Wine Gavin Newsom’s $50K Spent on His Own Wine Business Raises Questions About Donor Funds Chris Lehoux, February 4, 2026 Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing scrutiny after revelations that nearly $50,000 in donor money was funneled to his own wine business, Plumpjack Wines. This spending came from cash raised for his Campaign for Democracy Committee, which was instrumental in pushing through California’s controversial Proposition 50—an initiative designed to reshape congressional… Continue Reading
Wine Miss Manners: Why Wine Shouldn’t Be Your Go-To Gift Choice Chris Lehoux, February 4, 2026 Dear Miss Manners: I’ve received a delivery notice about two bottles of wine arriving soon. This marks the fourth time I’ve gotten such a gift from a financial advisor who handles some of my accounts. While I always send a gracious thank-you afterward, there’s a significant issue: I don’t drink… Continue Reading
Happenings Wine News Roundup: Top Reads for the Week of February 1, 2026 Chris Lehoux, February 3, 2026 Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of intriguing wine stories from around the web. While I typically share these finds in my magazine on Flipboard, here’s a condensed version for those who prefer a quick read. Polemics Against Alcohol-Free WineA provocative statement suggests that those who produce alcohol-free wine… Continue Reading
Wine Say Oui to Wine: Discovering The Wine Station in the Social District Chris Lehoux, February 3, 2026 Thibaud Duccini, who grew up in Cannes, France, opened The Wine Station in Downtown Los Angeles in August 2025. Duccini’s childhood in a hospitality-rich environment led him to a career in the industry, starting when he was just 16 years old. After working with the Patina Group in LA for… Continue Reading
Wine The Dilemma of Bordeaux’s Winegrowers: Confronting an Impossible Choice Chris Lehoux, February 2, 2026 Bordeaux’s wine industry is currently grappling with a profound crisis that transcends financial concerns. Deep-rooted family legacies built over generations are at risk as many vineyards face economic collapse. For instance, a recent auction in Bordeaux’s Blaye region highlighted the dire situation when a winery’s inventory of organic wine sold… Continue Reading
Wine Dushore’s Valentine’s Day Celebration: Winter Wine and Chocolate Walk! Chris Lehoux, February 2, 2026 Dushore is set to host its 11th Winter Wine and Chocolate Walk next weekend, an event designed to invigorate local business during the typically slow January and February months. The initiative aims to draw visitors to Dushore and highlight its various businesses. According to Dushore Mayor Mary Beth Minier, local… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Insights from the Week of January 25, 2026 Chris Lehoux, February 2, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. In this edition, we focus primarily on some exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. I had the pleasure of tasting wines from Rhys Vineyards, a renowned Burgundy-inspired project founded in 2004 by venture capitalist Kevin… Continue Reading
Wine Why Sparkling Wine is Experiencing a Boom in Brazil Right Now Chris Lehoux, February 1, 2026 Brazil is emerging as a notable wine producer, particularly known for its sparkling wines, primarily from the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. The region’s favorable climate—characterized by warm summers, cold winters, high altitudes, and well-draining soils—contributes to the exceptional quality of its grapes. Approximately half of the grapes… Continue Reading
Wine Reviews Exploring the Refined Profile of New Zealand Pinot Noir: A Journey Through Terroir and Taste Chris Lehoux, February 1, 2026 The journey of New Zealand’s Pinot Noir is a remarkable tale of transformation, resilience, and innovation. From its early prominence in the late 19th century, when it was the dominant red grape variety in New Zealand, to a severe decline due to the temperance movement, Pinot Noir has made a… Continue Reading
Cellar Exploring Vinography Images: A Deep Dive into the Large Format Cellar Collection Chris Lehoux, January 31, 2026 If you aim to create outstanding Riesling, using larger barrels is essential. This insight comes from visits to wine producers in Germany, specifically the striking cellar of large-format casks at Weingut Wittmann in the Rheinhessen region. Larger oak barrels facilitate slow oxygenation and prolonged lees contact, which are vital for… Continue Reading