Alder Yarrow Exploring Vinography Images: The Majesty of La Crau’s Crown Chris Lehoux, January 10, 2026 Perhaps the most renowned vineyard site in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the plateau known as La Crau. This elevated area features large river cobbles, referred to as galets roulées, along with sprawling hectares of gnarled old vines and a few majestic trees. As the evening light falls on the vines, the distant… Continue Reading
Wine Continued Decline in Wine Consumption Forecasted in the EU Chris Lehoux, January 9, 2026 Wine consumption in the European Union (EU) is projected to continue declining, influenced by changing drinking habits and health concerns. According to the EU’s Agricultural Outlook 2025-35, the average wine consumption is expected to decrease by 0.9% annually until 2035, resulting in a per capita intake of about 19.3 liters—down… Continue Reading
Wine Lower Manhattan Tastemakers Unveil New Wine Bar: Introducing Stars! Chris Lehoux, January 9, 2026 For restaurateurs Joshua Pinsky and Chase Sinzer, the new establishment, Stars, embodies a "wine-first" concept that caters to their guests’ desires. Located in New York’s East Village, this intimate venue accommodates just 12 seats and features a remarkable wine list with over 1,000 bottles. Sinzer explained that their first establishments,… Continue Reading
Wine Remembering Arnaldo Caprai: The Visionary Vintner Who Transformed Montefalco Sagrantino Chris Lehoux, January 8, 2026 Arnaldo Caprai, a renowned figure in the wine industry, passed away on January 4 at the age of 92. He was celebrated for his significant contributions to revitalizing the nearly extinct Sagrantino grape, a historic variety native to Umbria, Italy. Caprai began his journey in wine after a successful career… Continue Reading
Wine Evaluating California’s New Law: Can It Revitalize the Struggling Wine Industry? Chris Lehoux, January 8, 2026 A recent California law aims to revive the struggling wine industry by allowing wineries to host tastings and events directly in their vineyards. Assembly Bill 720, which took effect on January 1, 2026, permits California wine producers to organize up to 36 tasting events a year at their estate vineyards…. Continue Reading
Happenings This Week in Wine: Highlights and Insights for January 5, 2026 Chris Lehoux, January 6, 2026 Hello and welcome to my first weekly roundup of wine stories for 2026. This compilation includes interesting articles I’ve found online and typically share on my Flipboard magazine. However, for those who prefer another format, here’s a summary of the week’s highlights. The Problem with the Wine Business Is BusinessJim… Continue Reading
Wine Exploring ‘Drops of God’: A Conversation with Star Fleur Geffrier in Straight Talk Episode 32 Chris Lehoux, January 5, 2026 Lead actress Fleur Geffrier recently joined James Molesworth on Wine Spectator‘s Straight Talk podcast to discuss her role in the Emmy-winning Apple TV series Drops of God. This series has gained significant acclaim for its unique premise centered around the world’s rarest wines, winning the International Emmy Award for Best… Continue Reading
Wine Strategies to Protect Wine Regions from Wildfire Threats Chris Lehoux, January 5, 2026 In recent years, the wine industry has faced a significant challenge due to the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires across the West Coast of the United States. Many vintners initially looked forward to what they thought would be an exceptional year in 2020, only to see their hopes dashed… Continue Reading
Barrel Samples Exploring the 2023 Vintage: Insights from Premier Napa Valley Chris Lehoux, January 4, 2026 Each year, tasting wines provides an insightful glimpse into the quality of recent vintages in Napa Valley. The Premiere Napa Valley event, organized by the Napa Valley Vintners Association, serves as a key venue for this exploration. Unlike the more famous Auction Napa Valley, which funds charitable causes, Premiere Napa… Continue Reading
Alder Yarrow Exploring Champagne Character Through Vinography Images: A Visual Journey Chris Lehoux, January 3, 2026 The city of Reims, located in France’s renowned Champagne region, is characterized by an intricate network of tunnels and caves carved from Kimmeridgian chalk, which are integral to the creation of the region’s celebrated wines. These underground passages, rich with history, have been utilized by the wine industry for centuries…. Continue Reading