Wyoming is one of the smallest and coldest wine states, with no AVAs, but some wineries partner with their Nebraska counterparts to the south to highlight emigration trails such as the Oregon Trail. The Wyoming Grape and Wine Association helps to promote the state’s wineries, which are also supported by the University of Wyoming’s grape … Read more

DC Update: New Shutdown Showdown Congress is back, fighting again while a possible government shutdown looms in just a week. Last year was the least productive legislative session since 1931 (92 years), but this year is likely to break a new record, given the Congressional dysfunction exacerbated by the upcoming election. I hope to have … Read more

Wisconsin’s history as a wine region goes back to the mid-19th Century when future California wine pioneer Agoston Haraszthy planted grapes near the Wisconsin River and created what is now Wollersheim Winery. The first modern era winery, von Stiel, opened in 1967, and today the state has more than 100 producers. Wisconsin is part of the … Read more

DC Update DC is still very quiet these days in terms of legislation of interest to WineAmerica, but next week we expect the conflict to resume in battles over the budget—again. One of the continuing resolutions to avoid a government shutdown expires on January 19, and another in early February, so the usual fighting will … Read more

West Virginia is one of the smallest wine states but has three AVA’s: Kanawha River Valley, Ohio River Valley, and Shenandoah Valley, with the latter two shared with neighboring states. The climate can be challenging, but French-America varieties generally do well. Great Grapes: Baco Noir Created in France in response to the phylloxera epidemic, Baco … Read more