Wine The Ripple Effect: How the Wine Industry Slump is Affecting Local Winery and Vineyard Values Chris Lehoux, May 23, 2026 The North Coast wine industry is currently facing one of the most significant downturns it has seen in decades, according to market analysts and land appraisers. This prolonged slump is not merely a temporary issue; it is a structural reset affecting various aspects such as vineyard values, grape demand, distribution… Continue Reading
Wine Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Judgment of Paris: A Guide to Toasting Wine History Chris Lehoux, May 22, 2026 This year marks a significant milestone for American wine enthusiasts as it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking Judgment of Paris wine competition. Launched in 1976, this event featured a blind tasting held in Paris where top wines from California faced off against esteemed French counterparts. The results stunned… Continue Reading
Wine Introducing the Next Generation of Canned Wine: What’s New and Exciting! Chris Lehoux, May 21, 2026 Canned wines, once considered an inferior choice for serious wine drinkers, are experiencing a remarkable transformation, attracting attention even amid a global downturn in wine sales. The U.S. market for canned wines and other ready-to-drink beverages has seen a consistent annual growth of approximately 14% since 2019. This shift is… Continue Reading
Wine Savoring Success: North Coast Wine and Food Festival Celebrates Gold Medal Wines Chris Lehoux, May 20, 2026 A delicious showcase of the region’s finest wines and culinary talent, the North Coast Wine & Food Festival is set to return to the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa on Saturday, June 13. This festival, highlighted by gold and double gold-winning wines from the 2026 North… Continue Reading
Wine Remembering Bob Fraser: A Tribute to the Sonoma County Wine Industry Veteran Who Passed Away at 75 Chris Lehoux, May 19, 2026 Robert “Bob” Fraser, a prominent figure in the North Coast wine community, passed away on May 13 at the age of 75 due to cardiac arrest. Fraser, beloved for his warmth and humor, shaped the careers of many wine professionals during his four-decade career. He was vital in developing Santa… Continue Reading
Wine From Family Dream to State College Hot Spot: The Evolution of University Wine Company Chris Lehoux, May 18, 2026 Wednesday afternoons at University Wine Company buzz with activity as Mahjong players gather at carefully arranged tables, sipping wine while overlooking the picturesque landscape of rolling hills and grapevines. However, this spring has posed challenges, with frost damaging early vine growth. Winemaker Jeff Proch remains unfazed, accepting that "you can’t… Continue Reading
Wine Why Restaurant Diners Are Swapping Wine Bottles for the Table: A New Trend in Dining Chris Lehoux, May 17, 2026 According to a recent report, patrons are significantly changing their wine ordering habits in restaurants. Instead of ordering a bottle of wine to share among the table, consumers now prefer selecting individual drinks. Liberty Wines, a UK distributor, indicated that this shift reflects a broader trend toward healthier living and… Continue Reading
Wine Discover Sol Rei: A Charming New Gem in Sonoma Plaza’s Wine Scene Chris Lehoux, May 16, 2026 Is your wine enjoyment hampered by allergies? Sol Rei Wine, located in a quaint courtyard near Sonoma Plaza, aims to change that. This winery specializes in low-histamine wines and avoids adding sulfites, making it a potential haven for those sensitive to these common wine components. The story begins with Katherine… Continue Reading
Wine Elevate Your Wine Experience: The Right Way to Order Wine by the Glass Chris Lehoux, May 15, 2026 When you order wine by the glass at a restaurant, the experience is often less ceremonious compared to ordering a bottle. Typically, the glass comes pre-filled without an opportunity to see the label or taste before fully committing. However, requesting your glass to be poured tableside can enhance this process… Continue Reading
Wine How Much Wine is Safe to Drink Daily? Insights from Medical Professionals Chris Lehoux, May 14, 2026 In a world where the health benefits of wine are heavily debated, many wonder how much is safe to consume daily. With the adage "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" potentially replaced by "a glass of vino," the reality of wine’s health effects offers a much more complex… Continue Reading