The Wine Press

Today in Wine NewsA report published by Wine Business on February 1 indicated that the number of wineries in California, Oregon, and Washington all took considerable dips in the past year. With 5% fewer wineries in Oregon and 4% fewer wineries in California - the two largest states for wine production - consumers can expect to see less options for American-made wine available on retail shelves and on restaurant wine lists.What does the decreasing number of wineries say about the state of the American wine industry that hasn’t been published yet? And in an age when imported beverages see hefty taxes, what can wineries based in the Pacific Northwest provide to an American consumer base that scoffs at the price of the handcrafted, small production wines that make up a large share of Oregon and Washington’s wine landscape?Keep listening to learn more.Further Reading* “Lightest Crush in 20 Years: California Crushed 2.84 Million Tons of Wine Grapes in 2024” (Wine Business)* “California Sees Smallest Harvest in 20 Years” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)* “Still too many vineyards in PNW, wine rep says” (Tim Hearden/Western Farm Press)* “Washington grape volume and acreage continue to rightsize” (Ross Courtney/Good Fruit Grower)* “U.S. Winery Count Declines Slightly” (Andrew Adams/Wine Business)In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:A new Cru Bourgeois classification has been released, with eight new estates joining the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel list for the first time. The full list of Cru Bourgeois estates now sits at 170 châteaux - down from 249 châteaux in 2020, a decrease of almost 38%. * “Eight new estates upgraded to top of Cru Bourgeois classification as 2025 results revealed” (Georgie Hindle/Decanter)The Church of England has banned non-alcoholic wine and gluten free bread as forms of Holy Communion. The Church of England has declared that “Non-alcoholic wine is not permissible because fermentation is an essential process in creating wine, and removing alcohol nullifies this transformation”.* “Church bans non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread from holy communion” (George Lithgow/Independent UK)And finally, Martine Saunier, the legendary Burgundy advocate who founded Martine’s Wines import company, has passed away. Martine Saunier died on Sunday, February 9 from lung cancer at the age of 91. She is survived by her two stepsons, Jeffrey Cregg and “The Power of Love” singer Huey Lewis.* “In Memoriam: Martine Saunier, Founder of Martine's Wines” (Press Release/Wine Business)That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. Shout out to Marie, Brian, Dave, and Allison for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsOn February 1, President Trump placed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing “an extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs” that constitutes a national emergency. Two days later, America’s neighbors to the north and south had both reached agreements with the Trump administration to reprieve Canada and Mexico for 30 days… but not without immediate repercussions for the American alcohol industry.So what does lie in store for American exports? How will the already flagging American wine industry fight through tariffs on exports to find new audiences abroad? And what will happen to the Americans who want to continue supporting their favorite American producers?Keep listening to learn more.Further Reading* “Joint Statement by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., the Chamber of the Tequila Industry, and Spirits Canada on Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico” (Press Release)* “What We Know About New Tariffs on American Alcohol” (Courtney Schiessl Magrini/SevenFifty Daily)* “Canadians cancel trips, ban American booze after Trump's tariffs” (Anna Mehler Paperny, Amanda Stephenson and Ed White/Reuters)* “U.S. booze stocks tumble as Canada prepares to retaliate against Trump tariffs” (Ciara Linnane/MarketWatch)In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:Jai Singh has become the first ever Best Sommelier in India! The newly founded Sommeliers Association of India held its first national contest on January 29th as part of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. * “India Crowns Its First-Ever ‘2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India’ at The LaLiT Mumbai” (Wine Industry Advisor Editor)Touraine has become the first Loire Valley AOC to add climate change-resistant grape varieties to its blends. The Touraine AOC’s governing board recently decided to permit six different grapes to be blended into the wines: Floréal, Meslier Saint-François, Orbois, Chenin, Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis. * “6 new grape varieties for AOC Touraine” (Vitisphere)And finally, Peter Babich, widely considered one of the great pioneers of New Zealand wine, has passed away at age 92. Peter Babich is survived by his wife, Lise Babich, his sons Joseph, David and Michael, his daughters-in-law Julie and Paula and grandchildren Peter, Luke, Annelise, Sophia and Amara. * “Peter Babich pioneering leader of New Zealand wine dies” (Richard Siddle/The Buyer)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. Shout out to Marie, Brian, and Dave for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsSilicon Valley Bank released its annual State of the U.S. Wine Industry report last week, and while there was some expected news about the continuing slump of American wine sales, other numbers are starting to trend upwards. Notably, the current downturn in wine consumption was likened to a similar downturn in the early 1990s, when Baby Boomers started bumping up their wine spending and thwarting the anti-alcohol messages pushed by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.What patterns have Baby Boomer oenophiles created in today’s American wine industry? As wine starts looking to a newer, younger audience, how can Millennials and Gen Z wine drinkers use their influence to maintain a new golden era for well made and well priced wine?Keep listening to learn more.