Wine How Much Should You Spend on a Good Bottle of Red Wine in 2026? Chris Lehoux, October 12, 2026 A good bottle of red wine doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In 2026, spending around $20 to $25 is a sensible target for finding a bottle with noticeable quality without paying a premium for rarity or famous regions. Wines in the roughly $15–$25 “premium” range are more likely to… Continue Reading
Wine My Way of Feeling Wine Series #4: Wine, a Drink That Awakens Memories Chris Lehoux, October 11, 2026 In Japan, people who want to learn about wine often attend schools or academies, where they study regions, grape varieties, soils, winemaking methods, and vintages. That knowledge matters. But the first lesson I received from wine lovers in Spain and Portugal was simpler: “First, drink. And cherish what you feel.”… Continue Reading
Wine California’s Wine Crisis Deepens as Luxury Bottles Hit Costco, Aldi and Kroger at Steep Discounts Chris Lehoux, October 10, 2026 California’s wine industry is grappling with a surplus as demand falls amid changing attitudes toward alcohol, inflation and the effects of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. The state produces about 80% of the wine consumed in the United States, making the supply-and-demand imbalance especially significant. To move excess inventory, premium wineries are… Continue Reading
Wine The Great Wine Glass Debate: Are Thinner Stems Better? Insights from Top Restaurateurs Chris Lehoux, October 9, 2026 Wine enthusiasts often debate the merits of different wine glass designs, particularly the stem. While thin-stemmed glasses are frequently favored in upscale dining, experts suggest that the ideal choice ultimately depends on your drinking environment and personal preference. Through discussions with several top restaurateurs, it becomes clear that the shape… Continue Reading
Wine Delicious Duos: 5 Wine and Halloween Candy Pairings to Savor This Year, Recommended by a Sommelier Chris Lehoux, October 8, 2026 If you’ve never considered pairing Halloween candy with wine, now is the perfect opportunity. Whether you enjoy chocolate, sour, or fruity treats, this Halloween can become a sophisticated dessert affair with the right wine selections. Sommelier Sandra Stefano of Sandra’s Wine Life suggests various candy and wine combinations, ensuring there’s… Continue Reading
Wine Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Ukrainians’ Unyielding Love for Wine Amidst Conflict Chris Lehoux, October 7, 2026 Winemakers often find themselves watching the sky during harvest season, but for Giorgi Iukuridze in Ukraine, the threats are far more severe than errant weather. As the owner and CEO of SHABO wines, Iukuridze operates his vineyards about 120 miles from the frontlines of an ongoing war that has seen… Continue Reading
Wine Can Germany’s Wine Industry Capture the Hearts of Gen Z? Chris Lehoux, October 6, 2026 Impractical, uncool, and generally not appealing to the younger generation, wine struggles to find the same popularity among Gen Z as it does with their parents and grandparents. Marketing professor Laura Ehm from the Weincampus Neustadt, located in Germany’s Palatinate wine region, points out that this demographic takes a critical… Continue Reading
Wine Uncorking Success: Gavin Newsom’s Journey Through the Wine World Chris Lehoux, October 5, 2026 Gavin Newsom, long before his political career, had an ambition rooted in his passion for wine: to make fine wine more accessible to everyday consumers. His love for wine was nurtured by his father, serving as a connection point between them. This connection ultimately drove him to co-found the PlumpJack… Continue Reading
Wine 9 Surprising Wine Harvest Facts That Will Transform Your Wine Experience Chris Lehoux, October 4, 2026 Wine production is a fascinating blend of art and science, deeply tied to the timing of grape harvesting, which can significantly influence what you ultimately enjoy in your glass. Understanding the nuances of this process can transform your wine experience. Night Harvesting In Sonoma County, the practice of nighttime grape… Continue Reading
Wine Governor Spanberger Celebrates Virginia Wine Month: A Call to Support Local Growers Chris Lehoux, October 3, 2026 October marks Virginia Wine Month, a time for residents to come together in support of local growers, winemakers, and small businesses in the beloved industry. This season is particularly significant as many vineyards faced adversity due to late spring frosts and ongoing drought conditions throughout the summer. Virginia Governor Abigail… Continue Reading