This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates for the Week of August 9, 2026

Hello and welcome to the weekly roundup of interesting wine stories from around the web. Here’s a selection that may capture your interest:

• America’s Old Vines Are Running Out of Time
  Long-standing American vineyards face a precarious future.

• The Economic and Cultural Stakes of Losing Ancient Vine-Training Systems
  Investigating the significance of traditional vine-training methods, from Alberata to Pergola.

• Slovenian Winemakers Face Threat of Not Being Allowed to Sell Wine
  Challenges for Slovenian wineries as regulations tighten.

• Hand In Hand
  Exploring the benefits of symbiosis within wine production.

• A Vine Romance: Heritage Grapevines
  Highlighting the affection some individuals have for venerable grapevines.

• Why This Hungry California Wine Company is Betting on the World’s Most Polarizing Grape
  A deep dive into the complexities of Riesling.

• Chilean Chardonnay Comes of Age
  A look at the maturation of Chilean Chardonnay in the wine market.

• Ningxia Wine Chief Under Investigation
  Controversies arise in the Chinese wine region of Ningxia.

• The Man Behind the Wine World’s Coolest Events Has Cracked the Dinner Party Code
  Jermaine Stone shares secrets on hosting unforgettable wine events.

• If You Can’t Bring Americans to the Winery, Bring the Tasting Room to Them
  The rising trend of offsite winery tasting rooms.

• Wine Writer Matthew Jukes Dies Aged 58
  A somber reflection on the loss of a noted voice in wine criticism.

• Wine, Beer, or Spirits? Massive Study Finds a Surprising Health Divide
  Recent research reveals interesting health insights related to different alcoholic beverages.

• Entire Community in Okanagan Wine Region Evacuated Due to Terrifying Wildfire
  Sending well wishes to those affected by the wildfires in Canada.

• Why Africa is the Wine Industry’s Biggest Missed Opportunity
  Discussing untapped potential in Africa’s wine market.

• An Oenophile’s Guide to Champagne, France—the Birthplace of French Sparkling Wine
  Suggestions for luxury travelers looking to explore Champagne.

• Is the Wine Crisis Just Another Phase?
  A nuanced conversation on the ongoing challenges within the wine industry.

• Grape Expectations: Amateur Wine Makers Flourish in Warm Weather
  The rise of amateur winemakers in the UK during summer.

• 12 Wines to Match That Late-Summer Heat
  Eric Asimov recommends refreshing wines for the warm months.

• Encouraging Growth in a Dry Market
  Insights on what’s driving success in less favorable market conditions.

These stories provide a glimpse into the current state of the wine world and its ongoing challenges and innovations.

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!