On April 7-8, 2026, a collection of esteemed wine professionals will gather in Santa Rosa, Calif., to evaluate entries in the 2026 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge. Competition managers are now accepting entries for the 14th annual NCWC, considered among the most prestigious wine challenges in the United States. This regional competition rates wines exclusively produced and bottled in Northern California’s premier winegrowing region to determine which wines are considered the Best of the Best. Eligible wines must be made from fruit sourced in the North Coast AVAs of Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, Marin and parts of Solano counties. This includes any bottled wine labeled with these AVAs as their main source of grapes and whose winery is in California. “The Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge is unique in that only wines made from grapes grown in the six North Coast counties are allowed to enter,” says Daryl Groom, chief judge of NCWC. “With that, t

Corksy Launches Corksy Go POS – Mobile Sales, Anywhere You Pour Handheld, all-in-one device with LTE and Wi-Fi lets wineries sell, sign up members, and personalize service wherever guests are. Irvine, CA — September 9, 2025 — Corksy, the modern DTC platform for wineries, today announced the launch of Corksy Go POS, a handheld, all-in-one point-of-sale system built to help wineries — and other beverage producers — sell anywhere. With LTE (mobile plan required) and Wi-Fi connectivity, Corksy Go gives wineries the freedom to process sales, sign up wine club members, and access guest history wherever they pour — without bulky hardware, extra readers, or being tied to a counter. Go tableside. Go vineyard-side. Go festival-side. From seated tastings to outdoor dinners, from the event lawn to off-site festivals, Corksy Go POS brings wine sales directly to the guest. The device combines Corksy’s POS software, integrated payment processing, wine club t

A Rare Invitation Into Wine Country Life Join us September 22–28 for Access Alexander Valley Wine Week—a week-long, reservation-based celebration of wine, hospitality, and community in one of California’s most iconic regions. This is not a festival. There are no wristbands, no crowds—just meaningful experiences designed to bring you closer to the people, places, and wines of Alexander Valley. From winemaker vineyard walks and exclusive tastings to curated pairings and special guest rates at local hotels, Wine Week invites you to slow down and experience wine country as it was meant to be—authentic, personal, and unforgettable. We are farmers. And for one week, we’re inviting you in. Find more information and a list of itineraries at alexandervalley.org.

Taste of Sonoma Memorial Day Sale! Save $15 on Admission Through May 28 Save $15 on all admission types through May 28 for Taste of Sonoma on June 21 at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. Produced by Sonoma County Vintners, this beloved annual event has been named as a Best Wine Festival in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards Already have your Taste of Sonoma Tickets? Read on to secure your exclusive event add-on experiences before the big day! Please note: We are unable to accommodate guests under the age of 21, including infants and children. Pets are not permitted, only service animals will be granted entry. Wine, Food, Activities, Beer and More! General Admission 12:00pm – 4:00pm General admission includes the grand tasting, complimentary food trucks, beer garden and themed lounges. Memorial Day Sale General Admission $195 VIP Admission 11:00am – 4:00pm All the fun included in GA plus a special lineup of award-winning wines and dedicated are

Afternoon Brief: BC Bans All US Alcohol at Government Stores, Wine and Beer Included, in Response to Trump Tariffs

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs and annexation threats, alcohol from Canada's southern neighbour is now a thing of the past in B.C.'s government-run liquor stores...

It’s the same conversation in boardrooms, discussion boards, symposiums, and industry reports: “Younger consumers just aren’t drinking wine like previous generations.” Sure, the concern is valid. But the narrative misses key nuances. The reality is that younger consumers are still just that—young. Their drinking habits, lifestyle priorities, and financial realities don’t yet match those of past generations at the same life stage. But instead of writing off Gen Z or younger Millennials, the wine industry needs to adjust its approach. The traditional playbook doesn’t account for how younger consumers live, what they value, or how they engage with brands. If wineries want to stay relevant, it’s time to rewrite the script. 1. Younger Consumers Will Age Into Wine—Just Like Boomers Did A common misstep in the industry’s current panic is comparing a 23-year-old Gen Zer to a 45-year-old Gen Xer. The latter has had decades to develop