. Wine Exports Decline

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!