Chugga chugga, choo choo. Step aside, Napa Valley — Southern California’s very own “wine train” is roaring back into action this fall, promising riders a unique experience aboard a restored vintage train. The 90-minute ride on the “Backcountry Wine Train” takes you through eastern San Diego County’s scenic highlands, making you feel like you’re out in … Read more
America’s vineyard dining scene has more to offer than cheese and crackers. The West Coast has emerged as the place to eat while you sip, dominating a new ranking of the best winery restaurants in the country — while an under-the-radar pizza joint tucked into the Arizona desert also managed to crash the top 10. … Read more
One of the nation’s top wine destinations may be much closer to Los Angeles than many locals realize. Temecula Valley Wine Country, located about 90 minutes from LA, has been nominated for Best Wine Region in USA Today’s 2026 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards, adding to a growing list of national accolades for the popular … Read more
For less than $500 a night, visitors can check into a luxury hotel readers just crowned the best resort in America. Appellation Healdsburg, a retreat tucked among Sonoma County’s vineyards, has been named the No. 1 resort in the continental U.S. and the best resort in California in Travel + Leisure’s 2026 World’s Best Awards. … Read more
California’s battered wine industry is spiraling deeper into crisis as vineyard values across wine country plunge, buyers vanish, and experts warn the pain could drag on for years. At an AWG Wine Advisors conference in Santa Rosa on May 21, industry insiders called this downturn one of the toughest in decades. Vineyard owners are now … Read more
Think you know the wine world? It’s time to redraw the map. For centuries, Burgundy and Tuscany have set the standard, their names synonymous with quality and prestige. But a wave of smaller, surprising regions is producing award-winning bottles that rarely cross borders, making travel to high-altitude vineyards in Yunnan, China — and even a … Read more
Celebrity stylist turned fashion mogul Rachel Zoe was born to be a Hamptonite. She’s alighted on the East End every summer of her life, and her aesthetic embraces the tony enclave. “Caftans all day, every day!” Zoe tells Alexa when asked to describe her Hamptons uniform. “I am basically in one-shoulder gowns, vintage Halston and … Read more
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