This Week in Wine: Key Updates and Insights for the Week of March 1, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s roundup of intriguing wine-related stories that have caught my attention. Here’s a selection of noteworthy articles that I believe are worth your time:

• Striking pure limestone in Stilbaai and Goukou River Valley – A deep dive into fascinating terroir.

• Dan Duckhorn, Who Made Merlot a Napa Valley Star, Dies at 87 – Remembering a pioneer in the industry.

• Spanish wine set fair – An overview of the progress of Spanish wines.

• Revered Napa Valley winery sued for discrimination, wrongful termination – The implications of legal troubles for Chappellet Winery.

• R.H. Drexel: Boone There, Done That: A Chat with Wine Critic Virginie Boone – A profile on a long-time wine writer.

• This California winery has barely changed in 60 years — and it’s never been more relevant – A look at timelessness in Ridge Winery.

• A fourth major California wine company announces layoffs this year – Continuation of troubling trends in the industry.

• Here’s the Secret Code on Your Wine Label That Changes Everything – An insightful article about the significance of wine label codes.

• How to understand the surge of California winery closures – An analysis of the causes behind winery shutdowns.

• ‘It’s always heartbreaking’: Multiple Okanagan wineries in foreclosure – Industry challenges extending beyond California.

• Wine Chasing the Wrong Dollar – A critique on the current market focus.

• ‘I thought I was in control’: Ex-Napa Valley winemaker apologizes as he’s sentenced in $2.5 million grape scam – A recapitulation of a serious legal misstep.

• My three discoveries at France’s biggest wine show – Insights from a major event in the wine calendar.

• Price of restaurant wine rockets 40 per cent in five years – A discussion on rising prices impacting consumer behavior.

• Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers – An exploration of consumer trends among female wine drinkers.

• Yes, Japan Makes Wine—Here’s Why You Should Be Paying Attention – A look into Japan’s growing wine industry.

• California winery challenges illegal government mandate – A significant legal challenge from a winery.

• Wine’s Most Inspiring People: Doug Frost, MS, MW — A Veteran Wine Educator Turns Washington Vintner – Highlighting influential figures in the industry.

This selection showcases the diverse and dynamic world of wine, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by industry participants.

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!