This Week in Wine: Insights and Updates for January 18, 2026

Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of interesting wine stories from around the web. For those who do not use Flipboard, here are the highlights of this week.

1. California Wine Production Decline
   As California’s wine production faces a significant drop, small producers are stepping up to seize the opportunity. Read more

2. The Noma Guide Insights
   The latest iteration of ‘The Noma Guide to Fermentation’ impresses with an exceptionally vivid description of Chianti. Explore the details

3. Premium Winery Sale
   A prominent California wine producer is putting one of its high-end wineries on the market, accompanied by an impressive art collection. Check it out

4. Rising Star: Finger Lakes
   The Finger Lakes in New York is emerging as a noteworthy wine region, particularly for its Rieslings and Cabernet Francs. Discover more

5. Taylor Swift’s Influence
   Taylor Swift is emerging as a pivotal figure for the wine industry, though the question remains: how to persuade her to promote Riesling? Find out more

6. California’s Industry Concerns
   The California wine industry may face its lowest point next year, hoping for turnarounds in the future. Read the details

7. Victorian Fires Impact
   Winemakers in Victoria have suffered devastating losses due to recent fires, which have destroyed homes, vineyards, and livestock. Learn more

8. Wildfires in South Africa
   The Drakenstein region in South Africa has also experienced severe damage from wildfires, leaving communities and wineries in distress. More on this

9. Challenges of Low-Alcohol Wines
   A discourse around the drawbacks of low and no alcohol wines has emerged, highlighting potential concerns for consumers. Explore the insights

10. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates
    The future of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is being re-evaluated, signaling a potential reboot for the brand. Read the analysis

11. Unique Entrepreneurial Strategies
    A former Apple executive, now a wine entrepreneur, opts for a long-term strategy rather than scaling quickly. Discover more

12. Spotlighting Undiscovered Grapes
    There’s a growing trend toward exploring and drinking lesser-known grape varieties. Find the full story

13. Assessment of Current Wine Writings
    A humorous look at wine writers’ reflections on their emotions surrounding the craft. Check it out

14. Impact of Natural Wine
    Natural wine trends are changing drinking habits worldwide, as seen through Bloomberg’s lens. Read the insights

15. Authentic Rome Wine Taverns
    A guide to Rome’s last authentic wine taverns uncovers hidden gems for wine enthusiasts. Learn more

16. SVB Wine Report Findings
    A summary of key findings from the Silicon Valley Bank Wine Report offers an inside look into the industry. Explore the findings

17. Emotion in Wine Sales
    A piece focusing on how to enhance wine sales through fun and emotional storytelling. Read more

18. Sicily’s Sustainable Bottle System
    Sicily has developed an innovative closed-loop system for wine bottle production, setting a precedent in sustainability. Discover the model

19. American Wine Labeling
    A new bill proposed will mandate that American wines be made from 100% U.S.-grown grapes, aiming for authenticity. Learn more

This collection of stories provides a glimpse into the diverse dynamics of the wine industry today.

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!