Wine Bid on Exclusivity: Rare Wines from Martine Saunier’s Private Cellar at Auction Chris Lehoux, March 8, 2025 On March 8, wine enthusiasts have the opportunity to participate in a remarkable auction featuring rare bottles from the personal cellar of the late Martine Saunier, a celebrated wine importer and filmmaker who passed away last month. This auction, organized by Acker, a renowned New York wine shop and auction… Continue Reading
Wine The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on California’s Wine Industry: A Widening Strain Chris Lehoux, March 7, 2025 Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada are posing a significant threat to California’s wine industry. As Canada represents the state’s largest export market for wine, the potential for a 25% tariff has led several provinces to remove not just wine, but all American alcohol from their stores. The impact of such… Continue Reading
Wine Exploring the Gran Canaria Wine Route: 5 Must-Visit Wineries Chris Lehoux, March 7, 2025 Gran Canaria is an often-overlooked destination for wine lovers, but the island boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to the Spanish colonization in the 15th century. Thanks to its unique microclimate and volcanic soils, Gran Canaria cultivates 18 distinct grape varieties, including the esteemed Malvasía Aromática, which has been… Continue Reading
Wine Top-Rated California Sauvignon Blanc Wines from Leading Wine Competitions Chris Lehoux, March 7, 2025 Sauvignon Blanc wines are rapidly ascending in popularity in the United States, particularly among Millennial and Gen Z consumers. This white wine variety is gaining traction, with a chance of overtaking Chardonnay as America’s top choice. Here’s a curated selection of 15 standout California Sauvignon Blanc wines, each of which… Continue Reading
Wine Cliff Lede Secures Prestigious Vineyard in Stags Leap District Chris Lehoux, March 7, 2025 Cliff Lede Vineyards has recently acquired a 7.5-acre vineyard adjacent to its facility in the Stags Leap District, expanding its estate vineyard holdings to over 160 acres in Napa Valley. The vineyard, previously leased and farmed by the Lede family since 2002 for its owners, the Andelin family, is seen… Continue Reading
Wine Cheers to Change: Mississippi Legalizes Direct Wine Shipping for Enthusiastic Wine Lovers Chris Lehoux, March 6, 2025 On February 26, 2025, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a bill allowing wineries to ship wine directly to consumers within the state, effective July 1, 2025. This places Mississippi among the majority of states permitting direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping, reducing the current pool to just Arkansas, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Utah… Continue Reading
Wine Remembering Peter M. F. Sichel: The Multifaceted Life of a Wine Importer, Author, and CIA Spy Chris Lehoux, March 6, 2025 Peter M.F. Sichel, a prominent wine merchant and author, passed away at the age of 102 on February 24, 2025. He was celebrated not just for his expertise in German wines but also for his remarkable history as a CIA spy, a tale he shared in his autobiography, The Secrets… Continue Reading
Wine Decoding Wine Labels: A Simple Guide to Understanding What You Drink Chris Lehoux, March 6, 2025 Buying wine can often feel overwhelming, like facing a pop quiz without studying. With shelves of bottles adorned with labels full of unfamiliar words and intricate designs, it’s easy to worry whether you’ll make a fantastic discovery or an expensive mistake. Fortunately, deciphering a wine label doesn’t necessitate sommelier expertise…. Continue Reading
Wine Cheers to Change: Mississippi Legalizes Direct Wine Shipping for Wine Lovers Chris Lehoux, March 6, 2025 Mississippi has officially joined the ranks of states allowing direct wine shipping, following the signing of Senate Bill 2145 by Governor Tate Reeves on February 26, 2025. This law permits wineries to ship wine directly to consumers in Mississippi, taking effect on July 1, 2025. With this change, only Arkansas,… Continue Reading
Wine Higher Wine Prices Ahead? Retailers Prepare for Upcoming Tariffs Chris Lehoux, March 5, 2025 As wine enthusiasts are preparing their glasses, a storm may be brewing for the industry. Import tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump could result in significant price hikes for foreign wines, impacting both casual drinkers and sommeliers alike. This anticipated increase comes as many are already feeling the pinch from… Continue Reading