-Further Reading* “State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report 2025” (Press Release/Silicon Valley Bank)* “2025 SVB Report: Pulling No Punches” (Jeff Siegel/Wine Industry Advisor)* “Good Times Ahead for U.S. Wine Consumers” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)* “California wine is in crisis. But for consumers, it could be a ‘golden era’ of deals” (Jess Lander/SF Chronicle)* “‘We Can’t Be Passive Anymore’: Silicon Valley Bank’s 2025 Wine Report” (Courtney Schiessl Magrini/SevenFiftyDaily)-In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:The Old Vine Registry is making serious headway on its registration goals. Over 4,000 vineyards from 39 countries have now been enlisted in the Old Vine Registry, a project that started in June 2023 with just over 2,000 entries. The Old Vine Registry has set a goal of registering 10,000 entries into its database by 2027.* “Old Vine Registry Passes 4,000 entries: Vineyards planted in 1990 now eligible for inclusion” (Press Release/The Old Vine Conference)It’s a great week to be a woman in wine! The Court of Master Sommeliers has announced the 10 women who have been selected to participate in the 3rd Annual Women’s Sommelier Symposium. There’s some more good news for another woman in the highest ranks of the Court: Master Sommelier Laura DePasquale has been appointed as the new chair for Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s Women’s Leadership Council. * “Women’s Sommelier Symposium Set to Inspire in Sonoma” (Press Release/Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas)* “WSWA Women’s Leadership Council Announces Laura DePasquale, MS as New Advisory Board Chair” (Press Release/Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America)And finally, because our favorite season is awards… Wine Enthusiast celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Wine Star Awards at a black tie gala in San Francisco. Held at the Westin St. Francis hotel on Union Square, Wine Enthusiast gathered the best and brightest minds in wine alongside the Wine Star Award winners for 2024. A quick note: A few listeners have asked about ways to donate towards wildfire relief for Los Angeles-based friends in the wine industry. United Sommeliers Foundation is currently accepting applications for emergency specific aid due to the L.A. wildfires, and they are a 501(c)3 non-profit doing incredible work to make sure that no somm is left behind. To make a donation, go to UnitedSommeliersFoundation.org, listed below in the show notes. Fellow wine writer and movie lover Dave Baxter has also compiled a fantastic list of resources, also available below.* “Wine Star Awards 2024” (Wine Enthusiast)* United Sommeliers Foundation website* “Los Angeles Wildfire Wine Relief” (Dave Baxter/Wine And…)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. Shout out to Marie, Brian, and Dave for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsAustralian wine has historically fallen into public opinion as one of two stereotypes - Yellow Tail, the cheap bulk wine that is still one of the most highly imported wines in the world, and Penfolds, the classic, high octane Barossa Valley Shiraz blends that put Australian fine wine on the map. But with tariffs in China recently lifted, and Americans looking for delicious and affordable imported table wines, the Australian wine industry is due for a big surge of interest from sommeliers to average wine drinkers.How can Australian winemakers seize the cultural moment and bring their products to a much larger international audience? And what will these new drinking habits and marketing campaigns focus on saying about the legacy of Australian wine?Keep listening to learn more.Further Reading* “Australian Wine's Great Renaissance” (Kathleen Willcox/WineSearcher)* Australian Wine Export Report by Wine Australia, 2024* How To Drink Australian by Jane Lopes and Jonathan RossIn Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:Semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards have been announced, including three new beverage-oriented categories this year. Check out the show notes below to see if your favorite local chef, sommelier, or bartender made the short list. The eventual nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 9, and winners will be announced on Monday, June 16 at the annual ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.* “The 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists” (Press Release/James Beard Foundation)Pop superstar Pink will be headlining a different type of venue next week. Winemaker and entrepreneur Alecia Moore - known to music lovers as P!nk - will be the keynote speaker at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, happening from January 28 to 30 in Sacramento, California. * “Alecia Moore, Winemaker and Two Wolves Wine Founder, Announced as Keynote Speaker for 2025 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium” (Press Release/Wine Business)And finally, Slanted Door restaurateur Charles Phan passed away unexpectedly on January 20 at age 62. Slanted Door’s Instagram account announced the news with this statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of our beloved leader, visionary and friend, Chef Charles Phan, due to cardiac arrest… Charles was more than a chef. He was one of the most generous humans… For now, let’s honor Charles’ extraordinary life and legacy by keeping his spirit alive in the way we savor and share meals with one another - always family style.”