In this episode of the WIN Insider Series, George Christie sits down with Alison Crowe, Vice President of Winemaking and Partner at Plata Wine Partners, to explore her remarkable journey through the wine industry. From her early days growing up in California’s Central Coast to studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis, Alison shares how curiosity, hands-on experience, and a willingness to take risks shaped her career across roles at Chalone Vineyard, Curtis Winery, and Bonny Doon Vineyard. She also reflects on authoring The Winemaker’s Answer Book and how translating complex winemaking concepts into practical insights has been a common thread in her work. Alison offers a candid look at today’s wine landscape, from the collaborative, client-focused model at Plata Wine Partners to the broader challenges facing the industry, including shifting consumer preferences and increased competition. She discusses the importance of making wine more approachable, the need for

Afternoon Brief, January 26th

Axe Falls Again at Vintage Wine Estates: After announcing the sale of several wine brands last week, VWE is now offloading employees...

Afternoon Brief, September 30th

Serial ADA Plaintiff in California Alleged to Be Feigning Blindness in Order to Sue: A Southern California law firm announced Wednesday that it has obtained footage of a frequent filer of suits under the Americans with Disabilities Act that allegedly shows he is not "legally blind" as he has maintained in hundreds of ADA lawsuits...

Afternoon Brief, May 17th

Southern Glazer’s Hit with Wine Sales Consultant Class Action Employment Lawsuit: A federal employment lawsuit that seeks class action status was filed May 5, 2022 against Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits. The lawsuit against the distributor’s primary LLC and its Texas operation was filed in Federal District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division...

Plata Wine Partners Expansion Continues with Addition of Two New Hires

Jessica Valenzuela and Shane Owens Join Plata Wine Partners Napa, CA, May 17, 2022 — Plata Wine Partners, California’s largest independent grape grower and a leading strategic brand producer, launches into full-blown […]

Afternoon Brief, July 13th

Head of Hong Kong Wine Merchant Major Cellar Arrested: Joseph Leung, who has just resigned from Hong Kong listed wine company Major Cellar as director, has been arrested by police for allegedly embezzling HKD 25 million (US$3.21 million) worth of fine wines and spirits from a client, Vino Joy News has exclusively learned...