Michelin Guide Understanding the Latest Moves of the Michelin Guide: What’s Really Happening? Chris Lehoux, October 14, 2025 In an unexpected announcement, the Michelin Guide revealed its plans to begin rating wines, a move that has left many in the industry puzzled. This information surfaced during a press event rather than from a formal press release. It’s notable that Michelin owns the Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, making this… Continue Reading
Central Otago Exploring the Mystery: Why Quartz Reef Remains Unpurchased Chris Lehoux, October 5, 2025 While my primary focus is on the sensory aspects of wine, I also find the business side intriguing, especially as wineries frequently change hands, particularly in difficult times for the industry. It’s commonly expected that wineries, especially well-known ones, don’t remain on the market for long. However, Quartz Reef Winery… Continue Reading
Conference Top Reasons to Apply for the Wine Writers’ Symposium: Elevate Your Craft and Connect with Industry Experts Chris Lehoux, October 2, 2025 The wine industry thrives on dreams—whether it’s the dream of enjoying a glass, crafting fine vintages, or writing about wine. For those aspiring to write about wine, the upcoming Wine Writers’ Symposium offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow. Reflecting on past experiences, the author recalls an impactful… Continue Reading
Germany I’ll Drink to That!: The Journey of Peter Jakob Kühn – Finding Quality Amidst the Pain Chris Lehoux, August 15, 2025 A recent episode of the I’ll Drink to That! podcast features Peter Jakob Kühn, the retired vintner from Weingut Peter Jakob Kühn, located in Germany’s Rheingau region. Kühn took over the family winery in 1979 and immediately initiated a series of transformative changes. His innovations included modernizing the winemaking facility,… Continue Reading
Old Vine Registry Celebrating Two Years of The Old Vine Registry: Join Our Special Webinar! Chris Lehoux, June 21, 2025 June 26th will celebrate the second anniversary of the Old Vine Registry, a project that has grown significantly, now boasting tripled contributions from volunteers worldwide. The aim is to register 10,000 vineyards by this time next year. To commemorate this milestone, a webinar will take place on June 26th at… Continue Reading
I'll Drink To That Cheers to Insight: Winemaker Matt Dees on Understanding Grapevine Psychology Chris Lehoux, April 3, 2025 A new episode of the I’ll Drink to That! podcast highlights the insights and enthusiasm of winemaker Matt Dees, known for his work at California wineries including JONATA, The Hilt, and The Paring. Matt’s enduring passion for winemaking, despite the industry’s numerous challenges—such as tariffs, fluctuating land prices, and climatic… Continue Reading
Napa A Call for Innovative Governance: Napa’s Path to Progress Chris Lehoux, April 2, 2025 Napa County is facing significant challenges due to outdated regulations governing its winery operations. The primary document dictating these regulations, the Winery Definition Ordinance (WDO), was established in 1990 when there were only 100 wineries. Today, this 14-page document inadequately governs over 500 wineries, riddled with inconsistencies and absurd constraints…. Continue Reading
Old Vine Registry Embracing Your Inner Hero: Finding Strength in Vulnerability Chris Lehoux, March 13, 2025 This morning, the shortlist for the Old Vine Hero Awards was announced, and I was surprised and honored to find my name included. Organized by the Old Vine Conference, the awards aim to honor those dedicated to the preservation and celebration of old vine vineyards worldwide. I have been nominated… Continue Reading
Martine Saunier Remembering Martine Saunier (1934-2025): Her Life Through Her Own Words Chris Lehoux, March 1, 2025 On February 9, 2025, the wine world mourned the passing of Martine Saunier, an iconic figure and the first American female wine importer in modern times. Known simply as "Martine," she made a profound impact over her 50-year career, importing some of the greatest wines from regions like Burgundy and… Continue Reading
Ramblings And Rants The Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Guide: Your Go-To Advice for Perfect Pairings Chris Lehoux, November 14, 2024 As Thanksgiving approaches, many are inundated with wine pairing advice, but the reality is that pairing wines with food can often be a misguided pursuit. The focus of Thanksgiving should be on enjoyment and connection, rather than achieving the perfect culinary match. Instead of obsessing over how well a particular… Continue Reading