This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates for September 21, 2025

Hello everyone!

Welcome to your weekly roundup of noteworthy wine-related stories from around the web. Here’s a compilation of articles and insights that caught my attention this week.

• Obituary: Jan Boland Coetzee, South African wine and rugby great
  A touching remembrance penned by Malu Lambert, celebrating the life and achievements of Jan Boland Coetzee.

• California’s wine industry is struggling. The state’s bureaucracy is making things worse
  An examination of how regulatory challenges are impacting the wine industry in California.

• 8 Latinx Experts Changing the Face of Wine
  A list highlighting significant figures in the wine industry who are making a difference.

• I’ve Lived in Spain for Over a Decade—And These Are the 7 Under-the-radar Wine Regions in the Country Most Tourists Miss
  A guide exploring lesser-known but remarkable wine regions in Spain.

• Districtus Orange Controllatus
  A proposal advocating for a designated orange wine classification in Austria.

• The Seven Samurai of Yoichi’s Wine World
  An exploration of Japan’s rising wine industry and its talented winemakers.

• The under-the-radar French city that is heaven for wine lovers
  A brief overview of Beaune, a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts in France.

• At Kermit’s Table, Part 1
  Featuring Kermit Lynch, a prominent figure in the wine importation scene.

• Can Hybrid Grapes Solve the Climate Change Dilemma for Wine Makers?
  A discussion on the potential of hybrid grapes in adapting to climate change.

• Where to Go Wine Tasting in Northern California Without Spending a Fortune
  Suggestions for budget-friendly wine tasting experiences in Northern California.

• Police investigate grape heist as Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc go missing in Rheinhessen
  A bizarre crime story involving a grape theft in Germany.

• These California winemakers achieved a rare distinction. Then they walked away from it
  A dive into the consequences of certification bodies in the wine industry.

• Ancient middle eastern farmers put wine before olives, study finds
  Insights from a study revealing the historic prioritization of wine cultivation.

• A New Dawn for English Bubbles
  A look at how climate change is impacting English sparkling wine.

• How One Premium Italian Wine Is Finding Friends in High Places
  Exploring the growing popularity of Franciacorta.

• Alcohol Looks Weaker on Surveys Than in Reality
  An examination of public perception versus actual drinking behavior.

• Champagne Harvest Best in Thirty Years
  Exciting news as the champagne harvest achieves a remarkable milestone.

• AIV believes that Europe’s wine culture is at ‘existential risk’ from the WHO’s Prohibitionist stance
  Concerns about the broader implications of regulatory stances on wine culture.

• Where Next For Appellations?
  Reflections on the future of wine appellations.

• Gallo must nurture its new baby
  Insights into Gen Z marketing strategies in the wine industry.

• Wine’s Most Inspiring People: Kimberly Noëlle Charles, DipWSET – Connecting People Through Wine and Community
  Celebrating those who make a positive impact in the world of wine.

• Our 2025 wine writing competition – the winners
  A showcase of excellence in wine writing.

Feel free to explore these articles for a deeper dive into the current happenings in the wine world!

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!