* “Charles Phan, the Innovative Chef of SF’s Slanted Door, Has Died” (Luke Tsai/KQED)That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!Disclosure: Brunello Bombshell is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. If you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission for that sale. Thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsThink pieces about extraneous tariffs on imported wines started popping up mere hours after the 45th President of the United States became President-Elect for the second time. Americans have been heeding the call to stock up on their favorite French and Italian wines before January 20th, fearing accessibility issues on anything without a “Made in the U.S.A.” sticker on it.How will a proposed 10 to 20 percent tariff on imported goods affect the way Americans drink wine? And how can wine lovers continue to enjoy their favorite imported wines when exorbitant prices dictate smaller cellars and smaller restaurant wine lists?Keep listening to learn more.Further Reading* “The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on the Wine Industry: Past and Future” (Stephanie L. Zeppa, Reid Whitten, and Karl Buhler/The National Law Review)* “What do Trump's tariffs and Ferris Bueller have in common? Anyone? Anyone?” (Peter Armstrong/CBC News)* “Time to Stock Up the Drinks Cabinet” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)* The Wine Press, Episode 15: Wine Gets Political (Aug. 15, 2024)In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:The wildfires that swept through Los Angeles last week have had devastating effects on one of the country’s best food and wine areas. In some good news, restaurants across Southern California are providing food and hospitality to a lot of people who need sustenance and comfort. Our deepest sympathies go out to our friends in Los Angeles, especially those who have lost loved ones or housing due to the wildfires.* “A Running List of Los Angeles Restaurants Impacted by the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Wildfires” (Rebecca Roland/Eater Los Angeles)* “Los Angeles Restaurants Offering Free Meals and Relief During the 2025 Fires” (Rebecca Roland/Eater Los Angeles)Wine bottles now come in numerous new sizes! Effective as of January 10, wine may now be sold in the additional bottle sizes: 180ml, 300ml, 330ml, 360ml, 473 ml (16 oz.), 550 ml, 568 ml (19.2 oz), 600 ml, 620 ml, 700 ml, 720 ml, 1.8 L, and 2.25 L. * “Wine Just Got Fun-Sized” (Alder Yarrow/Vinography)And finally, Dr. Anita Oberholster, a beloved Enology professor at UC Davis, has passed away from cancer. Dr. Oberholster contributed a lot of important research on wildfire impacts during the 2017, 2018, and 2020 harvests, for which she won many regional and national awards, including two years on Wine Business Monthly’s annual list of the Top 50 most influential people in the U.S. wine industry. * “Remembering Anita Oberholster” (UC Davis Press Release)That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsUnited States Surgeon General Doctor Vivek Murthy woke up to 2025 and chose violence against the alcohol industry when he released a new warning on the correlation between alcohol and higher cancer risks. In a twofold statement, the Surgeon General’s warning called for an update to the health risk labels on alcoholic beverages to include cancer risks, in addition to amended alcohol consumption guidelines.With a change at the Oval Office later this month and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans due for an update in 2025, how will the Surgeon General’s warning shape American alcohol consumption in the new year? And how did the Neo-Prohibitionists of the 21st Century toss aside years of research highlighting the benefits of moderate drinking to lobby the country’s highest legislative powers?Keep listening to learn more.Fine wine is grounded in time and place, and when enjoyed in moderation, can be a thrilling and delicious glimpse into history, society, and science in a glass. Please remember to drink responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). More links and resources are available in the show notes below.Further Reading* Find help for substance abuse (USAGov website)* “Alcohol and Cancer Risk: The US Surgeon General’s Advisory” (2025)* “U.S. Surgeon General Issues New Advisory on Link Between Alcohol and Cancer Risk” (Press Release/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)* “Review of Evidence on Alcohol and Health” (National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine)* The Wine Press, Episode 18: Who’s Afraid of Neo-Prohibitionists? (Oct. 3, 2024)The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by listeners like you. Support wine journalism! Become a free or premium subscriber today.In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:Butterfly Equity has completed its $1.95 billion purchase of The Duckhorn Portfolio… days before The Duckhorn Portfolio announced a new CEO. On December 27th, Butterfly Equity announced the close of its big ticket purchase of The Duckhorn Portfolio - a purchase that formally delists The Duckhorn Portfolio from the New York Stock Exchange and puts the company into private hands yet again. Eleven days later, Butterfly Equity issued a new press release announcing Robert Hanson, a former executive at Constellation Brands, as the new President, CEO, and Chairperson of The Duckhorn Portfolio, effective February 1, 2025. Mahlan will reportedly serve in an advisory capacity once Hanson starts his tenure at the beginning of the fiscal third quarter.