This Week Uncorked

A Michigan court's landmark ruling in favor of small wineries is setting the stage for a legal showdown in Napa Valley, while Washington's tasting room expansion and a new book debunking minerality keep the wine world buzzing. We also highlight Lucas & Lewellen in Solvang, their 2020 Hidden Asset Red Blend, and Anthony's Prime Steak and Seafood in Henderson, NV with a $25 corkage and award-winning...

In this week's episode we discuss the WHO's push to regulate alcohol like tobacco leads this week's top stories, followed by California's new "click to cancel" law making it easier to drop wine club memberships, and a surprising trend toward embracing smoke-tainted wines. We also feature Irvine & Roberts Vineyards in Ashland, Oregon, their 2019 Wädenswil Block Pinot Noir, and Sgrizzi Ristorante &...

In this week's episode, we are discussing how winemakers may fudge alcohol levels more than you think, Gen Z's drinking habits may be shifting, and Oregon oak barrels could reshape American winemaking. This week's features include Sanger Family Wines in Solvang, the 2022 Marianello Cielo Rubio, and Hank's Fine Steaks & Martinis in Henderson, NV. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Winemakers Are Fibbing About...

In this week's episode we discuss Silicon Valley Bank's 2025 DTC Wine Report reveals vital trends for small wineries, New York updates its alcohol laws to support on-premise businesses, and a new benchmark wine region report highlights shifting global tastes. This week we feature Flying Goat Cellars in Lompoc, the 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru "Florimont," and In Bloom in Paso Robles, CA. Wine News Ro...

In this week's episode, we discuss a new push for interstate wine shipping freedom takes center stage, alongside a sobering look at how poor marketing dooms great winemakers and a major consulting shake-up at famed Tuscan producer San Felice. This week we visit Ampelos Cellars in Lompoc, sip their 2020 Syrah Gamma, and grab dinner at 888 Japanese BBQ in Las Vegas. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ The Fight...

Roederer Estate earns the first-ever 100-point score for a U.S. sparkling wine, tariffs crush American wine exports abroad, and Sicily's Mount Etna erupts just miles from local vineyards. This episode features Dark Water Winery in Lompoc, their 2017 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Happy Canyon, and Corner Restaurant in Austin, Texas. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ The World's 50 Best Restaurants Recognize...

This week, we explore how government staff cuts could put AI in charge of wine labeling, Bernard Arnault's defiance of investment freezes in the US, and the debate over pairing wine and ice cream. Plus, we're featuring Bridgeview Vineyard & Winery in Oregon, the 2014 Meteor Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Perseid, and Martini's Seafood House in Fredericksburg, Texas. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Opolo Viney...

In this episode, we discuss Texas wine country faces boozy challenges as tourism booms, the global wine industry finds hope in a bottoming-out market, and America's wine industry reveals jaw-dropping economic impacts. This week we feature the Crush Pad Wine Bar in Las Vegas, NV, the 2016 Ferretti Brunello di Montalcino, and Hill & Vine in Fredericksburg, TX. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ "What's the Most...

In this episode, we discuss how private equity is flowing into California wineries, Japan's Asahi CEO blames digital entertainment — not health fears — for declining alcohol sales, and New Jersey blocks a bill that would have helped winery events. This week's highlights include Montemar Winery in Lompoc, the 2022 Laguna Canyon Due Viti TWO-POINT-O Reserve, and The Cave restaurant inside Ventura Wi...

Bordeaux wine prices hit a 20-year low, U.S. Cabernet drinkers shift to lower-cost bottles, and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc sales begin to slip after years of growth. This week we feature The Wine Cellar at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas, the 2017 Giorgio Sandrone Barolo del Comune di La Morra DOCG, and VooDoo Steak with its impressive view and uneven ambiance. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ 'Worst Market In...

In this episode, we discuss the California grape growers face stiff foreign competition, the EU has the most to lose in U.S. wine tariff talks, and experts weigh in on Napa's uncertain economic future. This week's featured winery is Tobin James Cellars in Paso Robles, with the 2023 GlassMen Wines Sonoma County Pinot Noir as our wine of the week, and Don Vito's in Las Vegas as the restaurant spotli...

In today's episode, we discuss Napa's most searched wines show little surprise, white wine may protect your heart, and Ecluse Winery in Paso welcomes new owners. This week's featured winery is Stags' Leap Winery, along with the bold 2022 Cooperativa del Cadalso, Vinos de Madrid, Granito Cadalso Garnacha. Our restaurant spotlight takes us to Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen in Lake Tahoe for an unexpec...

Wine industry icon Robert Mondavi's brand takes a major hit, global wine sales sink to a 60-year low, and Silver Oak hires a surprise new CEO to shake things up. This episode features Gandona Estate, a stunning Napa winery, along with the story of Anton Van De Plas and a review of the 2021 Domaine De Chevalier Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé De Graves. We wrap it all up with our restaurant spotlig...

