Papapietro Perry Winery and Four Roses Bourbon Take Top Honors (March 6, 2026) — Winners have been announced in the fifth annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A pinot noir from Papapietro Perry (Sonoma County, Calif.) and a small batch bourbon from Four Roses Distillery (Lawrenceburg, Ky.) topped their fields to be named Best of the Best. The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States. Judging took place February 18-19, 2026. Competition this year was stellar, says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine Competitions Management & Production: “Year after year, our judges continue to be impressed with the depth in each category. The quality of product was fantastic!” Wh

Garrison Brothers Distillery and Ledson Winery Take Top Honors  (March 17, 2025) — Winners have been announced in the fourth annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A merlot from Ledson Vineyards & Winery (Sonoma County, Calif.) and a small batch bourbon from Garrison Brothers Distillery (Hye, Texas.) topped their fields to be named Best of the Best. The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States. Judging took place February 25-26, 2025. Says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine Competitions Management & Production, “Year after year, our judges continue to be impressed with the depth in each category. The quality of product was fantastic!” Competition this ye

December 19, 2024 – The 4th Annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge is now accepting entries, continuing its emergence as one of the fastest-growing and most prestigious wine and spirits competitions in the United States. The Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge was established, in conjunction with LA-based beverage professionals, to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world. A distinguished panel of judges—including winemakers, distillers, sommeliers, industry experts, and influential media—evaluate each entry, providing valuable recognition and exposure for producers. Their endorsements offer increased visibility for brands, helping connect them with the vast consumer market in Southern California – one of the largest and most influential markets in the United States. Entry Deadline: February 13, 2025 Early bird pricing ends February 3, 2025 From February 26-28, 2025, an esteemed

OAK FARM VINEYARDS AND STEELBOUND DISTILLERY TAKE TOP HONORS IN 2024 LOS ANGELES INVITATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS CHALLENGE  MARCH 6, 2024 – Winners have been announced in the third annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A Barbera from Oak Farm Vineyards in Lodi, Calif., and a Bourbon from Steelbound Brewery & Distillery in Ellicotville, N.Y., topped their fields to be named Best of the Best.  The competition was established in 2022, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the United States.  Judging took place February 26-28, 2024. Says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine & Spirits Competitions Management & Production, “The competition grew again this year to attract close to 1,100 entries, and our

2024 LOS ANGELES INVITATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION Now Accepting Submissions On February 27-28, 2024, a collection of esteemed wine, spirits and alcohol beverage professionals will gather to evaluate entries in the 3rd annual Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Competition. Competition managers are now accepting entries for the LA Invitational, considered among the fastest growing wine and spirit competitions in the United States. Entry deadline is February 15, 2024; early bird pricing ends February 5, 2024.  The Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge was established, in conjunction with LA-based beverage professionals, to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world. A panel of esteemed judges includes winemakers, distillers, sommeliers, beverage trade, educators and media, who promote the beverages they enjoy and can help give yours increased exposure. The mission is to introduce elite producers to the Southern Cal

With the start of the new year, it is time to dust off the employee handbook, review your policies and procedures, and make sure they comply with all the new laws, regulations, and interpretations that have either already gone into effect or will in early 2023. Below, we have identified our “top 10” changes. Please keep in mind there were hundreds of laws, regulations, and changes implemented at the local, state, and federal levels throughout 2022.  So, if you need a handbook/COVID-19 policy review or have any questions, please call. 1. California and Local Minimum Wage Raised – In addition to the gradual increase to minimum wage that has been in effect under California law, several Sonoma County cities have increased minimum wage beyond that required by the state. Below is a table that describes the state and local city requirements: Locality Effective Date Employers With 26 Or More Employees Employers With Less Than 26 Employees California 1/1/2023 $15.5

MARCH 1, 2022 – Winners have been announced in the first-ever Los Angeles Invitational Wine & Spirits Challenge. A Cabernet Sauvignon from Adobe Road Winery (www.adoberoadwines.com) and an XO Cognac from Sire Spirits (www.sirespirits.com) topped their fields to be named Best of the Best. The competition was established, in conjunction with Los Angeles-based beverage professionals (representing both the on- and off-premise channels), to highlight the best of the best wine and spirits producers in the world, and to introduce those producers to the largest market of consumers in the country. Judging took place February 20-22 and, says event producer Debra Del Fiorentino of Wine Competitions Management & Production (winecompetitions.com), “Typically, a strong first-year competition can expect about 500 entries. We were thrilled to receive more than 1,250 submissions — producers were clamoring to get in!” Even with a large number of entries, competition was s

1. Minimum Wage Increases Just a reminder that on July 1, 2020, minimum wage increases take effect in 13 California cities.  Employers must comply with the highest applicable minimum wage rate in the location where employees are working.  It is critical for employers to stay compliant with minimum wage laws as they change because violations can result in significant liability. The following cities and counties have a minimum wage increase scheduled for July 1, 2020: Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, Fremont, Los Angeles, Malibu, Milpitas, Novato, Pasadena, San Francisco, San Leandro, Santa Monica, and Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa’s minimum wage will be $15.00 for employers with 26 or more employees and $14.00 for employers with 25 or fewer employees. Novato’s minimum wage will be $15.00 for employers with 100+ employees, $14.00 for employers with 26 or more employees, and $13.00 for employers with 25 or fewer employees. To Do: Employers with employees working in any of the