If you’re looking for a charming European-style escape right here in California, head to Solvang in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez Valley. This picturesque village, known as the “Danish Capital of America,” was recently named No. 7 in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Small Towns in the West for 2026. It previously … Read more
A Napa Valley wine giant has issued a dire warning about the direction of the industry, pointing to “ongoing category pressures.” Constellation Brands, the New York-based owner of California’s Robert Mondavi Winery, expects the high-end wine market to decline as its CEO Bill Newlands steps away from the company. Chief Financial Officer Garth Hankinson pointed to … Read more
Bubbles without the troubles? A new, dealcoholized champagne boasts the craft and taste of the elevated sparkler — without the harmful effects of alcohol. Oddbird, which exclusively produces non-alcoholic wines, recently released C, an alcohol-removed sparkling cuvée made in the tradition of champagne with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier grapes — a blend that is … Read more
Wine makers are pulling the cork on California. Another giant in the world-famous wine growing region is shutting down and slashing staff, making it the fourth since the start of 2026. Jackson Family wines has stopped production at its Carneros Hill facility in Sonoma’s Carneros region, laying off more than a dozen employees, according to … Read more
You might have an opened bottle of wine from a recent celebration and wonder, “Is this still good?” Wine that’s been open for too long may not make you sick — but it won’t taste the way it was intended, according to the “Wine Country” blog. Leaving wine open for too long can strip its brightness, dull its … Read more
Like a robust bottle of red from Spain’s Tarragona province, Gran Hotel Mas d’En Bruno is known for its unique character and high quality. The glamorous five-star retreat is set on a historic estate in Priorat, Catalonia’s ruggedly beautiful and seemingly untouched winemaking region. From its gastronomic restaurant poised to earn a Michelin star to … Read more
America’s got Champagne problems. On Thursday, President Donald Trump threatened up to 200% tariffs on all alcoholic products from the European Union after the countries levied a 50% tax on US whiskey. President Trump threatened up to 200% tariffs on all alcoholic products from the European Union after the countries levied a 50% tax on … Read more
When artificial intelligence-backed tractors became available to vineyards, Tom Gamble wanted to be an early adopter. He knew there would be a learning curve, but Gamble decided the technology was worth figuring out. The third-generation farmer bought one autonomous tractor. He plans on deploying its self-driving feature this spring and is currently using the tractor’s … Read more
If you are a wine lover, you may have seen, or even tried, a natural wine. They’ve been gaining a following for years, and the holidays could be a nice time to see what they’re about. What exactly is a natural wine? And what makes them special? Natural wines are produced with minimal human intervention. The grapes are generally … Read more
Sip, sip, hooray. There’s a right way and a wrong way to drink wine, say experts — and just in time for the holidays, the vintage virtuosos at Tabl.com are sharing helpful tips for enjoying the perfect pour. Some important reminders include which glass to pair with each wine, how to properly hold the glass, and what … Read more
If Central California’s Santa Ynez Valley, in Santa Barbara County, is known for anything, it’s wine. It’s nowhere near as famous as Napa or Bordeaux, of course, but this bucolic region of rolling hills dotted with stately oak trees produces excellent pinot noirs and chardonnays and syrahs. Remember the movie “Sideways,” about two sad sacks … Read more
Well, this is something wine about. Gen Z isn’t drinking like other generations — in fact, they’re barely consuming alcohol at all, with worldwide wine consumption sunk to a 27-year low, per recent reports. Online, non-boozers cite the cost of living, the ease of consuming THC, health concerns, the taste of vino and the “elitist” reputation … Read more
Rosé, no way. Pink is so passé — orange is the preferred wine color at this summer’s smartest poolside soirees, as the ancient, skin contact, skin-fermented glug makes grape strides towards global popularity. The UK-based retailer Ocado has seen a 99% increase in orange wine sales since last year, according to The Guardian, and in … Read more
Winemakers are seeing red. An invasive insect species now poses “a serious threat” to America’s wine supplies, vino experts warn. Eggs of the oversized spotted lanternfly — which have been running amock in New York to the point that the state government has told people to kill them on sight — were stowed away in … Read more
If you’ve always dreamed of owning your own vineyard Out East, but never found the cash or the sprawling estate, turn to Stephen Scarnato. As the Long Island Vine Care founder explains, all you need is one-tenth of an acre, and he’ll come plant and tend it. Voilà, your own micro-vineyard. The project costs around … Read more
When French winemaker Gilles Martin moved to New York in 1997 to support his wife, a linguistics professor at Rutgers University, he wasn’t sure exactly what he was going to do. His specialty was in making sparkling wines — he came from prestigious vineyards like the Roederer Estate in Mendocino, Calif., and Delas Frères in … Read more
Great minds drink alike. If you want to savor expensive wine among the likes of LeBron James, Carlos Santana and Danny DeVito — it’s going to cost you. “We’ve had NBA players who, like, had a game the next day, who will stay up ’til 3 a.m., with us just blind-tasting wine and trying to … Read more
NAPA, Calif. – A historically stormy winter followed by a relatively cool spring and summer pushed Napa’s grape harvest well into fall leaving the fruit susceptible to autumn storms and chills, winemakers said that waiting game has so far paid off in terms of quantity and quality. John Anthony Truchard, founder and CEO of John … Read more
Talk about sour grapes. Brad Pitt says he learned of Angelina Jolie’s sale of her half of their shared French vineyard to Russian billionaire Yuri Shefler from a 2021 press release that announced the “Babylon” star had new business partners. “That was by design: Jolie collaborated in secret with Shefler and his associates to pursue and then consummate … Read more
It was a very good year. “It’s been dry, hot, great sunshine, no humidity. The berries are smaller and more concentrated, which means more flavor, giving us a window to make more powerful, elegant wines,” said Roman Roth, head winemaker at Wölffer Estate in Bridgehampton. Roth is particularly excited for the pinot noir this year, … Read more