This Week in Wine: Highlights and Insights for August 24-25, 2023

Hello and welcome to this week’s selection of noteworthy wine stories from around the web. For those who prefer a brief overview, here’s a roundup of some significant topics making headlines in the wine industry this week.

• Wildfires in Napa Valley: The Pickett Fire poses a serious threat to wineries in Napa Valley, dominating both local news and the environment. As harvest season begins, the implications of the fire on grape quality, especially in Pope Valley, are concerning.

• Tim Mondavi and the Mondavi Legacy: A comprehensive profile of Tim Mondavi highlights his connection to the family legacy of winemaking in Napa Valley, shedding light on his current endeavors with Continuum.

• Wine Anxiety: A piece addresses the common fears associated with opening special bottles, offering tips for overcoming this apprehension.

• Declining American Drinking Trends: Analyzing the changes in beverage consumption, a new framework offers insights into the factors driving a decline in drinking culture across the U.S.

• Israel’s Natural Wine Movement: A spotlight on a woman who is at the forefront of the burgeoning natural wine scene in Israel, emphasizing her innovative approaches.

• Michel Schlumberger Winery: After 46 years of operation, there’s renewed hope for a California winery that has remained under the radar, with new management aiming to realize its full potential.

• Chanel and Wine: Exploring its luxury branding, Chanel’s involvement in the wine industry reveals that even high-fashion brands are venturing into viticulture.

• Environmental Challenges: European farmers discuss the drastic adaptations they must make in response to the ongoing climate crisis, particularly regarding wine production.

• Emerging Grape Varieties in China: A review of promising grape varieties in China presents an intriguing landscape of potential growth in viticulture.

• Historical Protection of Austrian Blends: This article examines Austria’s efforts to protect its traditional wine blends, highlighting their unique flavors.

• 2025 Wine Tastemakers: Insights from Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 tastemakers contribute valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of the wine industry.

• Mylonas Winery in Greece: The focus is on a family that is passionately dedicated to an often overlooked grape variety, Saviatiano, intertwined with historical importance.

• Criolla Grape Insights: The various identities of the Criolla grape are explored, adding depth to its stories and regional significances.

• Loss from the Burdoin Fire: A significant fire incident has caused considerable damage to Washington wine assets, prompting discussions about recovery and resilience.

• California Winery Sales Dilemma: The complexities involved in selling California wineries, especially regarding winery names and identities, are delved into.

• Tariff Issues for European Wines: Ongoing discussions indicate that European wines and spirits will continue to face tariff challenges, affecting pricing and market strategies.

This summary brings to light the diverse and dynamic nature of the wine world, from climate challenges to cultural shifts, reinforcing that the industry is as much about community as it is about craft.

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!