My friends, this week’s list is just as much for me as it is for you. I’ve been OOO the center of the week on an amazing field trip focused on Regenerative Organic Certified viticultural practices, diving deep into what it means not just in the field, but above ground as well—from animal welfare to the human impacts and, of course, the resulting wine style and quality. Tasty bits coming your way as I work on my assignments about this super important topic that’s become a dual personal and professional passion of mine.
With that in mind, I’ve very little time to read through the news, so these are some headlines that have captured my attention that I’ll need to circle back to myself to give a deeper read through.
Thanks homies!
Chasing the phantom wine in Hokkaido, Japan
Winemaking is not necessarily new to Japan. In fact, Japan’s relationship with wine dates back to 1466, when high-class elites first tasted imported wine, with small-scale winemaking potentially beginning around 1580. By 1697, a winemaking method had already been published in Japanese. Records of large-scale vineyard planting date back to the 19th century, however, interest was slow and a climate unsympathetic to grape growing meant investment was apprehensive. It wasn’t until the 21st century that Japan even recognized Yamanashi as its first Geographical Indication for wine. Nowadays, this is where most of Japan’s wine production still happens, while Yoichi is more commonly associated with another beverage; whisky. Yoichi became synonymous with whisky production almost 100 years ago with the establishment of the Nikka Whisky Distillery in the 1930s, and will forever be the birth-site of the Japanese whisky revolution. However, when one of Soga’s Pinot’s wiggled into the wine list at Noma in Copenhagen, a new spotlight was permanently cast on Hokkaido wine—and for good reason. READ MORE…
How Mechanical Harvesting Impacts Wine Quality
The stereotypical image of a wine harvest is timeless: a legion of workers making their way down the vines, removing bunches of grapes one by one, and then carrying them in a basket to a waiting vehicle. But in many parts of the world that scene is a quaint piece of history; in California, for example, 90 percent of grapes are harvested by machine.
With labor being harder and harder to come by, machine harvesting is only expected to become more common worldwide, but that shouldn’t be cause for alarm for lovers of quality wine. Advancements in technology, for example, are helping producers harvest more high-quality grapes without the need for a large, seasonal workforce.
SevenFifty Daily spoke with researchers and winemakers working around the globe to learn more about how mechanical harvesters have evolved and how they impact grape quality, the resulting wine, and the operational requirements of a busy harvest season. READ MORE…
Wine Industry Embraces Sustainable Fermentation with Innovative Yeast Strain
In the wine industry, energy consumption for cooling significantly impacts production costs and the environment throughout the winemaking process. As a result, industry professionals are constantly seeking innovative approaches to save energy and reduce environmental impact. The wine industry is increasingly moving towards sustainable production, responding to growing consumer awareness and international guidelines. The OIV’s 2020-2024 strategic plan emphasizes the importance of reducing energy consumption through microbiological innovation. In this context, selecting and using specific yeasts can play a crucial role in optimizing the fermentation process, helping to limit the need for cooling without compromising wine quality. READ MORE…
Is the ritual of wine facing extinction?
A recent study shows that traditional wine rituals are waning among Generation Z. Only 43% have used a corkscrew, and just 18% have experimented with a decanter. This shift towards convenience raises questions about the future of wine appreciation.
The survey, conducted by alcohol-free wine brand Eisberg, highlights a generational move away from the ceremony of wine drinking. Dan Harwood, managing director for Eisberg’s SW Wines Europe, commented: “We’re witnessing a fascinating change in the way younger generations interact with wine.” READ MORE…
Catena named The World’s Most Admired Wine Brand 2025
It’s the first time since 2020 that the brand has topped the list having been runner-up spot in the rankings last year.
Italy’s Gaja, which moves up eight places on its previous ranking, took the runner’s up spot alongside the accolade of Most Admired Wine Brand in Europe, while veteran of the list La Rioja Alta completes the podium. READ MORE…
Why One of Argentina’s Top Wine Producers Is Abandoning the Irish Market
CANNABIS
Sonoma County’s first cannabis lounge allows customers to consume on-site
At 3 p.m., when the doors opened to the Mercy Wellness Lounge, Sydney Comora was first in line. A few minutes later, joint in hand, she was sitting in a cozy club chair watching a DJ spin reggae. Psychedelic images swirled and oozed on a giant screen.
Comora, smoke drifting around her head, relaxed into the moment.
“This is the best place ever,” she said. The Santa Rosa resident said she was celebrating her 30th birthday with her sister. READ MORE…
The Regulatory Chaos of Cannabis Drinks Retail
Art Nergaryan’s specialty wine and cheese shops in Massachusetts had thrived for years. But when he introduced hemp-derived THC-infused beverages, something unexpected happened: his business boomed.
“I turned half of the store into THC products,” says Nergaryan, whose Art’s Specialties has four locations across the state. “My business jumped by 25 to 35 percent.” His customers, delighted by the convenience, started buying THC-infused drinks alongside their usual purchases. “Those customers started coming in more frequently, not just for the beverages, but for everything else, too.” READ MORE…
Cannabis beverages could be the future of social drinking in Michigan
As the demand for alcohol alternatives grows, THC beverages are gaining popularity nationwide, popping up in restaurants, grocery stores, smoke shops, convenience stores, and even on tap at bars. Once confined to regulated cannabis dispensaries, hemp-derived THC drinks are now widely available in states embracing the trend.
But so far, Michigan is not among them. Not yet, anyway. READ MORE…
Blogs Worth a Read
Taken from the list of Blogs and other media outlets I follow regularly, here are just a few posts from this past week I think are worth a read. Shoot me a note if you have suggestions of independent media to follow or want your outlet included on that list.
The Rise of Anti-Alcohol Messaging and ‘Neo-Prohibitionism’
Since I began writing about the anti-alcohol lobby, I’ve been fielding more or less the same questions: “Where’s it all coming from?”
“Why now?”
Occasionally, I get questions that veer into conspiracy territory: ‘Who’s funding “them”? Is it dark money? How do we defeat “them”?’
As if “they” are a cross between the Illuminati and the Bilderberg Group. READ MORE…
Press Releases
These are some press releases I received this week that I actually thought were interesting…enjoy!
World-Class Viticulturalist Joins Coastal Vineyard Care Associates
Reinforcing its dedication to the most advanced and sustainable farming and management practices for its clients, Coastal Vineyard Care Associates (CVCA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jordan Lonborg to its vineyard consultancy and management team. In the newly created role of Regenerative Consultant and Manager of Organic, Biodynamic, and Regenerative Viticulture, Lonborg’s expertise underscores CVCA’s forward-thinking commitment to the success of the vineyards they manage and the clients they serve.
“Jordan’s passion for viticulture and our joint belief that organic and regenerative farming is the future of California viticulture is an absolute shared vision. This mutual vision includes having successfully phased out glyphosate across all of the vineyards we manage, improving soil health, enhancing grape and wine quality, and ensuring long-term vineyard resilience,” said Ben Merz, Co-owner of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates. He continued, “We couldn’t be more proud to announce Jordan’s decision to join CVCA, and we’re energized as we think about the future of farming winegrapes.” READ MORE…
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