* “Butterfly Completes $1.95 Billion Acquisition of The Duckhorn Portfolio” (Press Release/Wine Business)* “Former Constellation Brands Executive Robert Hanson Appointed CEO of The Duckhorn Portfolio Following Completion of $1.95 Billion Transaction with Butterfly” (Press Release/Business Wire)* The Wine Press, Episode 19: Duckhorn Flies The Coop (October 10, 2024)The black market for expensive restaurant reservations in New York has closed. Officially. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Restaurant Reservation Anti-Piracy Act into law, making it illegal to sell restaurant reservations to third parties. * “Gov. Hochul Signs Law Making the Restaurant Reservation Black Market Illegal” (Emma Orlow/Eater)And finally, Marge Simpson has turned into the wine world’s newest persona non grata. A new episode of the long-running animated series The Simpsons features Homer Simpson guarding a bottle of red Burgundy supposedly owned by Napoleon Bonaparte, only for Marge to use the bottle in a million dollar stew. In a bout of dubious morality, Marge works with wine counterfeiters to “replace” the missing bottle, only to get a taste for the act of wine thievery that puts her in the middle of Wine Court. * “Marge Simpson, Wine Counterfeiter?” (Mitch Frank/Wine Spectator)* Watch The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 11 “Bottle Episode” hereThat’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. You can also find more great Brunello Bombshell content on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell.We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsIn the last new episode for the 2024 vintage, we take a look back at a year of wine news through past episodes of The Wine Press. But before we delve into the stories that moved us and made us think throughout the year, there’s some big breaking news in an update to a recent feature story.The Federal Trade Commission has sued Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits for predatory pricing practices. In a lawsuit filed on December 12, the FTC claims that Southern Glazer’s has been violating the Robinson-Patman Act - an antitrust law that’s been on the books since the 1930s, but quickly fell into disuse.What will happen when the 10th largest privately held company in the United States starts spending their $26 billion annual revenue in legal fees and settlements? And how will the rapidly descent of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits affect the three tiered alcohol distribution system in the United States?Keep listening to learn more.Brunello Bombshell is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Further Reading* “FTC sues Southern Glazer’s for Illegal Price Discrimination” (Press Release)* “Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Responds to FTC Lawsuit” (Press Release)* The Wine Press, Episode 22: The Fall of the House of SouthernIn Other NewsHere are some highlights from the year in wine news. There are links to each of the referenced podcast episodes in today’s show notes:The most popular episode of The Wine Press this year was all about Madeira. As Madeira has seen a resurgence in popularity, the island has had to reckon with everything from the effects of tourism to rampant banana plantings. Rounding out the top three episodes for the year are Episode 8: The New Wave of Wine Drinkers from June 25, and Episode 16: Alsace Starts Seeing Red from August 23.* The Wine Press, Episode 12: Madeira, Madeira (July 25)* The Wine Press, Episode 8: The New Wave of Wine Drinkers (June 25)* The Wine Press, Episode 16: Alsace Starts Seeing Red (August 23)In one of the earliest episodes of The Wine Press, we talked about the recent acquisition of Domaine William Fèvre. News of Domaines des Barons de Rothschild and its high profile purchase in Chablis made its way to headlines for the January 15 episode of The Wine Press, but it wasn’t until Episode 18 aired on October 3 that the public received an update on the purchase price of $99 million.* The Wine Press, Episode 5 (January 15)* The Wine Press, Episode 18: Who’s Afraid of Neo-Prohibitionists? (October 3)New designated wine areas were added to wine maps worldwide. We mentioned that Chile added two new D.O.s in Episode 15: Wine Gets Political, air date August 15. Grand Cru Vorbourg, an area of Alsace specifically designated for Pinot Noir, got a feature story in Episode 16: Alsace Starts Seeing Red, while the long-awaited Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA received a feature story in Episode 21: A New Napa Valley Neighbor, which aired on October 24.