As Valentine’s Day approaches, several states in the U.S. are working to change one of the last remaining “blue laws” that prohibit the direct shipment of alcohol to consumers. Delaware, Mississippi, and Utah are among the states pushing for reforms to allow the shipping of alcoholic beverages, including wine, directly to family and friends. These … Read more
As health concerns drive down the demand for alcohol nationwide, some distillers and vintners are turning to ultra-low-alcohol products to meet the market’s shifting preferences. In December, Brooklyn’s St. Agrestis introduced the Phony 1 Proof Negroni, a ready-to-drink cocktail containing just 0.5% alcohol. This version contrasts sharply with the typical Negroni, which is 24% alcohol … Read more
On Thursday, January 30, over 80 wine brands from New Zealand and 150 from Australia came together for a combined tasting event at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London. This marked the first time the two countries had showcased their wines side by side. The event attracted over 750 trade visitors and offered a unique … Read more
Wine, like all fruits, has a limited lifespan once opened. Jonathan Ross, wine director at The Global Ambassador, compares opening a bottle of wine to slicing an apple. Both begin to degrade upon exposure to oxygen. While apples brown, wine’s delicate flavors start to fade, eventually turning into vinegar. Danya Degen, general manager and sommelier … Read more
Charles Woodson’s ambition transcends the confines of football. As he stood in the underground barrel room of Robert Hall Winery, holding a glass of his own cabernet sauvignon, he reflected on a life dedicated to greatness. Woodson, now 48, is not focused on living forever in a physical sense, but rather on creating a legacy … Read more
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
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
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 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
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