January 2026

‘Anytime we are not in a drought is positive’: Wine Institute on California rainfall

Hundreds of wine industry professionals in Sacramento on Wednesday heard the frank outlook that vineyard pullouts are accelerating, yet weak demand and cautious winery buyers continue to shape how …

New wines from Morgen Long, J.L. Wood and – finally! – a delicious non-alcoholic sparkler

Steve Gross, Honore Comfort & Mark Barden Wine Institute Monterey, Calif. — Sitting down with Steve Gross has become one of our favorite DTC Wine Symposium traditions. Not only does he have one of the best radio voices in the wine business, but he’s spent nearly four decades on the front lines of wine shipping …

🎧The Wine Makers – DTC Wine Symposium, Pt. 1 Read More »

There’s always been clear, unspoken etiquette for hospitality workers: Order simple drinks, don’t hound bartenders during a busy service, don’t expect a comped tab, and tip well. In the past, it seemed no member of the trade would veer from the code of conduct, but some in the industry think contemporary bartenders have lost their …

The VinePair Podcast: Has Hospitality and Etiquette Within the Trade Fallen Apart? Read More »

Charleston is known for its colorful façades, its wondrous oaks and palmettos, and music flowing from its alleyways. It’s also home to some of our nation’s most compelling food and beverages. Lowcountry cuisine represents an intricate history, and it’s all served with a hallmark sense of hospitality. With the 20th anniversary of the wildly popular …

Revel in Charleston Nightlife at These Bars and Restaurants Read More »

These days, anyone can interact with blind tasting. What was once an exclusive practice has become a democratized pastime. Many wine bars offer guess-it-right-get-it-free deals, and influencers flood social media feeds with videos of their routines for studious drinkers and passive scrollers alike to enjoy. There are many ways to guess a wine correctly beyond …

6 Somms Share Their Top Tips for Blind Tasting Wine Read More »

 There is a lot more work – and pain – required before supply and demand return to balance.

“Radical transparency” about regenerative farming cuts through the greenwashing