* The Wine Press, Episode 15: Wine Gets Political (August 15)* The Wine Press, Episode 16: Alsace Starts Seeing Red (August 23)* The Wine Press, Episode 21: A New Napa Valley Neighbor (October 24)And finally, a quick In Memoriam segment for the giants of the wine world we lost this year. The passing of KCBS Food and Wine editor Narsai David was mentioned in Episode 8: The New Wave of Wine Drinkers, while Stag’s Leap founder Warren Winiarski’s memorial services were included in Episode 9: The Fees Are Too Damn High!, which aired on July 3. The sudden passing of Cafe Boulud sommelier Vernand Florara was memorialized in Episode 21: A New Napa Valley Neighbor, and before we close out the year, we are passing along the news of one more fallen wine hero.Santa Barbara winemaker Kris Curran lost her fight with pancreatic cancer on December 11. Curran came to prominence as the first winemaker at Sea Smoke before lending her expertise and her love of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir to Cambria, Koehler, and Foley. Her presence and her generous spirit will be missed by those who knew her. Curran is survived by her longtime partner, Bruno D’Alfonso.* The Wine Press, Episode 8: The New Wave of Wine Drinkers (June 25)* The Wine Press, Episode 9: The Fees Are Too Damn High! (Jul. 3)* The Wine Press, Episode 21: A New Napa Valley Neighbor (October 24)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.We’ll be back with a new crop of wine news in the new year. Until then, enjoy the holidays, cheers, and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsRecent vineyard acquisitions have been making wine news headlines over the past month. It seems that some of the most prestigious vineyards in California have changed ownership as of late, and it seems to be a trend that concerns an already weary crop of wine enthusiasts.What does this recent fit of vineyard sales have to say about the state of the American wine industry as a whole? And what can wine lovers expect to shift with new ownership of their favorite labels?Keep listening to learn more.-In Other NewsHere are some highlights from the week:Marchesi Antinori celebrated the 50th anniversary of Tignanello with a lucrative auction. An assortment of 170 bottles of Tignanello (plus a full barrel) from the Antinori cellar garnered almost $190,000 total at a Christie’s auction in London on November 26 and 27. * “Super Tuscan Wine Tignanello Attracts Big Bids At Auction” (Kenny Martin/Wine Spectator)A small natural winemaker has been selected to provide the official sacramental wine for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Husband and wife team Régis and Aude Anouil are practicing Catholics who retired from their careers with Catholic organizations to start Domaine de la Bénisson-Dieu in the Loire Valley in 2019. Domaine de la Bénisson-Dieu follows strict biodynamic principles, and is made with full compliance with Catholic canon law.* “Notre Dame to Celebrate Opening With Natural Wine” (Oliver Styles/WineSearcher)And finally, New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov has assembled his list of the best wine books for 2024. Included among Asimov’s highlighted books is sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier’s “One Thousand Vines”, the long-awaited English translation of her French best-seller “Mille Vignes”. * “The Best Wine Books of 2024” (Eric Asimov/New York Times, paywalled)* Follow up from feature story in Nov. 21 episode, New School Nouveau-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by listeners like you! To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or premium subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsIt’s the third Thursday of November, which means Beaujolais Nouveau can now make its way into the hands and glasses of eager consumers ready for the first taste of the 2024 harvest. Decades after Beaujolais producer Georges Duboeuf popularized the style and made it an unofficial wine holiday, producers from around the world are now starting to make young, easy drinking wines out of any and all colored grapes.Will today’s wine drinkers embrace Beaujolais Nouveau as much as previous generations? And what will this year’s crop of Nouveau wines say about the state of the 2024 harvest around the world?Keep listening to learn more.It’s Thursday, November 21.Further Reading* “The California nouveau wine craze shows no signs of slowing down” (Esther Mobley/San Francisco Chronicle)* Extradimensional Wine Co. Yeah! 2024 Nouveau Wines-In Other NewsHere are some highlights from the week:Estonian sommelier Mikk Parre has won the ASI Best Sommelier in Europe, Africa, and Middle East competition for 2024. Two additional finalists - New York-based French sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier and Lithuanian sommelier Martynas Pravilovis - were awarded second and third place respectively. * “How Mikk Parre became ASI Best Sommelier Europe, Africa & ME” (David Kermode/The Buyer)French grape growers protested the low shelf price of Côtes-du-Rhône wines by smashing bottles outside grocery stores in the Rhône Valley. French farmers took umbrage with Lidl supermarkets for pricing select Côtes-du-Rhône wines at less than $2 per bottle, a significant loss, and started smashing bottles of the “cheap wine” in front of Lidl stores in Orange and Bagnols-sur-Cèze last week.  * “Angry French grape growers smash bottles outside Lidl” (Martin Green/Decanter)And finally, China has become the 51st nation to be represented in the International Organization of Vine and Wine, or OIV. The OIV is known for shaping guidelines on viticulture and other aspects of the wine trade. * “An Accused Russian Counterfeiter and Burgundy Bottles Filled With Italian Wine” (Suzanne Mustacich/Wine Spectator)* Revisit The Wine Press’ Oct. 17 episode, The Soft Power of Wine-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. Thanks to Tasha Molchanova DipWSET for providing additional research for this episode, and to Enrico Banson for supplying the music for this and every episode of The Wine Press.Next Thursday is Thanksgiving here in the United States, so enjoy a glass of Nouveau with a side of turkey and stuffing. We’ll be back in two weeks with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsThe Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino recently announced some major changes to their evaluation system for new vintages of wines tasted during the annual en primeur event known as Benvenuto Brunello. By shifting away from the traditional five star rating and moving towards a short description of the wine’s character and key data points, the Consorzio is signaling to the rest of the wine world that the era of numeric wine scores is fading.How will the new classification system affect advance sales of the yet-to-be-released Brunellos? And what will happen to wine news outlets and sales vehicles that continue to use a points system to evaluate and advertise wine?Keep listening to learn more.-In Other NewsHere are some highlights from the week:World’s Best Vineyards have named the Top 50 Vineyards of 2024. The awards ceremony, held last week at the picturesque Nyetimber estate in West Sussex, England, crowned Marqués de Riscal in Rioja as its number one choice. Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley was named the Best Vineyard in North America, with Jordan Winery and Duckhorn Vineyards supplying the additional California representation on the list. * Press Release/Wine BusinessThe Michelin Guide has released its first list of recommended restaurants for the state of Texas. 15 Michelin One Star establishments and 2 Michelin Green Star awards from across Texas were presented at the first Michelin Guide ceremony for the state. * “All The Stars and Bib Gourmands from the Michelin Guide Texas 2024” (Louis Thomas/The Drinks Business)And finally, a serial wine counterfeiter has been caught for selling fake DRC. Again. 40-year-old Russian national Aleksandr Lugov was apprehended by police at Milan’s Malpensa airport in late September, an arrest that occurred simultaneously with raids in Turin, Milan, and Paris that resulted in the arrests of five of Lugov’s collaborators. Lugov was leading a wine counterfeiting gang across Europe that made more than $2 million dollars in blue chip Burgundy fakes. This is a developing story with a pending investigation, so stay tuned for more details.* “An Accused Russian Counterfeiter and Burgundy Bottles Filled With Italian Wine” (Suzanne Mustacich/Wine Spectator)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by listeners and wine drinkers like you. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or premium subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsRumors began circulating at the end of last week surrounding mass layoffs at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, the largest beverage distribution company in the United States. Unconfirmed reports say up to 3,200 Southern Glazer’s employees were laid off via Zoom, with many accounts claiming the fine wine division has been completely cut. With so much doom and gloom being reported about wine sales in the United States, are the layoffs at Southern Glazer’s a sign that the wine industry might actually be in trouble?Keep listening to learn more.-Further Reading* “Biggest U.S. Wine Distributor Slashes Staff” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)* The Reddit thread that started the rumor mill-In Other NewsHere are some highlights from the week:A new wine consortium has formed in the Rattlesnake Hills AVA in Washington. Fourteen of the AVA’s wineries have banded together to form an organization dubbed “The Hills”. Their primary goal? Promote the vineyards from Rattlesnake Hills AVA as world-class sites for Washington wines. The original 14 vineyards and wineries include names like Andrew Will’s Two Blondes Vineyard, Dineen Vineyards, Sonrisa Vineyard, and Whitman Hill Winery. * Press Release/Wine Industry AdvisorOver 9,000 bottles of mislabeled Portuguese wine have been seized by authorities. The wine had been deemed ready for market, but the wine had not been labeled or approved for sale by the IVV, or Institute of Vinha e do Vinho. The bounty seized is approximately valued at 19,000 Euro. There are no reports yet on which winemakers or production houses are involved.* “More than 7,000 litres of wine seized by Portuguese authorities” (Louis Thomas/The Drinks Business)And finally, 2024’s list of the World’s 50 Best Bars has been released. The list was announced at a ceremony in Madrid, Spain on Tuesday, October 22. Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City sits as the current Number One, making Mexico City just the fourth city overall to capture the title of World’s Best Bar. Double Chicken Please still holds its place of honor as the highest ranking bar in the United States. * The World’s 50 Best Bars (1-50)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by listeners and wine drinkers like you. To support this work, please consider becoming a free or premium subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine News Crystal Springs of Napa Valley becomes the first new sub-AVA in Napa Valley since 2011, thanks to some boundary pushing and boundary-pushing bigwigs in the world of wine. Louis Vuitton Moёt Hennessy has inked a deal as a Global Partner for Formula 1, potentially restoring Moёt & Chandon champagnes to the top of racing’s most prominent podium. Alsace is keeping the marketing game alive and well with their new “Gewurz” campaign. And an accomplished New York City sommelier has died in a drive-by shooting.Keep listening to learn more.It’s Thursday, October 24.