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

Afternoon Brief, March 29th

Omar Khan Has Pleaded Guilty to Identity Theft: Omar Khan, the bon vivant who allegedly swindled fine-wine insiders out of at least $9.5 million, pleaded guilty to identity theft on Thursday, less than one month after the FBI arrested him at John F. Kennedy International Airport...

Go “Behind the Cellar Door” with One of Amador Wine Country’s Most Popular Events  

A Limited Amount of Media Passes are available for qualified Trade & Media (January 12, 2024, Plymouth, California) The Amador Vintners Association announces its signature passport event, Behind the Cellar […]

Afternoon Brief, January 12th

Labeling Laws Another Challenge for Wine: Wine labeling laws are already in use in the EU. Should US producers be freaking out?...

Afternoon Brief, August 31st

Campaign to Loosen Utah Liquor Laws: An ambitious attempt to liberalize Utah's liquor laws could face stiff opposition from a devout legislature...

Each year, we celebrate the grape harvest by inviting our friends to join our member wineries to get in on the most exciting time of year. Visit our participating wineries where you will be welcomed to the scenic foothills of Amador Wine Country by the entire wine community. Tickets include wine tasting and harvest experiences at 6 different wineries each day. Ticket holders will receive a commemorative glass that they can use to enjoy tailored wine tasting flights alongside a variety of harvest-related experiences, small bites, and live music. Event Website

Afternoon Brief, September 10th

Fire Watch: CalFire Continues Caldor Containment, Sierra Wine Country Begins Recovery: Amador and El Dorado vintners deal with physical injuries, smoke-tainted grapes, and contract cancellations...

Fire Watch: CalFire Continues Caldor Containment, Sierra Wine Country Begins Recovery

Amador and El Dorado vintners deal with physical injuries, smoke-tainted grapes, and contract cancellations —Barbara Barrielle Following the Labor Day weekend, there was a sigh of relief when the Caldor fire was directed away from many homes and resort towns by changing wind conditions.  As of publication on the morning of Friday, September 10, the […]