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
Wine Houston Wine Industry Evaluates the Effects of New Tariffs on Business Chris Lehoux, April 3, 2025 Long-anticipated tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump have sparked an escalation of trade wars globally, compounding existing uncertainties related to ongoing and newly introduced levies. The imposition of these tariffs has led to considerable concern among various industries, particularly those dependent on foreign imports. In particular, businesses are grappling with… Continue Reading
Wine Indulge in a Perfect Pairing: Artisan Cheese Meets Alexander Valley Wines at the ‘Wine and Cheese Trail’ Chris Lehoux, April 3, 2025 Experience the delightful combination of gourmet cheese and fine wine at the upcoming Wine and Cheese Trail event in Alexander Valley. On April 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., participants can explore seven renowned wineries while savoring artisan cheese and charcuterie pairings. Featured pairings will include: deLorimer with Point… Continue Reading
Wine The Great Debate: Wine, With or Without Alcohol? Chris Lehoux, April 2, 2025 As wine enthusiasts seek more inclusive options, many high-end winemakers are exploring de-alcoholized wines, marking a significant shift in the industry. At Bouchaine Winery in Napa, winemaker Chris Kajani recently introduced their first vintage-dated de-alcoholized rosé of Pinot Noir. With an increasing number of customers requesting alternatives to traditional alcoholic… 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Governance: Napa’s Path to Progress Chris Lehoux, April 2, 2025 Napa County is facing significant challenges due to outdated regulations governing its winery operations.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
Wine Wine Watch: Celebrating Oranjegekte with a Glass of Orange Wine Chris Lehoux, April 1, 2025 As King’s Day approaches on April 26, wine enthusiasts are encouraged to swap traditional Heineken for a more festive option: orange wine. This lesser-known category is gaining traction in the Netherlands along with white, red, and rosé wines. Orange wines are made from white grapes using a process typical of… Continue Reading
Happenings Wine News Roundup: Highlights from the Week of March 30, 2025 Chris Lehoux, April 1, 2025 Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of interesting wine stories from around the web. For those who prefer a more traditional format rather than Flipboard, here’s what I’ve found this week: Andrew Jefford: ‘The progress Georgia has made in the last decade is astonishing’Insight from Andrew’s recent judging experiences… Continue Reading
Wine Growing Up Kistler: A Journey Back to Occidental – Straight Talk Episode 28 Chris Lehoux, March 31, 2025 In the premiere episode of Season 3 of Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk podcast, winemaker Catherine Kistler shares her inspiring journey from growing up alongside her father, California Chardonnay icon Steve Kistler, to making her mark with exceptional Pinot Noir in Occidental, California. Since returning to her roots in 2017, Catherine’s… Continue Reading
Wine Experience the Culinary Excellence: Taste of Vail Showcases World-Class Food and Wine in the Rocky Mountains Chris Lehoux, March 31, 2025 One of the few nonprofit food festivals in the United States, Taste of Vail, is gearing up for its annual celebration from April 2-6, 2025. This event serves not only to highlight the culinary offerings of the Vail region but also to support local housing needs through a partnership with… Continue Reading
Wine The Secret to Success: Why Wine Grapes Thrive on the North Face of a Volcano Chris Lehoux, March 31, 2025 As wine regions around the globe face the impacts of climate change, the north face of Mount Etna in Sicily stands out for its exceptional conditions and remarkable resilience. Characterized by young volcanic soils, high altitudes, and cooling winds, this region supports the cultivation of nerello mascalese grapes, known for… Continue Reading