Illinois has a winegrowing history dating back to 1691, and in 1900 was the fourth largest wine producer in the country until Prohibition wiped out the industry, as it did elsewhere. The modern industry was stimulated by a 1976 law allowing onsite sales at wineries, with both Lynfred and Galena wineries opening in 1979. Lisa … Read more
Farm Bill Moves! It may be a year late, but the 2025 Farm Bill is moving right along, thanks largely to the leadership of Rep. G.T. Thompson (R-PA), Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. And the nice thing is that there are several proposed funding increases beneficial to the grape and wine industry: Market Access … Read more
DC Fly-In: Lobbying on Steroids On May 7-8, WineAmerica held its annual “fly-in” to Washington, with some 40 members converging from around the country to meet with their Senators and Representatives about WineAmerica’s legislative and regulatory priorities. This is lobbying on steroids. All year, WineAmerica staff members Michael Kaiser and Tara Good do the normal … Read more
With a rich history, ideal wine growing conditions, and a recent surge in wineries, Idaho has been emerging from the shadows of its larger neighbors, Oregon and Washington, to claim a place of its own on the world’s wine map. Actually, grapes were planted there (1864, in Lewiston) before either of the other Pacific Northwest … Read more
Bipartisan Agreement (!) Just when we thought it was forever impossible, a coalition of House Republicans and Democrats passed crucial legislation to fund conflicts in Ukraine, Israel, and the Indo-Pacific region. It was truly a high-wire act for Speaker Mike Johnson, who some of his outraged GOP colleagues are threatening to “vacate” (meaning fire) because … Read more