Alcohol Prices Rise as New Tax System Increases Costs for Wine and Spirits

Alcohol Prices Rise as New Tax System Increases Costs for Wine and Spirits

Starting Saturday, the cost of wine and spirits will rise due to an increase in taxes and duties. The new system will base alcohol duties on the strength of drinks, leading to higher levies on stronger beverages. Industry representatives, such as the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), have criticized the move, calling it a … Read more

Vinca Minor Winery Closes as Jason Charles Returns to His First Love: Photography

Jason Charles

After 12 years of crafting wines, Jason Charles has announced the closure of his Vinca Minor Winery. The 2024 vintage will be his last, marking the end of a notable era in the Bay Area wine industry. While the California wine sector faces challenges, Charles emphasized that his decision was based on personal aspirations rather … Read more

Exploring Viognier: Aromatic White Wines and Award-Winning Bottles from SFIWC 2024

Viognier

Viognier is a highly aromatic white grape variety known for its floral and fruity characteristics. It often features notes of orange blossom, jasmine, honeysuckle, and violets, along with ripe fruit flavors like apricot, peach, mango, and tangerine. In cooler climates, Viognier can develop subtle spicy and herbal undertones, including hints of ginger, clove, and lavender. … Read more

Governor Phil Murphy Honors New Jersey’s Top Winemakers at Drumthwacket Reception

Governor Phil Murphy Honors New Jersey’s Top Winemakers at Drumthwacket Reception

On January 28, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy hosted a special reception at Drumthwacket, the governor’s mansion, to celebrate New Jersey’s thriving wine industry. The event was organized in partnership with the Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) and local officials, highlighting some of the state’s finest winemakers. Key figures in … Read more

Lee Campbell’s Influence on New York’s Natural Wine Scene and Her Next Chapter

Lee Campbell’s Influence on New York’s Natural Wine Scene and Her Next Chapter

Lee Campbell has been a major figure in New York’s natural wine world for over two decades. Known for her vibrant personality and dedication to natural wines, Campbell has worked with top shops, importers, and restaurants. Her most significant contributions include spearheading early natural wine programs at Andrew Tarlow’s restaurants and launching New York’s first … Read more

White Rioja Revival Highlights Aging Potential and Legacy of Bodegas Ollauri-Conde de los Andes

White Rioja Revival Highlights Aging Potential and Legacy of Bodegas Ollauri-Conde de los Andes

While Rioja is traditionally associated with red wines made from the Tempranillo grape, the region has a long history of producing white wines. Before the phylloxera outbreak in the late 19th century, white grape plantings were more prominent than red, though this shifted over time. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest … Read more

Immigration Fears Shake Napa Valley’s Wine Industry as Undocumented Workers Face Uncertainty

Immigration Fears Shake Napa Valley’s Wine Industry as Undocumented Workers Face Uncertainty

A DUI checkpoint in Napa Valley recently triggered widespread fear among the region’s immigrant community after rumors incorrectly identified it as an ICE operation. This panic comes on the heels of a U.S. Border Patrol raid in Kern County that led to the arrest of 78 undocumented farmworkers. Advocates report heightened anxiety among immigrants, with … Read more

Wine Faces Unfair Criticism Amid Growing Health Concerns Over Sugar, Diet, and Lifestyle Choices

Wine Faces Unfair Criticism Amid Growing Health Concerns Over Sugar, Diet, and Lifestyle Choices

Recently, wine’s potential dangers have been a topic of debate, especially with several studies gaining attention. Many have questioned whether alcohol, particularly wine, should be viewed as harmful. This has prompted reactions from winemakers, wine lovers, and health professionals alike. While the conversation continues, there’s an increasing sense that wine is unfairly targeted as the … Read more

Why Large-Format Wine Bottles Are Gaining Popularity: Prestige, Aging Benefits, and Investment Potential

Why Large-Format Wine Bottles Are Gaining Popularity: Prestige, Aging Benefits, and Investment Potential

Large-format wine bottles are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, from exclusive clubs to supermarkets. Members of upmarket London wine clubs, such as 67 Pall Mall and Oswald’s, celebrate the festive season with impressive large bottles, ranging from imperial bottles of Château d’Yquem 1996 to 18-litre melchiors. The appeal of large bottles is growing, and even supermarkets … Read more