Author Archives: Joel Whitaker

80% of Calif. Wine Made in Sustainable Wineries

In advance of California Wine’s annual “Down to Earth Month,” which celebrates the industry’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the land, regions and wine industry for future generations, Wine Institute said California is a world leader in sustainable winegrowing: 80% of … Continue reading

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Brand Napa Valley Intros Vineyard N°95 Cabernet Sauvignon

The new Vineyard N°95 Cabernet Sauvignon joins the existing portfolio of estate-produced wines, including Brand Cabernet Sauvignon, Brand Proprietary Blend, and Brand White Wine. Harvested from the property’s vineyard at 1,200 feet, this Bordeaux-style blend is aged in French oak … Continue reading

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Napa County Eases Requirements for Micro Wineries

A new ordinance allows Napa Valley Winegrape growers to build a “micro winery” and sell its product at their family farms. The new ordinance requires micro wineries to ferment at least 201 gallons of wine with estate-grown fruit every year. … Continue reading

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Vintner Pleads Guilty to Killing Cyclist While Driving Drunk

Ulises Valdez Jr. pleaded guilty in Sonoma County Superior Court to killing a cyclist and costing a 12-year-old boy his leg while driving drunk. The counts included gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious … Continue reading

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ICYMI —

Permanent daylight-saving time is bad for your health, sleep scientists say.  (Wall Street Journal)

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Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Hails the Removal of U.S.-UK Retaliatory Tariffs

“With yesterday’s momentous agreement with the UK,”  ending a dispute involving steel and aluminum imports to the U.S., “transatlantic trade in distilled spirits will once again flow tariff free, and American wines will no longer face the threat of debilitating … Continue reading

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