NAPA, Calif., (Nov. 26, 2025) – VA Filtration Services’ Scientific Approach, Innovative Solutions from Napa Valley At VA Filtration Services, our mission is to empower winemakers to produce wines of the highest sensory quality. One of the challenges in modern winemaking is managing undesirable levels of pyrazines, particularly methoxypyrazines, which can impart green, herbaceous aromas that mask fruit character and complexity. Winemakers are left with two options: cover up the pyrazine (and potentially other attributes) or remove it through advances in pyrazine remediation practices. The Problem: Pyrazines in Wine Methoxypyrazines are naturally occurring compounds in certain grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. While subtle concentrations can add a sought-after freshness, excessive amounts lead to pronounced bell pepper and grassy notes, often perceived as faults—especially in premium reds. Often pyrazines present in wine due to enviro

Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Takes Top Prize  November 18, 2025 — Winners have been announced in the 2025 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging, Domaine Della 2023 Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Red Wine and Best of Monterey County AVA. Coming in at 98 points, judges praised the wine as “warm and spicy” with “fig and nutmeg.” Other descriptors included “meaty,” “prosciutto,” and “dried rose petal.”  With entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine.  In other competitions, this terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challen

Savour Quality from Europe: Tuscany’s Wine and Olive Oil Icons Find New Fans in Canada October 2025 [Vancouver, BC] Canadians are falling in love with the real taste of Tuscany as testimonial of the European quality. This year, two of the most respected European producer groups, the Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and the Associazione Produttori Olivicoli Toscani (APOT), are sharing their story through the European Union–funded campaign Savor Quality from Europe. The campaign celebrates craftsmanship, authenticity, and sustainability by connecting Canadians with the winemakers and olive growers who represent the heart of European culture. Why Canada’s Falling for European Products Canada is becoming one of the most exciting destinations for premium European food and wine. Consumers here want products that tell a story: where they come from, who makes them, and why they matter. The Consorzio Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and APOT see that as a perfect match for

Napa, CA (September 30, 2025) – Dickenson Peatman & Fogarty (DP&F) is pleased to announce the addition of three new Associate Attorneys: Leslee Carroll, Nick Conti, and Elena Moreno. DP&F Litigation Group Grows by Two DP&F’s Litigation group, led by firm partner David Balter, grew by two associate attorneys this summer. This expansion serves DP&F’s commitment to delivering effective, efficient, and results-oriented solutions to help clients navigate civil litigation disputes. Leslee Carroll joined DP&F from a firm focused on construction litigation and has experience in all manner of civil litigation, including contract claims, tort actions, and property disputes. She received her law degree from the UC Davis School of Law, and her B.A. from UC Santa Barbara. Leslee is a member of the Richard M. Sangster American Inn of Court and serves on the board of Napa County Women Lawyers. Nick Conti worked in the field of special education law prior to j

Green Bell Pepper Characteristics (IBMP) IBMP (3-Isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine) is the main compound responsible for the “green bell pepper” aroma in wine.  In a white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, the compound adds an often desired “grassy” character. In red wines however, this flavor is largely unpopular. Excessive IBMP levels in red wines, typically Cabernets or Cabernet-based blends, can lead to disappointing ratings and mixed success in the marketplace.  The “green bell pepper” flavor in wine depends primarily on IBMP levels in harvested grapes. Once grapes have been picked, IBMP levels are not easily altered by standard winemaking processes. Testing and Application The intensity of “green bell pepper/grassy” characters in wines can be predicted by measuring IBMP in grapes right before harvest. Grape screening of IBMP helps identify “problem” vineyards or blocks.  Since IBMP decreases during grape maturation,

The wine industry is steeped in tradition, but let’s be real—it’s time to shake things up. Younger demographics aren’t buying into the same old wine marketing tricks or outdated experiences. Want to grab their attention (and their dollars)? Then it’s time to think bold, fun, and modern. You Don’t Have to Do It All—Start Small and Stay True to Your Brand Attracting younger wine lovers doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything or abandon your roots. Instead, consider making a few strategic shifts that align with your brand. Maybe your website keeps the traditional tasting notes, but you have fun with social media. Maybe your weekends are reserved for 21+ reservation-only tastings, but your weekdays are more relaxed and family-friendly. The key is finding what works for you and your audience. Now, let’s dive into some ideas. 1. Flex Your Wine Club Options Your wine club isn’t working for everyone. Sure, your loyal members lov

Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling Takes Top Honors November 15, 2024 — Winners have been announced in the 2024 Harvest Challenge Wine Competition. After two spirited days of judging,Two K Farms Cidery and Winery 2022 Bubbly Riesling took the top prize. It was also awarded Best of Show Sparkling Wine. Coming in at 97 points, judges praised the wine for its “Mouth watering citrus and honeysuckle”; “Lingering tropical finish”; and “Perfect bubbles.” They also called it “Well balanced.” With a record number of entries from across the globe, the Harvest Challenge bases judging on a group of vineyards (or even vines) from the same region, belonging to a specific appellation and sharing the same type of soil, weather conditions and grapes that combine to give personality to the wine. In other competitions, terroir is ignored. At the Harvest Challenge, judges taste wines alongside other wines of the same appellation. W

JUNE 28, 2024 – Winners have been announced in the 17th annual Women’s International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWWSC). The competition, which took place June 10-12 in Santa Rosa, Calif., was founded on the premise that the majority of wine purchased for home consumption is bought by women. The IWWSC judging panels consist entirely of professional women in the wine and spirits industries — winemakers, distillers, marketers, buyers, sommeliers, educators and journalists.  “As always, the International Women’s Wine & Spirits Competition shined a spotlight on hundreds of deserving wines,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, owner of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which organizes and presents IWWSC. “And even though entry is open to all winemakers regardless of gender, I found it gratifying that six of this year’s sweepstakes wines were created by women. And our overall wine winner also was named Best Woman Winemaker

Sonoma County, CA, Dec. 14, 2023 – Lumo, a Smart Agtech company that supports growers and tackles water challenges head-on, is proud to announce a trial of its state-of-the-art irrigation technology with Treasury Americas, a division of the global premium and luxury wine company, Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), in Napa.  Lumo aims to help growers revolutionize the way they manage water in their vineyards, empowering them to automate and closely monitor irrigation activities. Currently, 24 of Lumo’s smart irrigation valves are being utilized by TWE, allowing the company to efficiently manage irrigation on 90 acres of Napa vineyard land and setting an industry example for sustainable viticulture practices. The trial with TWE should provide concrete evidence of how Lumo’s advanced water technology can help to improve operational efficiencies while aiding in substantial water conservation. “Efficient irrigation is paramount in bridging the gap between water u