Wine Remembering Sam Sebastiani: A Legacy of Winemaking and Conservation in Sonoma Valley Chris Lehoux, October 14, 2025 Sam Sebastiani, a prominent figure in California’s wine industry, passed away on October 9 at the age of 84 in his Sonoma home, following an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Born on November 19, 1940, Sam was the grandson of Samuele Sebastiani, who founded Sebastiani Vineyards in 1904, a winery… Continue Reading
Wine NYC Wine & Food Festival: A Potential Lifeline for South Street Seaport Chris Lehoux, October 14, 2025 After a brief stay in Brooklyn, the New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) is returning to Manhattan this week, with hopes of revitalizing the struggling South Street Seaport. Celebrating its 18th year, the festival will take place from Wednesday to Sunday, featuring renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten as the… Continue Reading
Happenings This Week in Wine News: Insights and Updates for the Week of October 12th, 2025 Chris Lehoux, October 13, 2025 Hello and welcome to my weekly roundup of intriguing wine stories from around the web. For those not familiar with Flipboard, I’ve curated a selection of notable articles for you this week. Andrew Jefford: ‘What should we do? Panic? Sell the cellar and sign the pledge?’A thoughtful exploration of the… Continue Reading
Wine Treasury Wine Slashes Forecasts Amid Ongoing Challenges in China and the US Market Chris Lehoux, October 13, 2025 Penfolds’ owner, Treasury Wine Estates, has announced that it is withdrawing its full-year profit guidance and halting a $200 million share buyback due to disappointing sales figures for its Penfolds brand in China. Additionally, the company is facing complications related to a distributor transition in California. This warning coincides with… Continue Reading
Wine Miss Manners: The Surprising Etiquette of Sharing Wine with Travel Companions Chris Lehoux, October 12, 2025 DEAR MISS MANNERS: While on a group tour abroad, I invited three companions to share a bottle of wine with me, which they accepted. None of us abstained from alcohol. As the waiter began to serve, one lady opted for a soda instead. Should I have borne the cost of… Continue Reading
Activities &Amp; Events Join Us for the 2025 Old Vine Conference: October 31 – November 4 in California Wine Country! Chris Lehoux, October 12, 2025 For the seventh time, winegrowers, researchers, educators, importers, sommeliers, writers, and wine enthusiasts will converge in California Wine Country to celebrate and explore the world of old vines and the exceptional wines they produce. This year’s Old Vine Conference (OVC) is particularly special as it marks its inaugural occurrence in… Continue Reading
Wine Pirouette Cafe & Wine Shop Shuts Its Doors After Struggling to Thrive in Ballston Chris Lehoux, October 11, 2025 The owners of Pirouette Cafe & Wine Shop, a small wine bar and restaurant in Ballston, have announced they will be closing after struggling with rising operational costs and declining sales. Their last day of service is set for Saturday, October 18. Jackie and Philippe Loustaunau, the cafe’s owners, communicated… Continue Reading
Wine Connecticut Mom Charged with Poisoning Man’s Wine Receives Bond Approval Chris Lehoux, October 11, 2025 The woman accused of poisoning the father of her child by pouring antifreeze into his wine was granted bond during a court hearing in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Kristen Hogan, 33, was arrested after confessing to pouring ethylene glycol into a bottle of wine, intending to make the victim ill as retribution… Continue Reading
Alder Yarrow Exploring Vinography Images: A Glimpse into the Cottage Industry of Wine Photography Chris Lehoux, October 11, 2025 Vineyards in the quaint wine region of Somló, Hungary, are dotted with small cottages nestled among a vibrant spring landscape. These cottages, rather than serving as permanent homes, are primarily used by winegrowers and their families as weekend retreats or shelters from inclement weather while tending to their vines. This… Continue Reading
Wine The Urban Grape: South End Wine Shop Closes Its Doors After Failed Loan Negotiations Chris Lehoux, October 10, 2025 An acclaimed wine and spirits shop in Boston’s South End, The Urban Grape, has announced its closure effective immediately following a default on loans. The store’s owners, TJ and Hadley Douglas, posted on social media that they couldn’t negotiate an agreement with their lender, Cambridge Savings Bank, related to their… Continue Reading