Hello. How are you? Are you, like me, still sheltering in place or are you venturing out into the wide wine world already? I admit, on a personal note, that the offers to go to in-person tastings are tempting. I miss people, physical interactions, side-by-side vineyard and cellar walk throughs and interviews. But I’m just not *there* yet. As the SF Chronicle reports, Wine Country is attempting to reopen, but the rise of the spread of coronavirus is real—in my town, in this county, in our state, and all across the country. So, if you are going out, I urge you to please be safe, careful, make healthy choices.
If you want more drama than that, I’m sure you’ve all heard about the recent resignation of several Master Sommeliers from the Court of Master Sommeliers in protest to the immoral attitude and actions of the organization. The CMS finally sent out a public statement addressing the issue, but that statement is, in many eyes, just not good enough.
The wine industry, just like the rest of the world, is in a constant state of flux at the moment. Scroll through, catch up on some news and anecdotes (don’t forget to check out this week’s Blog call-outs) and let me know your thoughts. 
SF Chronicle: Wine Country has reopened, but a rise in coronavirus cases stirs fears
As Wine Country limps back to life, concerns about a coronavirus resurgence remain strong. Over the seven-day period through Friday, Napa added more 48 cases — more than one-fifth of its total case count since the pandemic began — and Sonoma added 113 cases, or 13.5% of its total case count. READ MORE…
Eater: Restaurants Across the Country Are Closing After Workers Test Positive for COVID-19
As states begin to allow restaurants to reopen, service industry workers are again at high risk of catching and spreading the novel coronavirus
As states and cities move from one stage of their reopening plan to the next, there’s a sense that the pandemic is over, or at the very least, has been subdued. On the contrary, cases have spiked in states that were too quick to lift restrictions on restaurants and other businesses where people congregate. READ MORE…
Wine America: Third Covid-19 Economic Impact Survey
In May, the average winery lost 70% of tasting room sales, and although Direct-to-Consumer (internet) sales increased by 66%, they’re from a much smaller base so didn’t make up for the on-site loss. Wholesale sales were down 9%. READ MORE…
Wine Enthusiast: ‘Our Mission is Education and Awareness’: Philip Long on the Association of African American Vintners
As Black Lives Matter protests occur in cities and towns across the U.S., many members of the global wine community are reexamining the role of the AAAV. Long finds himself in the middle of the action, and is encouraged by the show of support for marginalized communities in the beverage industry. READ MORE…
5280: One Black Female Sommelier’s Take On The Wine Biz In Denver
The Wine Suite’s Maia Parish speaks out about her experience in the beverage industry.
My entire experience in the wine world can be framed around my hair. READ MORE…
Letter from the Chairman of the Board Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas
The Board of Directors of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas universally condemns racism, prejudice, and racially motivated violence in all its forms. We stand in solidarity with the Black community against racial injustice and support calls for reform. READ MORE…
Wine Enthusiast: Black Lives Matter, the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine Industry’s Divide
Loaded language is not the only issue facing the CMSA. Wine professionals critique the Court for only posting a social media statement supporting the Black community on June 17, more than two weeks after others participated in a widespread social media blackout. READ MORE…
Decanter: ‘First conviction’ over fake Bordeaux wines in China
A counterfeiter who displayed fake Bordeaux wines at a trade show in China has been found guilty and given an 18-month suspended prison sentence by the court of Pudong in Shanghai, according to Bordeaux’s wine council, the CIVB.
It called the conviction a major milestone in a decade-long battle against counterfeits. READ MORE…
Blogs Worth a Read
Taken from the list of Blogs 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 or want your blog included.
How NOT to Respond to a Guest’s Concerns About COVID
This is not about being political. It’s crazy that things like personal concern and safety are being turned into political hot topics. But as an industry, we have to rise above this. We have to look out for our customers. We have to make them feel welcomed, valued and safe. READ MORE…
Jancis Robinson: The many hues of wine talent
Bottom row, L–R: Mags Janjo, Tonya Pitts, DLynn Proctor (Danny Hardesty), Shakera Jones, Dorothy J Gaiter, André Mack (Sash Photography), Julia Coney (Amy Mullarkey) *Photo credit in brackets
It’s time for change. Black talent in the wine business needs recognition and positive encouragement. READ MORE…
Dame Wine: A Community Preserving a Child’s Hope
Ever since I heard it, I have been taken aback by the story of Brooks winery as it is one that really shows what a community can do when they are committed to the younger generation’s future as well as to protecting each other. As so many of us around this country are discussing how we can strengthen our own communities to make sure everyone is protected and empowered to live the life they were meant to, I can’t help but think of this winery as a shining example. READ MORE…
Tablas Creek Blog: Why Calcareous Soils Matter for Vineyards and Wine Grapes
What do regions like Champagne, Burgundy, Chablis, Tuscany, Alsace, the Loire, Saint-Emilion in Bordeaux, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape all have in common? They’ve all got soils that are variously described as chalky, decomposed limestone, and calcareous. In chemical terms, all are high in calcium carbonate, the basic building block of marine life. READ MORE…
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**Please note: all reviews and opinions are my own and are not associated with any of my places of business. I will always state when a wine has been sent as a sample for review. Sending samples for review on my personal website in no way guarantees coverage in any other media outlet I may be currently associated with.**