California wine sales hit a 30-year low while canned cocktails boom, and Château de Beaucastel unveils a €12M sustainable cellar renovation. Featured this week: Bianchi Winery in Paso Robles with their 2019 Bianchi Reserve Bdx Red Cuvée and 2018 Bianchi Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc, plus an unforgettable chef's table at Somm's Kitchen. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ There's Been A Historic Shift In Wh...

Tariff threats dominate the wine world this week as Trump's 90-day delay creates confusion, Wine Searcher lists winners and losers, and Canada's ban on U.S. alcohol slams exports. We feature Joseph Phelps Vineyards, their flagship Insignia and standard Cabernet, and a spotlight on Don Melchor 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile—plus a review of fine dining at Le Cirque in Las Vegas. It's a premium...

Argentina's Catena Winery boycotts Ireland over cancer warning labels, Queretaro becomes Mexico's first IGP wine region, and 11 sommeliers reveal their go-to wine glasses at home. We highlight Chateau Domecq and its Nebbiolo Reserva, the $20 table wine you'll find all over Mexico, and Las Strega in Summerlin, NV with standout pastas and a thoughtful wine list. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Why One of Arg...

Napa County's controversial stance on trade visits, Megan Zobeck's winemaking rise at Opus One, and the latest vineyard robotics all headline this week's top wine stories. We spotlight Emevé Wines in Valle de Guadalupe, taste the 93-point Quixotic Cabernet Sauvignon from Madison Vineyards, and dine at Rivea in Las Vegas with stunning truffle pairings. Don't miss our Buy It Now pick — the $14 Vin d...

In today's episode, we break down the potential impact of 200% tariffs on European wine imports, celebrate Halter Ranch achieving Regenerative Organic Certification, and spotlight Chile's rising status as a fine wine producer. This episode features Cabo Marcial Winery, their 2014 Petite Sirah, and the stunning Valle de Guadalupe restaurant, Deckman's en el Mogor. Plus, don't miss our new Buy It No...

Constellation Brands might be exiting the wine business, Hoopes Winery scores a major legal victory, and a deep dive into why wine service is struggling right now. Plus, we feature Vintners Collective in Napa, a standout Syrah from Casta de Vinos, and the must-visit Italian gem, Della Santina's in Sonoma. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Napa County vs. Hoopes ♦️ Constellation Eyeing Exit from Wine Business...

Discover the best hotels, wineries, and restaurants in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's top wine region, perfect for a weekend getaway. This episode features top-rated stays like El Cielo, must-visit wineries including Monte Xanic, and incredible dining at Fauna and 'Emat. Valle de Guadalupe Hotels: ♦️ El Cielo Resort ♦️ Hacienda Guadalupe   Valle de Guadalupe Wineries: ♦️ Casta de Vinos Winery ♦️ Mon...

In this week's episode, we discuss Napa County's legal battle with Hoopes Winery forces them to shut down their tasting room, Antinori expands further into California, and vandals destroy experimental vines in Italy. This episode also highlights Griffith Family Vineyards, their 2016 Halo Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon in Las Vegas. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Napa winery mus...

The World Health Organization pushes for mandatory cancer warning labels on alcohol, Jancis Robinson critiques the 2021 Bordeaux vintage, and Wine Pair revisits Napa's most iconic Cabernet Sauvignon producers. This episode also features Foxen Vineyard, their Cabernet Franc, and the must-visit Momoyama in Fountain Valley, CA. Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ W.H.O. Calls For Cancer Warnings Labels on Alcohol...

In this week's episode, we discuss how 2024 saw California's smallest wine crush in over 20 years, a fake Rioja wine ring was busted by international authorities, and a deep dive into the flaws of the wine scoring system sparks debate. This week's episode also highlights Coursey Graves in Sonoma, the 2021 Domaine de Durban Vaucluse Rouge, and an unforgettable dining experience at Comal in Cabo San...

The California wine industry is bracing for major disruptions as Trump's immigration policies threaten the labor force, young drinkers might actually love wine (if marketed correctly), and sommeliers reveal their biggest service pet peeves. Plus, we highlight Honrama Cellars in Sonoma and the Michelin-starred Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach, two must-visit spots for wine lovers and foodies alike. Wi...

New tariffs on imported wine could shake up the American wine industry—are they the solution struggling U.S. winemakers need, or will they just make wine more expensive? Plus, we break down Silicon Valley Bank's latest wine industry report, and the 15 winemakers to watch in 2025. In this episode, we also feature Asuncion Ridge Winery in Paso Robles and a classic Las Vegas dining experience at Mich...