-In The NewsHere are some highlights from the week:Wine students, update your maps… Crystal Springs of Napa Valley AVA has become the first new sub-AVA in Napa Valley since 2011. The new AVA boasts 4,117 total acres, clocking in as one of the smallest American Viticultural Areas in the United States. * “Napa’s Newest AVA Carves A Space” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)LVMH and Formula 1 have closed on a 10-year partnership deal. No official numbers or specific brand information for the deal have been disclosed as of the publication date of this podcast, but when that information does become public, we’ll update you in a future episode of The Wine Press.* “LVMH Wine the Race for Formula 1 Sponsorship” (Meininger’s International)CIVA, Alsace’s wine marketing board is catching on to some Gewurztraminer slang by splashing “Gewurz” in bold letters on prominent bus stop signs and billboards across France. The Alsatian wine marketing board will spend over 500,000 Euro on their total annual marketing efforts this year, in an effort to “put Alsace firmly front of mind”.* “Alsace wines stripped back to just ‘Gewurz’” (Vitisphere)And finally, Vernand Florara, a sommelier at Cafe Boulud in New York City, was killed in a drive-by shooting a block away from his Manhattan home earlier this month. He was 46 years old. Visitation and funeral services will be held in Bonita, California from November 6-8.* “Sommelier killed in New York City” (Louis Thomas/The Drinks Business)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by listeners and wine drinkers like you. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or premium subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsChina has been proclaiming the positive effects of “soft power”, or cultural strength, for years. After years of government efforts to raise the country’s cultural capital, China rose from fifth place to third place in Brand Finance London’s Global Soft Power Index this year - its highest placement yet. How will China’s burgeoning wine culture affect the global perception of its soft power? In a globally dwindling wine industry, what role does Chinese wine - and Chinese wine culture - play in the international economy of wine?Keep listening to learn more.-Further Reading* “Could wine play a role in Chinese soft power?” (Eloise Maldan/The Drinks Business)* “Edward Ragg MW on Chinese Wine’s Evolution and Life After Wine Advocate” (Natalie Wang/Vino Joy News)* “Renowned brand survey reveals China’s soft power ranks in world’s top 3 for first time” (GT Staff Reporters/Global Times)* “China’s Wine Has Gotten Really, Really Good” (Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jensen/Robb Report)In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week:Napa Valley is the first wine region in the world to get name protection rights in Mexico. Napa Valley Vintners, a collective of Napa-based winemakers, has been the main vehicle behind labeling laws regarding Napa Valley wines since 2000. Mexico is one of the top five export countries for Napa Valley wines, and a Wine Institute study from May 2023 shows that the Mexican market for Napa Valley wines has grown 25% year over year.* Napa Valley Vintners Press Release/Wine BusinessChâteau Pichon Baron has released their first still white wine. The legendary second growth estate based in Pauillac has given the world “Les Griffons de Pichon Baron”, a still white wine made of 100% Sémillon. To learn more about this year’s en primeur offerings from Bordeaux, take a look at this previously released article from Brunello Bombshell.* Château Pichon Baron releases new white wine (Rupert Millar/Decanter)And finally, Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Southern Oregon’s flagship label for Burgundian grapes, has put its winery and state-of-the-art tasting room up for sale. The 62-acre estate, located just five miles from the heart of downtown Ashland, has been listed for almost $9 million dollars by real estate broker Chris Martin. * “Rogue Valley’s most sophisticated wine getaway is for sale at $9M” (Janet Eastman/The Oregonian) That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by readers and wine drinkers like you. To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or premium subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsThe Duckhorn Portfolio became the first publicly traded wine company on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021, a major breakthrough for both the company and the wine industry on the whole. Earlier this week, it was announced that private equity firm Butterfly Equity had purchased The Duckhorn Portfolio for an all-cash bid that values the company at $1.95 billion dollars, a move that would automatically delist The Duckhorn Portfolio from public trading.How does Duckhorn’s return to private ownership affect the way wine is perceived and handled in financial circles? And what are the larger implications on the American wine industry now that Duckhorn is no longer publicly traded?Keep listening to learn more.Further Reading* “Butterfly Equity to buy US wine group The Duckhorn Portfolio” (Dean Best/Just Drinks)* “Duckhorn Acquired by Butterfly Equity at $1.95 Billion” (Karen Roman/Yahoo! Finance)* “Duckhorn Debuts on New York Stock Exchange” (Kim Marcus/Wine Spectator)In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights from the week:Michelin starred restaurant Aphotic will close in December after less than two years in business. The seafood staple of the SOMA neighborhood