Way too excited for the weekend. How is it that four-day work-weeks can actually be more stressful than a full one? Whatever. Me, I plan to wear my lazy pants and do what lazy pants do best…laze.
I highly recommend the stretchy fluffy kind as you lounge about and read some of this week’s booze news. Snarky comments are all my own. ✌️🥂
The French Billionaire Working His Trump Ties to Spare His Luxury Empire
It was a match made on Fifth Ave.—Bernard Arnault and the president go back decades. Can the LVMH chief now leverage that bond to fend off tariffs? READ MORE…
A new french paradox? 🤔 🤣 Ok, seriously, this is a really long article, but uber interesting if you’re into like gossipy things. Warning: I believe you’ll have to bust through a paywall.
The rise of own-label restaurant wines in the UK
A growing number of UK restaurants, from KOL in London to Bavette in Leeds, are creating their own wines in collaboration with well-known makers to offer diners something unique. READ MORE…
I really wish more places in the US would adopt this idea. I can only think of one restaurant in town that has this and it is, indeed, by far the best ‘house red,’ I’ve ever had and is, in fact, the perfect pairing to literally everything on the menu. Added bonus: It’s the cheapest wine on the menu. More house wines please!!!
Forestry Threat to Chilean Wine
Winemakers in Chile are struggling to see the vines for the trees, as huge forestry concerns impact vineyard plantings. READ MORE…
Down with monoculture!
The crown jewel of this California wine region has sold to a mystery buyer. Here’s why locals are worried
To reach Cachagua, a rural subregion of Carmel Valley, one must ascend a treacherously twisty mountain road about 25 miles inland from Carmel-by-the-Sea. There’s a tumbledown trailer park. A massive satellite dish. But mainly, there are sweeping, sloping expanses of grapes. READ MORE…
Concerns erupt over Sebastiani property plans
Proposed changes to Sonoma’s General Plan have continued to spark concerns among residents, specifically the potential rezoning of the Sebastiani Winery property to mixed-use, commercial-residential. READ MORE…
A 2020 wildfire nearly destroyed this classic Napa Valley winery. Now it’s closing for good
This is sad and a little crazy for me: I interviewed the folks at Newton for this piece about regenerating fire-damaged vines and vineyards….
WSU wine scientists show pre- and post-fermentation alcohol adjustments have comparable results
Winemakers can practice more stylistic control over their product than previously thought, according to new research from Washington State University’s Department of Viticulture and Enology (V&E). The increased predictability is advantageous as the planet’s warming climate causes grapes to ripen faster. READ MORE…
Low and no just got more…low-y and no-y…
Cannabis Cocktails Are on the Rise. Could They Replace Alcohol?
Short answer: Yes. IMHOP. I’ll have more on that HOP in future 😉 Oh…and scroll down to the press releases to find another wine pro with a similar attitude…
Blogs Worth a Read
Shoot me a note if you have suggestions of independent media to follow or want your outlet included on that list.
Recent study shows that alcohol does have an important benefit in older age
This post is about alcohol, dementia and old age. There is a new research report that concludes that the occurrence of dementia is the lowest among people with moderate alcohol consumption, and the risk is higher among those who never drink or who drink excessively. READ MORE…
Press Releases
These are some press releases I received this week that I actually thought were interesting…enjoy!
Hemp THC Beverage Brand HIGH 9INE LLC Adds Industry Veteran Erica Duecy to Corporate Advisory Board
The rapidly growing, best tasting and most innovative THC beverage manufacturer, HIGH 9INE, LLC, is honored to announce the addition of Ms. Erica Duecy to the Company’s Corporate Advisory Board. The Founder and Host of Business of Drinks, a podcast and data + insights consultancy, joins an expert board that also includes Mr. Mike Percic, former Senior General Manager for Adult Beverages at Target and Mr. Tim Turner, former Senior Category Manager for Beer, Wine & Spirits at Walgreens Boots Alliance. READ MORE: HIGH 9INE Prepares for Rapid THC Beverage Market
Five Key Trends Shifting the Beverage Alcohol Market in 2025
As economic uncertainty persists into 2025, a number of growth opportunities are manifesting themselves for beverage alcohol. Emerging economies offer a buoyant counterpoint to more subdued mature markets, and nascent growth in the on-trade sounds a note of optimism for the year ahead. READ MORE…
Elaine Chukan Brown’s New Book, “The Wines of California”: A Revolutionary Journey through California’s Wine Legacy
Académie du Vin Library is excited to announce the release of “The Wines of California,” by the renowned wine writer Elaine Chukan Brown. The much-anticipated addition to The Classic Wine Library series, publishing April 2025, provides a new, deep perspective on California’s wines, history, and culture.
California is the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, yet there are many misconceptions about the state and its wines which Elaine confronts, explores, and elucidates in their new book. READ MORE…
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