The “Magic of Wine" is many things–farming, art & science, poetry, toasts, tastes, friendship, and much else—but first and foremost, it’s the people behind all those things and the passion they bring. “The product is a pleasure, but the people are the treasure.” We at WineAmerica are proud that the 2024 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards nominees include three people or wineries on our Board of Directors. Jason Haas, nominated for Person of the Year, is a Partner and General Manager at Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles, CA. He is well-known and widely respected for combatting inequity and implementing sustainability both in and beyond the vineyard. WineAmerica’s annual fall meeting in November will be held in Paso Robles and will include a special tour of the vineyard as an example of regenerative viticulture. Jason has been an active member of our Board for the past two years. The Vineyards at Dodon in Davidsonville, MD, is co-o

Afternoon Brief, April 5th

New Information Pipped to Emerge in Château Miraval Case: An ongoing legal case between former spouses Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie concerning the Château Miraval estate could take a very different turn if a new request from Jolie is approved...

September 21, 2023 — The 2023 International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up has announced Eberle Winery’s 2021 Cotes-du-Robles Rouge, a Rhone-style blend, as the Best of the Best…of the Best. A blend of 54% Grenache; 38% Mourvedre and 8% Syrah, Eberle’s red blend wowed judges, who described the wine as “Very well balanced,” “Black currant,” “Shows Grenache really nicely,” with a “really nice mouthfeel.” Located in California’s Paso Robles AVA, Eberle Winery (www.eberlewinery.com) was established in 1979 and now produces up to 15 wines annually. In addition to this year’s top winner, five other Eberle entries earned gold awards or better. This two-pronged East vs. West contest first chooses winners in the separate International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition (see parameters below), before the top wines from each are pitted against each other in

Chiller systems are essential for temperature control and cooling in several industries. Choosing the right industrial chiller for process and space cooling can lower cooling costs, minimize downtime, and improve operational efficiency. This article will cover the different types of chillers for commercial and industrial applications and the pros and cons of each. The aim is to help you make an informed buying decision. Types of Industrial Chillers (Based on Condenser Type) The three major types of industrial chillers in use today are air-cooled chillers, water-cooled chillers, and evaporative condensed chillers. Let’s take a closer look at all three: Water-Cooled Chillers The most common types of water chillers use water from an external tower to cool the gaseous refrigerant in the condenser. After expelling its heat, the refrigerant undergoes a phase change into a liquid and is recirculated into the system. The Pros Water-cooled chillers are generally more efficient than air-c

Turning the Tables on Clive Pursehouse

By Carl Giavanti Clive Pursehouse is the U.S. editor for Decanter, with added regional responsibility for both Oregon and Washington states. After relocating to the West Coast nearly 20 years […]

Las Positas Vineyards’ 2020 Albariño Takes Top Honors February 14, 2022 — The 2022 International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up has announced Las Positas Vineyards (Livermore Valley, Calif.) 2020 Albariño as the Best of the Best…of the Best. This is the first Albariño to ever win this competition. This two-pronged contest first chooses winners in the separate International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition (see parameters below), before the top wines from each are pitted against each other in an East Meets West Taste Off. Traditionally grown on the Iberian Peninsula, Albariño is a white grape loved for its rich stone fruit flavors, hint of salinity and zippy acidity. Described by judges as “fruit cocktail, “nicely spiced” and “very balanced with a long pleasing finish,” the Las Positas Albariño met the challenge and bested all-comers. Other Best

February 1, 2022 — Competition managers are now accepting final entries for the dual International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up, which will take place in Santa Rosa, Calif., on February 8 – 9, 2022.  Founded in 1975, the International Eastern Wine Competition is the oldest wine competition still in existence. Eligible wines can come from Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Mexico (mainland), Canada (except British Columbia), and all U.S. states not listed below.  The West Coast Wine Competition was established in 1982 and is open to wines from Australia, China, India, Japan, Middle East, New Zealand, Pacific Rim nations, Russia, Tasmania, British Columbia (Canada), Baja Mexico, and the U.S. states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Each competition is judged independently by experts familiar with the styles and varieties specific to each geographic region, followed b

January 10, 2022 — Competition managers are now accepting entries for the dual International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up, which will take place in Santa Rosa, Calif., on February 8 – 9, 2022. Founded in 1975, the International Eastern Wine Competition is the oldest competition still in existence. Eligible wines can come from Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Mexico (mainland), Canada (except British Columbia), and all U.S. states not listed below. The West Coast Wine Competition was established in 1982 and is open to wines from Australia, China, India, Japan, Middle East, New Zealand, Pacific Rim nations, Russia, Tasmania, British Columbia (Canada), Baja Mexico, and the U.S. states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Each competition is judged independently by experts familiar with the styles and varieties specific to each geographic region. Nine years ago, a final round was adde

2022 East vs. West International Wine Competition Now Accepting Submissions  January 11, 2022 — Competition managers are now accepting entries for the dual International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition match-up, which will take place in Santa Rosa, Calif., on February 8 - 9, 2022. Founded in 1975, the International Eastern Wine Competition is the oldest competition still in existence. Eligible wines can come from Central and South America, Europe, Africa, Mexico (mainland), Canada (except British Columbia), and all U.S. states not listed below.  The West Coast Wine Competition was established in 1982 and is open to wines from Australia, China, India, Japan, Middle East, New Zealand, Pacific Rim nations, Russia, Tasmania, British Columbia (Canada), Baja Mexico, and the U.S. states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.  Each competition is judged independently by experts familiar with the styles