This Week Uncorked

In today's episode, we discuss how the Global wine warning label battle heats up as Prohibitionists push new regulations, China's crackdown hits the wine trade, EU tariff removal reshapes competition for Australian wine, and Southwest Airlines rolls out new wine travel perks. This week we feature Sheehan Winery in Albuquerque, the 2022 Bodegas de Santo Tomás Sauvignon Blanc, and dining at Marriott...

In today's episode, we discuss new research that suggests wine may be the "best" alcohol choice, Napa's legendary master blender has passed away, and the 2024 Napa vintage is shaping up strong while Netflix heads to wine country with a new drama.  This week we feature McClain Cellars in Laguna Beach, the 2016 Laguna Canyon Winery Chaparral Cuvée from Fountaingrove, and Nick's in Laguna Beach with...

In today's episode, we are discussing how AI is stepping into the sommelier role, Bordeaux vineyards are now being monitored from space with hyperspectral satellites, and new data shows tariffs aren't clearly pushing Americans toward domestic wine.    This week we feature Knights Bridge Winery in Calistoga, their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, and Trevor's at the Tracks in San Juan Capistrano with a $30...

In today's episode, we discuss how Portugal's 250 native grapes raise a big question about whether diversity alone can sell wine, while the future of American wine may come down to smart, subtle changes, and Dom Pérignon makes headlines with its smallest blend ever at just 15% of a normal harvest.  This week we feature El Gaucho Winery in Spicewood, TX, the ANECDOTE Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, and CR...

In today's episode, we discuss how a major Supreme Court case could reshape direct-to-consumer wine shipping, Coravin celebrates selling its two millionth system, Italian police seize 2.5 million liters of fraudulent wine, and a bizarre human composting controversy stirs debate in California wine country.   This week also features Holus Bolus in Los Olivos, the Beringer Knights Valley Reserve Cabe...

In today's episode, we discuss California winery closures are accelerating as layoffs spread across Napa, wine tariffs remain uncertain amid ongoing legal battles, and new research explores whether a simple spray could protect grapes from wildfire smoke. This week's features include Toccata Tasting Room in Solvang, the "La Lama Terzo Movimento" Chianti Classico Riserva 2018, and Vaca Restaurant in...

In today's episode, we discuss how Paso wineries team up to share tasting rooms, Napa pulls back on sky-high tasting fees, and winemaking expands into Scandinavia as Stag's Leap celebrates 50 years since the Judgment of Paris.   We feature Stolpman Vineyards in Los Olivos, the Sleeper Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021, and Cielo Morongo in Cabazon with $35 per person corkage and no limit.   Get...

In this week episode, we discuss how Francesca Giuggioli takes the reins at San Felice, Spanish producers double down on winning over U.S. buyers despite tariffs, and a Tenerife winery turns wildfire devastation into an unexpected best-seller.  This week features Crown Point Vineyards in Santa Ynez, the 2021 Trefethen Dry Riesling, and Bavette's Steakhouse & Bar in Las Vegas with a $50 corkage (1...

In today's episode, we discuss how wineries are piling up for sale with few buyers stepping in, U.S. direct-to-consumer wine shipments suffer their worst decline on record, and a growing number of solo drinkers say the traditional 750ml bottle simply no longer fits modern drinking habits.  We also feature Cordon of Santa Barbara in Solvang, the 2022 Bouches-du-Rhône Blanc "Baume Noire," and Bar Le...

In today's episode,  we discuss a growing rift in the regenerative viticulture movement sparks debate over organic certification, Champagne and Bordeaux leaders remain bullish despite global headwinds, and Argentina's wine industry sinks into its deepest crisis in two decades.    We also spotlight Dragonette Cellars in Los Olivos, taste the 2020 Vigorello Rosso Toscana IGT, and head to 21 Oceanfro...

California growers are ripping out thousands of vineyard acres as the wine glut deepens, Napa and Sonoma pivot hard toward millennial drinkers, and Monarch Tractor's high-profile electric autonomy collapse leaves wineries and dealers scrambling.  This week we feature the Allegretto Winery Experience in Paso Robles, sip the 2013 Curly St. James "Ostentatious Parlay" Napa Valley red blend, dine at T...

This week we break down whether the wine slump is finally nearing bottom according to new industry forecasts, why 2025 is shaping up as a global wine market reset for producers and investors, and the surprising consumer insight that 30 percent of Americans simply don't like the taste of wine.   We also feature Carter Estate Winery and Resort in Temecula, spotlight the 2022 Carter Estate Les Nobles...

