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The Cork and Journey Guide to Texas Hill Country
Explore the sprawling vineyards of the High Plains and the charming tasting rooms of the Hill Country. This guide covers the region's best warm-climate wines, top-rated boutique wineries, and unforgettable dining spots, proving Texas is a world-class destination for wine and food lovers.
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June 1, 2026 – Napa Growers Say Regulation Costs Are Driving Them Out of Business
Vineyard tech took a hit with the sudden collapse of AI-driven Monarch Tractor, while Napa growers are feeling the pinch of shocking regulatory costs. On the bright side, the global Old Vine Registry just smashed its milestones early, and tiny, curated wine shops are proving that less space means better business....
Houston’s Restaurant: Another Hillstone Restaurant Homerun
Houston’s in Irvine is our go-to destination for upscale casual dining. We’ve tried every menu item, and the quality is unmatched. Their famous house-smoked salmon is the best we’ve ever had, while limited-batch grilled artichokes are spectacular. With exceptional service and fresh-squeezed cocktails, Houston’s guarantees a perfect meal every time....
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This Week Uncorked
June 1, 2026 – Napa Growers Say Regulation Costs Are Driving Them Out of Business
Vineyard tech took a hit with the sudden collapse of AI-driven Monarch Tractor, while Napa growers are feeling the pinch of shocking regulatory costs. On the bright side, the global Old Vine Registry just smashed its milestones early, and tiny, curated wine shops are proving that less space means better business....
May 25, 2026 – The Hunt for Affordable Wine Is Back
While a single bottle of 1945 DRC shattered world records at an astonishing $812,500, everyday American drinkers are aggressively tightening their belts. Facing a luxury-market squeeze in Napa and inflation everywhere else, consumers are embracing sub-$20 bottles, exploring lesser-known regions, and hunting for authentic value over pure prestige....
May 18, 2026 – Restaurant Wine Prices Are Killing Wine Sales
Diners are officially pushing back against pricey restaurant wine lists, while big-brand favorites win over newcomers ahead of bitter bottles. Globally, Argentina’s Catena Zapata dominates prestige rankings, Germany rolls out a complex new labeling law, and a modern "Judgment of Paris" redo gives struggling American winemakers a well-deserved victory....
Wineries
Restaurants
Houston’s Restaurant: Another Hillstone Restaurant Homerun
Houston’s in Irvine is our go-to destination for upscale casual dining. We’ve tried every menu item, and the quality is unmatched. Their famous house-smoked salmon is the best we’ve ever had, while limited-batch grilled artichokes are spectacular. With exceptional service and fresh-squeezed cocktails, Houston’s guarantees a perfect meal every time....
Guides
The Cork and Journey Guide to Texas Hill Country
Explore the sprawling vineyards of the High Plains and the charming tasting rooms of the Hill Country. This guide covers the region's best warm-climate wines, top-rated boutique wineries, and unforgettable dining spots, proving Texas is a world-class destination for wine and food lovers.
...
The Cork & Journey Guide to Napa Valley
Napa Valley is a compact California wine region with a rare Mediterranean climate and diverse soils. Famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, the valley produces over 34 grape varieties. Visitors can explore a wide mix of historic estates, boutique wineries, and highly acclaimed restaurants across the area....
The Cork & Journey Guide to Temecula Valley
Located an hour north of San Diego, Temecula Valley is Southern California’s hub for artisanal wine and luxury resorts. The region is defined by its sprawling Tuscan-style estates, world-class farm-to-table dining, and a Mediterranean microclimate that supports over two dozen grape varieties. It serves as a convenient, high-end alternative to the Central Coast, offering professional viticulture and resort-style hospitality....
Interviews
Inside Crown Point Vineyards With Winemaker Simon Faury
Winemaker Simon Faury takes us inside Crown Point Vineyards to share his journey from Barolo and Bordeaux to California, along with his philosophy on crafting elegant, expressive Cabernet without chasing scores. He also breaks down the realities of today’s wine industry, from restaurant pricing to market saturation, and why he believes the future of California wine is shifting toward balance, drinkability, and authenticity.
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