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
Wine Discover Alternative Wine Styles to Refresh Your Palate Beyond Orange Wine Chris Lehoux, January 1, 2026 In recent discussions among wine enthusiasts in major cities like Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, a noticeable shift in taste is emerging: many are starting to tire of orange wine. Despite its ancient winemaking process — fermenting white grapes with their skins — there’s a growing perception that orange… Continue Reading
Wine Reviews Alder’s Top California Wines to Remember in 2025 Chris Lehoux, December 31, 2025 Reflecting on a year filled with wine tastings, the most memorable wines stand out, evoking not just flavors but also emotions tied to personal experiences. Tasting and evaluating wine in today’s world, where many face hardship, can seem trivial. However, wine embodies the labor and optimism of those who cultivate… Continue Reading
Wine Cheers to 2024: Essential Insights on Champagne for Your New Year’s Celebration Chris Lehoux, December 31, 2025 As New Year’s Eve approaches, many embrace the spirit of celebration, often donning festive attire and expecting a night filled with joy and maybe a little too much merriment. But there is a certain beauty in the chaos—a collective exhale that invites reflection and optimism for the year ahead. Champagne… Continue Reading
Wine Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Remembrance and Legacy Chris Lehoux, December 30, 2025 As we approach the close of 2025, Wine Spectator reflects on the influential figures in the wine and restaurant industry who passed away this year. This group includes notable names such as Napa cult Cabernet pioneer Don Bryant, Quixote’s Carl Doumani, Château Rayas’ Emmanuel Reynaud, and Château Pavie’s Gérard Perse…. Continue Reading