Wine When Friends Order Pricey Wine: The Perils of Paying the Tab at Annual Dinners Chris Lehoux, December 19, 2025 Every year, a friend group from out of state visits for dinner, during which they always insist on choosing expensive wines. While the other members of the group typically spend between $40 and $50 for wine, these friends opt for bottles ranging from $150 to $200, never offering to pay… Continue Reading
Wine Get Ready for December’s Hottest Culinary Celebration: The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival! Chris Lehoux, December 18, 2025 For the 18th consecutive year, Palm Beach embraced a vibrant array of top chefs and exquisite wines, welcoming guests to enjoy a weekend of culinary delights at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (PBFWF) from December 11 to 14. Sponsored by Wine Spectator, this festival featured over 20 signature… Continue Reading
Wine Oxbow Wine and Cheese Merchant to Close Its Doors by Year-End: A Fond Farewell to a Local Favorite Chris Lehoux, December 18, 2025 The Oxbow Wine and Cheese Merchant, a beloved establishment located in the Oxbow Public Market in Napa, is set to close its doors by the end of 2025. Owner Peter Granoff has announced that the business will focus its resources on the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant in San Francisco, which… Continue Reading
Wine Uncorking the Future: The Best Wines of 2025, Featuring Zero Proof Selections! Chris Lehoux, December 17, 2025 These selections represent the pinnacle of a year’s worth of tastings, encompassing wines that range from $20 to over $200 per bottle. The wine industry has faced numerous challenges this year, including tariffs and the rising popularity of zero proof and alternative drinks. With more options available than ever, it’s… Continue Reading
Wine Trinchero Set to Acquire Mumm Napa from Pernod Ricard: What This Means for the Wine Industry Chris Lehoux, December 17, 2025 Trinchero Family Wine & Spirits has made a move to expand its footprint in the sparkling wine market by agreeing to acquire Mumm Napa from Pernod Ricard. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, this acquisition is significant as it allows Trinchero to deepen its involvement… Continue Reading
Happenings Wine Insights: Highlights from the Week of December 14, 2025 Chris Lehoux, December 16, 2025 Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of captivating wine stories I’ve come across this week. Here are the highlights: Tradition is a Lie — French Wine’s Place in France’s Far-Right GastronationalismA thought-provoking piece discussing the intersection of French wine and far-right politics. R.H. Drexel: Order from Chaos: A Day… Continue Reading
Wine Will Tariff Relief Soon Benefit the Wine Industry? Chris Lehoux, December 16, 2025 Last week, Congressman Mike Thompson, representing St. Helena, alongside the co-chairs of the Congressional Wine Caucus, introduced a bipartisan bill designed to provide relief for local winegrowers and winemakers who are experiencing economic hardships due to tariffs. The proposed legislation, named the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act,… Continue Reading
Wine Glenora Wine Cellars Acquired by Finger Lakes Wine Festival Organizers Chris Lehoux, December 16, 2025 Glenora Wine Cellars, a historic winery in New York’s Finger Lakes region, has been sold to brothers Brian and Kevin Lilly, who lead FLX Family Winery, LLC. This sale marks a significant transition for the winery, recognized as a pioneer among small wineries where it helped shape the local wine… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of December 7, 2025 Chris Lehoux, December 15, 2025 Hello and welcome to this week’s update from Vinography, where I highlight noteworthy wine samples I’ve recently tasted. This week featured selections from Ted Glennon, a sommelier-turned-winemaker producing under the label Vinos Finos de California. Among my favorites were his Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a sophisticated Nebbiolo, alongside an earthy… Continue Reading
Wine The Ultimate Guide to the Best Wine Openers: Tested and Reviewed Chris Lehoux, December 14, 2025 Best Wine Openers Reviewed Finding the right wine opener can significantly enhance your wine experience. With various designs and functionalities available, here are the top options, each tested for ease of use and efficiency. Recommended Wine Openers Best Wine Opener: Le Creuset One-Step Waiter’s Friend Corkscrew This compact and versatile… Continue Reading