in San Francisco first opened its doors in March 2023, and accrued both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability practices within its tenure. Aphotic’s head distiller and bar director Trevor Hutchins was also awarded the Michelin Exceptional Cocktails Award in 2024. The final day of service will be Saturday, December 21. * “‘Miracles do not last forever’: Michelin-starred SF restaurant announces closure” (Madeline Wells/SF Gate)Lebanese winemakers are struggling to fully recover their crops after the recent missile strikes in the Bekaa Valley. Lebanon has been making wine for over 5000 years, and the Bekaa Valley is known as the premiere wine region of the country. In addition to the ongoing conflict in Palestine, the Israeli Defense Force has dropped missiles throughout the Bekaa Valley since September 23. Lebanese authorities state that over 1,000 people have died, and over 1 million people have been displaced due to the air strikes in Lebanon. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, warning that the conflict in the region is “getting worse by the hour” and worsening the suffering of millions of civilians caught in the middle.* “Lebanon Winemakers Pray for Peace” (Barnaby Eales/Wine-Searcher)And finally, 113 members of the United States Congress have signed a petition to stop the alcohol study in progress for the current U.S. Dietary Guidelines update. Last week’s podcast mentioned a study by ICCPUD that is being used as the basis for new alcohol guidelines. On October 7, Representative Mike Thompson (a Democrat from Napa) and Representative Dan Newhouse (a Republican from Washington state) wrote a public letter to the Secretaries of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture. Among the 113 Congressional representatives who signed the letter are Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from Dublin, California, and Representative Lauren Boebert from Colorado. You can read the full letter and see the list of signatures in the show notes for this episode  at Brunello Bombshell dot Substack dot com. * U.S. Congress Letter to HHS and USDA* “Lawmakers Demand Halt to Controversial Alcohol Study in U.S. Dietary Guidelines Review” (Felicity Carter/Wine Business)-That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe

Today in Wine NewsNon-alcoholic options have been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years, and more and more scientists have been commissioning studies on how much alcohol can affect a person’s overall health. The United States specifically has seen a new wave of teetotalers promoting neo-Prohibitionist rhetoric that has been scaring away wine drinkers present and future, at a critical point when wine is fighting an uphill battle to expand its audience while retaining the light to moderate drinkers that make up a majority of wine enthusiasts.So who should consumers believe when it comes to the health benefits, or health detriments, of wine? Is there such a thing as a healthy level of consumption?Keep listening to learn more.Fine wine is grounded in time and place, and when enjoyed in moderation, can be a thrilling and delicious glimpse into history, society, and science in a glass. Please remember to drink responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).Further Reading* Find help for substance abuse (USAGov website)* “Is Wine Facing Prohibition 2.0?” (Kathleen Willcox/WineSearcher)* “What did you do in the booze wars?” (Andy Neather/The View from My Table)* “A famous local wine writer said she hates Dry January. That started a social media firestorm - and a movement.” (Sarah Doyle/The Press Democrat)-In Other NewsHere are some additional highlights:The Court of Master Sommeliers - Americas has announced a new Master Sommelier. Congratulations to Master Sommelier Myles Trapp, from Napa Valley, California, on a milestone achievement. * “How The Newest Master Sommelier in 2024 Passed the Test” (Jill Barth/SevenFiftyDaily)Criolla Chica, a grape known in Europe as Listán Prieto, is now legally recognized as a quality grape in Argentina. In an August bulletin from the Instituto Nacional de Viniviticultura, also known as the INV, Criolla Chica has been upgraded to a “high quality red grape”, changing its previous designation as a pink rosado grape. * “Criolla Chica granted quality status in Argentina” (Sorrel Moseley-Williams/Decanter)And finally, after months of secrecy, the sale price of Domaine William Fèvre has been made public. In January 2024, Domaines des Barons de Rothschild, the luxury wine conglomerate that also owns Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux and Viña Los Vascos in Chile, acquired Fèvre in a deal for a previously undisclosed sum. According to recent reporting from Bloomberg, it is estimated that Domaines des Barons de Rothschild, or DBR, paid about $99 million dollars to acquire the famed estate. * “Eyewatering price revealed for William Fevre acquisition” (Sarah Neish/The Drinks Business) -That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Become a subscriber and be the first to receive new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles in your inbox every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow along on Instagram and TikTok at brunellobombshell. You can also submit a breaking wine news story via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by readers and drinkers like you! To receive new posts and support this work, consider becoming a free or premium subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brunellobombshell.substack.com/subscribe