This is going to be an unusual December, and a nice one for Michael Kaiser, our Executive Vice President and Director of Government Affairs. In most years, Congress delays the budget process until the very end of the month, meaning that lobbyists like Michael have to stay in touch and do what they can amidst … Read more
A year ago I had the pleasure of speaking at VitiNord, a great conference focused on cold climate grapes held in Burlington, Vermont. “Cold is Cool, and Small is Big” was my theme, touting the great wines that can come from cold-hardy Minnesota varieties as well as the combined economic impact of the many states … Read more
Shutdown Postponed A few days before the November 17 deadline, the House passed a two-step Continuing Resolution that was accepted by the Senate and signed by the President, averting a government shutdown while establishing new deadlines of late January and early February to adopt a new budget—or go through the same fire drill again. That’s … Read more
WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, installed three new Directors on its 17-member Board during its Fall Retreat in Traverse City, Michigan on November 14. The three new Directors are Kelly Bostock of Dos Cabezas WineWorks in Arizona; Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard in Paso Robles, California; and Dave Kostelnik of Early Mountain Vineyards in Virginia. They were elected by a vote of WineAmerica’s membership … Read more
Utah is an interesting state in a number of ways, but wine production is not one of them, nor is it a large consuming state given the religious orientation of most residents. To some extent the popular ski areas account for wine’s economic impact, since many skiers often enjoy a glass or two as part … Read more