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…

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….

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,…

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…

Tish Wiggins, also known as Tish Around Town, is redefining the narrative of diversity and empowerment in Napa Valley’s wine scene. Her journey from Cleveland through cities like Dallas and Atlanta to Napa Valley showcases her commitment to inclusion and celebration of women in wine. With a background managing multi-million-dollar…

Pedroncelli Winery in Dry Creek Valley, with a heritage spanning 98 years, is adapting to the evolving wine industry landscape while maintaining its legacy of Zinfandel production. Despite challenges like decreased wine sales and changing consumer preferences, the winery has embraced innovation as it looks towards the future. The winery…

At Domaine de Cousignac in France’s Rhône Valley, winemaker Raphaël Pommier has developed an innovative technique that intertwines his passion for music with the craft of winemaking. Pommier utilizes sound frequencies during the fermentation process, believing that music can positively influence the microorganisms that convert sugars into alcohol. He cites…

Pope Francis is currently recovering in a hospital following a respiratory crisis where he was placed on a non-invasive ventilator. The Vatican confirmed he had a restful night and is responding well to treatment. This incident raised alarms about his health, as it marks a significant challenge for the 86-year-old…

The San Francisco International Wine Competition (SFIWC) recently announced its 2024 winners, and five standout Zinfandel wines made it to the finals. Leading the pack was the Mettler Family Vineyards’ 2021 Epicenter Zinfandel, which not only topped the Zinfandel category but was also honored as Best in Show Red Wine….