Congress did a few things this week, though none affecting the wine industry. The Senate passed a bill proposing more funding for Ukraine and Israel, but it’s likely to die in the House. Meanwhile, House Republicans impeached Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas over border issues. On Long Island, the New York seat formerly occupied by expelled … Read more

Alabama has two climates making it challenging to make wine: the natural climate and the political climate. The hot, humid climate limits the grape varieties that can be grown to Scuppernong, Norton, and some French hybrid varieties. The political climate improved somewhat due to agricultural reforms in 2002 that loosened some restrictions on wineries, but … Read more

Congress has just two joint legislative days scheduled for February, but somewhat surprisingly last week the House passed a bipartisan tax bill which then went to the Senate for consideration. In less than a month, there could be a government shutdown unless Congress and the Administration can come together. There are some legislators who would … Read more

2024 may well be one of the most challenging years in recent history for the American wine industry. Let’s change that. Multiple Alarm Bells At the recent Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, several prominent experts in various fields sounded the alarms during the enormously popular “State of the Industry” session attended by several … Read more

SACRAMENTO, CA, January 24, 2024–The eighth annual Rich Smith Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to the American grape and wine industry was presented today to Nick Dokoozlian, Vice President of Winegrowing Research at E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, California. The prestigious award annually reflects the spirit and accomplishments of the late Richard … Read more