The wine market is no longer simply in a slowdown – it is in structural correction. Distribution routes are tightening, consumer behavior is shifting, and the assumptions many wineries relied on even two years ago no longer hold. Wholesale channels that once provided stable revenue are consolidating or disappearing. Tasting room traffic has become inconsistent. Consumer loyalty has weakened. This isn’t temporary turbulence. It’s a fundamental reshaping of how wine reaches customers and which wineries succeed in doing so. Winery owners are facing hard questions: Should I double down on wholesale or pivot to direct-to-consumer? Do I chase new customer segments or deepen relationships with existing ones? The challenge isn’t a lack of options. It’s knowing which move to make first when resources are tight, and the margin for error is slim. The Distribution L

November 13, 2025 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Soper Reese Theater 275 S. Main St., Lakeport Join us for an engaging afternoon that brings together growers, winemakers, and industry professionals to explore what makes Lake County winegrapes truly distinctive. Through guided tastings, insightful discussions, and expert-led panels, this event will highlight the character, variety, and innovation that define our region. Register now to secure your seat for this special half-day tasting and learning experience. Program highlights: Aromatic Whites – Explore how Lake County’s high elevations and varied microclimates shape these fragrant, expressive wines. Sauvignon Blanc Comparison – Side-by-side tastings that reveal how Lake County terroir and grower–winemaker collaboration define the region’s signature variety. Alternative Reds – Discover lesser-known reds that thrive in Lake County’s volcanic soils and diverse vineyard sites. Cabernet Sauvignon Co

Obsidian Wine Co. and Brassfield Estate recently hosted a webinar with Somm Journal to discuss volcanic wines. Somm Journal VP of Education moderated the panel with Jonathan Walters, GM of Brassfield Estate; Arpad Molnar, co-founder of Obsidian Wine Co., Dr. Seth Burgess, renowned research geologist; and Katharine & David Desante, winemaking consultants at Brassfield.

Afternoon Brief, June 24th

New Tariffs Threaten Europe's Winemakers: After a period of alarming flat-lining and decline, the wine industry is finally showing signs of strength, vitality and growth. Two storm clouds on the horizon threaten that success though...

Afternoon Brief, February 15th

Rainy Weather Makes for Another Wet California Winter: Historic levels of rain were delivered to California in the form of atmospheric rivers, which are expected to continue to bring rain throughout the month of February. Decanter's Clive Pursehouse speaks with wine producers across the state to get a sense of how the vines are faring...

Afternoon Brief, December 14th

Winemaker Mike Grgich, Who Grabbed Worldwide Attention with His Napa Chardonnay, Dies at 100: After emigrating from Croatia, the winemaker worked at top Napa cellars like Beaulieu Vineyard, Chateau Montelena and Robert Mondavi Winery before founding his own winery...

Brassfield Estate Winery on the Move for National Expansion

Clearlake Oaks, CA (December 13, 2023) – Luxury North Coast wine producer, Brassfield Estate Winery is pleased to announce that it has named industry veteran Chris Baker as its new President along […]

Afternoon Brief, February 28th

Wine, Terroir and the Human Touch: We think of terroir as natural magic, but what is the human contribution to this elusive concept?...