Wine News

Wine News features articles and press releases that feature new ideas/trends in wine and interesting concepts.

The Challenges And Cost Of Producing Alcohol Free Wines

High-quality Wine Grapes Are Needed to Produce High-quality Alcohol-Free Wines. getty While most consumers assume that wine without alcohol should be easier to produce and therefore less expensive to purchase, the reverse is actually the case. Creating a high-quality alcohol-free wine requires at least two extra production steps, beyond regular winemaking: 1. Grow and harvest high-quality grapes (using low-quality grapes results in a low-quality wine) 2. Ferment the wine (using traditional methods, with yeast—usually in a stainless steel tank) 3. EXTRA STEP: Remove the alcohol from the wine (which usually strips the wine of many flavors and aromas—different technologies include vacuum distillation and reverse [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2025-04-13T16:50:13-07:00April 15, 2025|

Wine Tasting with a Robot Named Scorpion: A Robotic Revolution in Sipping!

Scorpion, the Wine Serving AI Robot Contributed by guest author, Hermon Dubale: Imagine this: a robotic arm that resembles a scorpion, elegantly reaching for a bottle of aged Chardonnay and pouring it with finesse while interacting with you. Scorpion’s AI functionality detects people and can even engage in light, charming conversation, creating a fun and interactive atmosphere. Recently, Scorpion was installed in 1936 Wine and Spirits NYC and has received many reviews. Watch the YOUTUBE VIDEO to see a customer experience Scorpion for the first time and call it “a real sommelier.” This is because Scorpion not only pours wine [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-12-23T14:05:33-08:00December 23, 2024|

Celebrate Wine With New ‘Come Together Community’ of Wine Events

Friends Enjoying Wine and Socializing. Photo Credit: 123RF.com Good news, a new wine company called, ‘COME TOGETHER—A Community for Wine Inc,’ has just been launched this May 2024. It is a mission-driven company committed to creating and sharing positive, inclusive consumer information about moderate wine consumption and wine’s historic role as a communal beverage. The company was formed in May 2024 by three wine industry professionals who are donating their time and efforts to the company and its projects and events. They are: 1) wine journalist Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible; 2) Gino Colangelo, CEO of public relations [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-06-26T18:09:28-07:00June 26, 2024|

U.S. Wine Sales Increase 46% Between 2018 and 2023

Title Page of 2024 BMO Wine Market Report BMO A new report by Bank of Montreal (BMO) shows that, though wine volume sales are down, actual dollar sales from consumer expenditures on wine have increased in 2023. In fact, if analyzing the BMO report data from 2018 through 2023, wine sales in the U.S. (both domestic and imported wines) increased by 46%. Though part of this is due to inflation and necessary price increases that wineries had to take to keep up with rising supply and labor costs, a good portion is also due to consumers spending more on wine. [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-05-25T11:39:08-07:00May 25, 2024|

California Poppies Adorn The New Korbel California Champagne Limited Edition Bottle

New Limited Edition Bottle of Korbel California Champagne with Orange California Poppies. Photo Credit: Korbel I love the vibrant orange color of California poppies. In fact, in the Spring time, they cover the slopes of the hills around my house in Sonoma County. You know Spring is here when the poppies bloom, and they are perennial, so they return each year. Now Korbel California Champagne is releasing a new, limited-edition bottle wrap inspired by the season. It features a vibrant, beautiful orange petal design with the “Poppy” bottle heralding the return of warm weather in style with a nod to [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-04-12T16:23:57-07:00April 12, 2024|

Portuguese Wine Week to Enchant Los Angeles

The Famous Sintra Castle in Portugal. Photo Credit: Pexels.com by Frese Get ready to savor the flavors of Portugal as Portuguese Wine Week descends upon Los Angeles from June 2 through 9, 2024. Hosted by Diniz Cellars, importer of fine Portuguese wines, this week-long celebration promises to captivate wine enthusiasts with a series of enticing events, including wine tastings, dinners, and other immersive experiences. Renowned for its diverse terroirs and unique grape varietals, Portugal has emerged as a rising star in the global wine scene. Portuguese Wine Week offers an unparalleled opportunity for wine lovers to explore the depth and [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-04-03T07:15:48-07:00April 3, 2024|

Beyond the Cork: Wine Trends and the Art of Risk Management

Accidents in the Wine Cellar. Photo Credit: Pexels.com Contributed by Heidi Moore: Wineries and vineyards continually evolve to meet customers’ needs, make operations more cost-effective, and expand into new markets. But whenever businesses try something new, unexpected issues can also emerge. Sometimes, costly mistakes happen, which is why wine companies of all kinds should prioritize risk management. With a little education and some savvy preparation, you can ensure your wine business is protected and will endure long into the future. Emerging trends in the wine industry One of the biggest shifts in the wine industry over the last few years [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-02-15T11:17:12-08:00February 15, 2024|

Top 10 Value Priced Wines From 2023

Top 10 Value Priced Wines for 2023 - Photo Credit: Pexels.com, Andrea It's always exciting to find a delicious wine that doesn't break the bank. That is why every year I always look forward to the Wine Spectator Top 10 Wine Values list. For 2023, I was pleased to see that a Sonoma County wine was #1 - La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2021 . Since I have visited La Crema winery several times over the past 15 years, this was exciting to see. They are also a winery that focuses on sustainability, and even uses sheep and chickens in the [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2024-01-25T09:33:52-08:00January 25, 2024|

Do U.S. Consumers Really Want Ingredient & Nutrition Labeling on Wine?

