Category: Ramblings and Rants
Ingredient Labeling In Prospect in the US
On the heels of new EU requirements to make ingredient and allergen information available to consumers on wine labels (enforceable from 8
The R-Word
It’s the time of year for reflecting on the past and planning for the future. But the American wine industry
The 2022 Vinography Gift Guide for Your Favorite Wine Lover
It’s that time of year again. It remains to be seen just how badly the hangover of supply-chain disruptions will
Dispell That Thanksgiving Wine Anxiety
The American Thanksgiving holiday always brings with it a predictable set of responses. Americans fret over what wine to serve
Unexpected Blends
The combination of ongoing climate chaos and the shifting demographics of wine drinkers have driven some California wine producers to
Tastebuds Suck! Long Live The Olfactory Bulb
Those of you who follow me on Instagram or Twitter will know that I’ve recently returned from a press trip
Hey Colorado, Join the 21st Century!
I know, it’s scary. Change is so daunting. And voting for it is even more so. I know you’re worried
“Blind Ambition” Is the Wine Movie the World Needs Right Now
People of my generation will always remember the infamous Jamaican bobsled team. The unlikely story of four guys from the
New Rules For Serving Alcohol
In California, where I live, it is illegal for me to be served alcohol by someone whose attire exposes the
Americanization or Improvement? Tailoring Wine for Export
I spend a good deal of time traveling to wine regions around the world, tasting and talking. My interests in
Pix—The Inside Story
American wine isn’t keeping up with the digital technology revolution, and it hasn’t been for a long while. I’m not
Inflation Looms for CA Wine
In last month’s column, I covered the rise in California’s grape prices in the wake of disastrous fires and two light vintages,
Volatile Times for CA Wine
In late summer of 2020, Steve Sangiacomo was excited. The vintage was shaping up to be an exceptional one. But
Sean Thackrey Has Left The Cellar
Known for ironically wearing a vest emblazoned with the phrase ‘famous winemaker’, the iconoclastic California winemaker Sean Thackrey passed away
I’ll Drink to That: Winemaker Patrick Campbell
There’s a new episode of I’ll Drink to That! available. Episode 490 features a conversation with Patrick Campbell, the former
How Flashy is American Wine?
A slowly growing number of American winemakers are relying on the winemaking equivalent of a secret weapon. It doesn’t feature
PURE Lies: Winemaker Adam Lee Puts a ‘Clean Wine’ to the Test
Today I’m publishing an article written by winemaker Adam Lee, founder of Siduri Wines and owner of the Clarice Wine
Napa – Small Scale, Big Change
For more than 80 years, the journey up Highway 29 into Napa Valley has begun with the same view. To
Pix Wasn’t the Only Wine Tech Failure I’ve Seen Up-Close
If you’re lucky, you’ve been blissfully unaware of the hullabaloo (mostly on Twitter) surrounding my recent column for Jancis Robinson