These wineries and leaders are setting the standard for innovation, engagement, and operational excellence across our community. Active Participant 🔹 Galen Becker Drace — Arkenstone Estate Winery Continuous Learner 🔹 Angela Walker — Corison Winery Community Champion 🔹 Truman Prewitt — Sculpterra Winery & Vineyards  The Unity Award 🔹 Karen Darling — Bella Vineyards Feedback MVPs 🔹 Adam C. — Somerston Estate 🔹 Marian Kildahl — Imagery Estate Winery  Super Users 🔹 Harry Bagnaschi — Treasury Wine Estates 🔹 Doug M. — The Duckhorn Portfolio 🔹 Jessica Hartin — JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery Early Adopter Excellence 🔹 Far Niente Wine Estates 🔹 Hess Persson Estates  🔹 Laurel Glen Vineyard 🔹 Sangiacomo Family Wines Transformation Champions 🔹 Alyssa Kosan 🔹 Eric Mueller — Antica Terra 🔹 Kevin Jessen — Firstleaf User of the Year 🔹 Rebbecca Ingalls — Crimson Wine Group Congratulations to our 2026 honorees! Lea

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

Afternoon Brief, September 25

What Happens When a Wine Goes Viral? How does a wine go viral? Is it pure luck, or a predictable equation?

With the U.S. wine industry under pressure from declining sales, shifting consumer trends, and economic headwinds, Sonoma County’s vintners and grape growers are coming together in an unprecedented way to confront these challenges – and chart a positive path forward for the local industry. A steering committee of regional leaders has been formed to explore establishing the Sonoma County Wine Improvement District (WID) to provide stable, strategic funding for the long-term strength and sustainability of Sonoma County’s wine and agricultural economy.  The stakes are high. The marketplace is changing rapidly and maintaining the status quo is not an option. The wine industry is facing challenges like never before which must be addressed to reverse the decline and grow the overall wine category.  This effort is significant and grounded in a fundamental truth: grape growers and vintners are inextricably connected, and the success of one depends on the strength o

With the first days of summer upon us, we would like to share some information about our premium 100% Hungarian Oak barrels, made by European Coopers Hungary; the third largest cooperage in Hungary. European Coopers Hungary is completely vertically integrated, with direct control of sourcing and production, from the forest to splitting, seasoning, and toasting. Managing every step of the process to ensure quality and consistency.  European Coopers Hungary - History European Coopers Hungary was founded in 1997 by Master Cooper Kristóf Flódung together with renowned representatives of the Italian wine industry including Piero Antinori from Tuscany's Marchesi Antinori, Eugenio Gamba from Piemonte's Botti Gamba and Jacopo Mazzei from Tuscany's Marchesi Mazzei. The goal of European Coopers Hungary was to produce 100% Hungarian oak premium barrels for noble Italian wines. European Coopers Hungary - Today European Coopers Hungary produces roughly 2,

The 2025 harvests in the Southern Hemisphere are now in full swing and the picture – so far – is mixed: white grape tonnages have been exceeding expectations in Australia and bunches are large and heavy in New Zealand, but Argentina and South Africa’s crops appear to be – at best – on course for their downwardly-adjusted long-term averages, while Chile’s crush could come in significantly short due to a hotter-than-normal growing season reducing yields.  Globally speaking, the bulk market can be characterised as slow and steady since mid-February, with the Southern Hemisphere focused on harvest and demand in the Northern Hemisphere dampened by flat or declining retail sales and, in Spain, some elevated pricing on those wines most needed in Europe: generics, and especially generic white. Outside of generic white, few if any wines are making bulk-market waves as need is not pressing.  Pockets of activity have arisen: domestic demand in Chile

Gapstone is a winemaker’s dream vineyard.  This vineyard is ideal for those seeking a prime location to craft multiple prestige cuvees from one of Sonoma County’s most celebrated AVAs.   Thoughtfully developed in 2017 with the guidance of Garrett Buckland of Premier Viticulture, the volcanic soils, and the selection of varietals and clones is what separates this site. Moreover, this meticulously developed vineyard is just coming into its prime. Gapstone, located next door to prestigious neighbors Gap’s Crown and Sangiacomo Robert’s Road Vineyard, offers a unique opportunity to produce exceptional estate and single-vineyard designated wines. The vineyard benefits from rocky volcanic soils, a rarity in the area known for its predominantly clay soils, providing a distinct terroir uncommon in the area.   We can provide samples of wine produced from each block. Recent vintages have received many glorious accolades from national critics in spite of the

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

Come See Rack & Riddle at WIN Expo 2024 Trade Show & Conference! Rack & Riddle will be featured at TWO events, along with our new partner SOLOS: Rack & Riddle and Solos Present: Taste The Future of Sparkling Wine! Flavored Bubbly, Low and No Alcohol Wines and Blanc de Blancs from California Trial Tasting 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Booth 616, Hall of Flowers Sonoma County Fairgrounds 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Come taste the FUTURE of sparkling wines at this tasting hosted by Rack & Riddle and Solos. We begin with a tour of California’s finest appellations for crafting Blanc de Blancs Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines — Napa Valley, Sonoma County, North Coast and California. Next, you will have the chance to sample our exciting new FLAVORED Charmat sparkling wines! As flavored wines continue to grow in popularity, we’re pouring some of the most in-demand styles: Lemon Ginger Fizz, Red & White Sangria, and Peach M