Consumers Reading Wine Labels. Photo Credit: Pexels.com This article was originally published in Forbes.com, but they have allowed me to republish it here. This issue of adding ingredient and nutrition labeling to wine is actually a heated one, and it is not clear how it will play out in the U.S. market. Historically, providing ingredient and nutrition labeling for wine and other alcoholic beverages has not been required by federal law in the U.S. However, with the European Union (E.U.) enacting a mandatory ingredient and nutrition labeling regulation for wine beginning December 2023, many industry experts are wondering if similar [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-12-18T19:00:41-08:00December 18, 2023|

Do 98% of Americans Really Open a Bottle of Wine Within 24 Hours of Purchase?

Friends Drinking Wine. Photo Credit: Pexels.com There is a much repeated quote that “98% of Americans open a bottle of wine within 24 hours of purchase.” But is this really true? Well, the short answer is "no." Based on a Sonoma State University research study of 1194 American wine consumers from across the nation, the results show that Americans do not really pop the cork or screwcap as quickly as previously reported. Instead, only 20% of survey respondents admitted to drinking the wine within 24 hours of purchase. Most consumers wait several days or weeks before consuming the wine, and [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-11-26T13:44:14-08:00November 26, 2023|

Hispanic Winemakers Of Oregon Express Passion For The Land, Legacy And Cuisine

Hispanic Winemakers from Oregon INGRID FRANZ MORIARTY Sometimes it’s a mystery why certain people are “bitten by the wine bug,” and others are not. For a group of 12 Hispanic winemakers in Oregon, it’s about a strong bond of growing grapes and making wine to reflect the beauty of the land, as well as providing a legacy business for their families. Part of that legacy is sharing the joy of wine paired with food to bring friends and family together to celebrate the “good life.” Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Sam Parra, Owner of Parra Wines. “I have such a [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-10-02T10:40:23-07:00October 2, 2023|

Jordan Winery Hosts Smile Train Charity Dinner With Guest, Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks and John Jordan at Smile Train Charity Dinner, Jordan Winery, Sonoma County, CA Jordan Winery in Sonoma County recently hosted an elegant dinner under the stars as part of a fundraiser for Smile Train. Joining the intimate crowd of 40 diners was celebrity guest Jordin Sparks, acclaimed singer-songwriter and American Idol winner, who believes strongly in the mission of Smile Train to provide cleft-palate surgery to children around the world. It’s a pleasure to be here in this stunning estate, and I’m grateful to be here to support Smile Train,” said Jordin Sparks. “It’s not often that we [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-08-03T17:56:55-07:00August 2, 2023|

Tasting Blue Bin Wine: The 1st Premium Wine Sold in a Plastic Wine Bottle in the U.S.

Blue Bin Wine: 1st Wine in U.S. to Be Sold in a 100% Recycled Plastic Bottle. Photo Credit: Ron Rubin Winery Over the years, I have visited Ron Rubin Winery and tasted some of his beautiful Russian River Valley wines several times, and have always enjoyed the very high quality of the wines. Now Ron and his team have been the first winery in America to bottle a wine in a 100% recycled plastic, called Blue Bin. Of course, I couldn’t wait to taste it. When the 4 different vintage varieties of Blue Bin arrived at my house – courtesy [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-07-25T12:12:05-07:00July 25, 2023|

Enjoy Yoga and Wine July 4th Weekend in Napa Valley at Dr. Wilkinson’s

Yoga on The Lawn. Photo Credit: Pexels.com- Monstera With the trend for wellness and self-care sweeping the nation, why not consider a healthy 4th of July weekend – along with a little wine, of course! Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Napa Valley, is offering a weekend of self-care to get you ready for the 4th of July festivities. The weekend starts on July 1 and 2, 2023, when they will offer yoga classes, healing sound sessions, Zumba, wine tastings, cocktails, workshops and more from 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm each day. They are doing this in partnership [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-06-20T16:09:00-07:00June 20, 2023|

Calistoga Wineries Celebrate Food Connection And Relaxed Lifestyle In Napa Valley

Calistoga Wine & Culinary Experience at Four Seasons Napa Valley. FOUR SEASONS NAPA When Bo Barrett, CEO of Chateau Montelena in Napa Valley, broke his leg in a ski accident, he was so bored that he went to the local library to do some research. He was curious about the history of the Calistoga District where his winery was located, because at the time, it was the only part of Napa Valley that was not a formal AVA (American Viticulture Area, or appellation). After several months of study, he started writing the draft document to establish an AVA in this [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-06-15T12:31:55-07:00June 15, 2023|