This week we examine UC Davis experts unpacking whether wine is truly healthy, a major Alaska court ruling expanding tasting room freedoms, California lawmakers moving to close the "American" wine labeling loophole, and a surprising report that the state could face a grape shortage despite years of oversupply.   We also feature Robert Mondavi Winery at Arch & Tower in Napa, spotlight the Taken Fro...

This week we break down how wine quietly dodged strict alcohol limits in the new U.S. dietary guidelines, why Idaho's Snake River Valley is gaining serious momentum as an emerging wine region, examine devastating wildfires ripping through Victoria's wine country, and revisit a master-level rethink of whether wine scores actually mean what we think they do. We also feature Sparacia Witherell Family...

This week we unpack the Clarke County DRC wine theft and the suspect who vanished overseas, why 2025 wasn't as bleak for California wine as the headlines suggested, and a look back at Wine-Searcher's most-read stories of the year that defined the industry's biggest themes. Our features include Galante Vineyards, the Hatzidakis Skitali Assyrtiko 2019, and dining at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant with...

This week we cover Canada's rush to buy boycotted U.S. liquor stockpiles, a new American Heart Association report linking moderate drinking to heart health, and how Costco has become an unlikely destination for serious wine buyers—plus a look at Saudi Arabia quietly lifting its decades-long booze ban. Our features include Rombi Wines, the 2021 Viognier from Happy Canyon's Jack McGinley Vineyard in...

This week, we cover the quiet dumping of Washington's flagship winery, how Gen Z is reshaping wine buying habits, and the biggest fine wine auctions of 2025—plus a look at Napa County's new pilot program allowing vineyard tastings without on-site wineries. Our features include Bellante Family Winery, the Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina 2021, and dining at Born 8 and Prime 88 wi...

In this week's episode, we discuss how fine wine demand grows in Latin America, bulk wine shows unexpected strength, and a major debate emerges over whether the U.S. wine industry deserves a government bailout.  This week's features include Truffle Pig Winery in Temecula, the 2021 Saxum "G2 Vineyard," and Il Refettorio on the Amalfi Coast.   Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Fine Wine Demand Surges In Key La...

In this week's episode, we discuss how disease-resistant grapes spark hope for a Florida wine renaissance, Vinarchy slashes 60 brands to appeal to younger drinkers, and France pledges $150 million to aid vine uprooting efforts.  This episode also features Weisinger Family Winery in Oregon, the 2022 Rutherford Hill Merlot from Napa Valley, and Hostaria Baccofurore on Italy's Amalfi Coast.   Wine Ne...

In this week's episode, we discuss how millennials have officially overtaken Baby Boomers as America's largest wine‑drinking generation, Wine Enthusiast's 2025 Top 100 list is out, and rising alcohol duties are making Europe—especially the UK—one of the most expensive places in the world to drink wine. This week also features Belle Fiore Winery in Ashland, Oregon, the 2022 Cline Family Cellars Anc...

In this week's episode, we discuss how a 416-year-old Tibetan grapevine earns a world record, Napa Valley leaves thousands of acres of grapes unharvested, and the wine industry asks if it's finally hit rock bottom. This week's featured winery is Barton Family Wines in Paso Robles, alongside a 2020 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a spotlight on Forma restaurant in Civitavecchia, Ital...

In this episode, we discuss how AI is reshaping wine writing, Michelin is stepping into global wine scoring, and the debate over why wine ratings still matter continues alongside the release of Wine Spectator's Top 100 list. This week's features spotlight the historic Gordon's Wine Bar in London, the 2019 Siboney Cellars "Storm Breaker" Merlot, and Steak & Company in London for a perfect food‑and‑...

In this week's episode, we discuss Master Sommelier Ian Cauble launching The Caubleist, a new daily wine club with deep storytelling roots, as the wine world debates the meaning of minerality, vine age, and a bribery scandal involving shelf space and Super Bowl tickets. This week's featured winery is Manousakis in Crete, the wine is a 2023 Gundlach Bundschu Dry Gewürztraminer, and the restaurant i...

In this week's episode, we discuss Port wine's uncertain future, a flight attendant's global quest for Domaine des Miroirs, and Sonoma County's denial of a wine country pool club lead this week's top stories. This episode features Robert Renzoni Vineyards in Temecula, their 2021 Fiori di Fano wine, and a visit to Mama Rosa's Trattoria.   Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ 'It'll be a shrinking category until...

In this week's episode, we discuss how wine tourism now generates 25% of global winery revenue, Clif Family boosts membership by revamping the wine club model, and a California couple brings regenerative farming into the spotlight. This episode also features Tenuta di Mensanello in Tuscany, the I Sistri Chardonnay 2022, and Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar in Florence.   Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Wine...