Lifestyle, Diet, Wine and Health As a welcome break from reporting on the continuing chaos in Washington (though happily I do so from the Finger Lakes wine region), I am in Toledo, Spain attending a conference featuring 30 of the leading scientists from around the world—Europe, North America, South Africa, and Australia. As the event’s … Read more

Due to its hot and humid climate, South Carolina presents a challenging environment for growing many types of grapes, but is very hospitable to Muscadine varieties—as well as people who enjoy a good time just relaxin’. Deep Water Vineyard, the Charleston area’s only winery located on Wadmalaw Island, provides a good example of what can … Read more

There is little to report this week, as there is still no confirmed Speaker of the House, without which nothing can happen. In a recent vote of the Republican caucus, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (LA) barely bested Rep. Jim Jordan (OH), who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. But it’s still not clear if … Read more

Rhode Island, known as the Ocean State, is not actually an island but might as well be in terms of the grape-friendly coastal climate and the Gulf Stream’s warming of Rhode Island Sound and the Sakonnet River. Because of this, tiny Rhode Island has the mildest climate in the east, with winter temperatures rarely plunging … Read more

DC Soap Opera The good news is that at the last minute a government shutdown was averted before midnight last Saturday. The bad news is that it’s good only for 45 days (right before Thanksgiving), when the process is likely to repeat itself, most likely with a new deadline right before the year-end holidays. The … Read more