Happenings This Week in Wine: Insights and Updates for January 18, 2026 Chris Lehoux, January 20, 2026 Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of interesting wine stories from around the web. For those who do not use Flipboard, here are the highlights of this week. California Wine Production DeclineAs California’s wine production faces a significant drop, small producers are stepping up to seize the opportunity. Read… Continue Reading
Wine Big-Name Hotels Set to Boost Fredericksburg’s Wine Tourism in Texas Hill Country Chris Lehoux, January 19, 2026 The Texas Hill Country, known as the wine capital of Texas, is experiencing a significant boom in tourism, which has led to a surge in hotel development projects in Fredericksburg. The town, once a quaint German settlement, is now preparing to welcome at least seven new hotel projects, including the… Continue Reading
Old Vine Conference Unlocking Potential: What It Will Take to Establish Old Vines as a Distinct Commercial Category Chris Lehoux, January 19, 2026 Those of us dedicated to preserving and studying old vines understand this fundamental truth: the longevity of most old vineyards globally depends on their financial viability for growers. To better support these vineyards, we must explore two main avenues: government or third-party financial incentives to maintain old vines, or increasing… Continue Reading
Wine The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Wine: It’s More Than Just a January Trend Chris Lehoux, January 18, 2026 Non-Alcoholic Wine Is Booming Non-alcoholic wine has long been viewed as a lackluster alternative to traditional wine, often seen as a drink for children at special occasions or a compromise for those who want to partake without the alcohol. However, this perception is shifting rapidly. With drinkers increasingly seeking moderation,… Continue Reading
Wine Napa Valley Wine Producer Acquired by Grape Growers Emphasizing Terroir and Sense of Place Chris Lehoux, January 17, 2026 One of the standout producers in Napa Valley, Accendo Estate, has recently changed ownership, being acquired by grape growers Jack Bittner, Giancarlo Bettinelli, and Paul Goldberg. This vineyard, known for its high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, has a unique history that adds to its allure. The vineyard, previously named Thorevilos, gained notoriety… Continue Reading
Activities &Amp; Events Sip into Adventure at the Festival of Undiscovered Grapes: January 31 in San Jose, CA! Chris Lehoux, January 16, 2026 The Festival of Undiscovered Grapes is set to take place on January 31 in San Jose, CA, presenting an exciting opportunity for wine enthusiasts to explore a variety of lesser-known grape varieties. This annual event, formerly known as the Festival of Forgotten Grapes, emphasizes California’s impressive diversity in wine. While… Continue Reading
Wine Madera Winery Faces Possible Layoffs as Box Wine Contract Draws to a Close Chris Lehoux, January 16, 2026 The future of Mission Bell Winery in Madera is uncertain as it prepares for layoffs after losing its contract with Gallo Winery for producing boxed wine, specifically the Black Box brand. This winery, established in 1919 by Krikor Arakelian, has historically been a key player in the San Joaquin Valley’s… Continue Reading
Wine Exploring the Future: What Lies Ahead for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates? Chris Lehoux, January 14, 2026 The recent acquisition of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE) by the Wyckoff family has prompted questions about the future of the Washington wine industry. SMWE, the state’s oldest and largest winery, has faced ongoing challenges, particularly after being sold by private equity firm Sycamore Partners to the Wyckoffs in December…. Continue Reading
Wine Unveiling the Health Benefits and Myths of Red Wine: What You Need to Know Chris Lehoux, January 14, 2026 Red wine has enjoyed a reputation as a healthful choice, largely due to the concept of the "French paradox," which emerged in the 1980s. This paradox highlighted the seemingly contradictory idea that French people, who consume high amounts of saturated fats, experience lower rates of heart disease compared to populations… Continue Reading
Wine Reviews This Week in Wine: Highlights and Updates for January 11, 2026 Chris Lehoux, January 13, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s wine news roundup, where I share interesting stories from the world of wine. If you prefer reading these stories on Flipboard, check out my magazine, but for those who don’t, here are the highlights for the week of January 11, 2026. Big Changes in… Continue Reading