Team C&J
Heres some insight into the last week in wine. The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. has acquired Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards for approximately $400 million, enhancing its presence in the luxury wine market, particularly in Chardonnay. Napa Green, a sustainability certification program, has set a pioneering standard by requiring vineyards to phase out synthetic herbicides by 2028. California’s Sustainable Pest Management initiative aims to reduce pesticide use and promote alternative methods by 2050. Napa Valley and Burgundy experienced abundant and high-quality grape harvests in 2023. The wine industry is concerned about Ozempic, a diabetes and weight-loss drug that reduces alcohol cravings, potentially leading to decreased alcohol sales. Researchers in Turkey are turning winery waste into a natural coloring agent for confectionery using wine lees, offering a sustainable solution and potential health benefits.
The Duckhorn Portfolio Announces an Agreement to Acquire Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. has confirmed its acquisition of Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards from Brown-Forman Corporation for about $400 million in a mix of stock and cash. Founded in 1973, Sonoma-Cutrer is renowned for its luxury Chardonnay and owns substantial vineyards across California. The deal is set to bolster Duckhorn’s presence in the luxury wine market, specifically in Chardonnay, an area where they currently lack significant traction. The acquisition is anticipated to add to earnings within the first full fiscal year post-closure, offering potential synergies of around $5 million annually starting in fiscal year 2025. Brown-Forman, while selling Sonoma-Cutrer, retains a minority stake in Duckhorn and foresees growth opportunities for Sonoma-Cutrer under Duckhorn’s expertise.
This weed killer is one of Wine Country’s biggest controversies. Can a Napa group phase it out?
Napa Green, a pioneer in winegrower sustainability certification, has made a groundbreaking decision: requiring vineyards to eliminate synthetic herbicides like Roundup by 2026 and all other synthetic herbicides by 2028. With around 90 participating wineries, this move sets a new standard among sustainable wine-growing programs globally. Despite previous concerns about alienating growers, the organization believes it’s vital to phase out these chemicals, citing health risks associated with glyphosate, Roundup’s active ingredient, including its ubiquitous presence in people’s urine. While alternatives like mechanical tools and organic herbicides exist, they have drawbacks such as emissions, noise, and cost. Napa Green aims to support growers through this transition, offering leeway and grants for those facing challenges in adopting alternative weed management methods. Some in the industry, like Beth Novak of Spottswoode Winery, support the move, seeing the Napa Valley wine community as an industry leader in prioritizing environmental protection. The initiative hopes to encourage more vineyards to pursue certification, with already 25 growers transitioning and 45 in progress.
“A Necessary Evolution”: Regulators Outline Sustainable Pest Management’s First Steps
California’s Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) initiative, aimed at reducing pesticide use and promoting alternatives by 2050, was introduced by Nan Singhasemanon, Assistant Director of the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at the Napa Valley Grape Growers’ Rootstock event. This initiative involves prioritizing pesticides to phase out by 2050, supporting research on alternative methods, and educating pest control advisors for widespread SPM adoption. Collaboration among various stakeholders led to the creation of this strategy, emphasizing holistic pest management, integrating human health, environmental protection, and economic vitality. Singhasemanon highlighted the need to shift from traditional chemical approaches to a comprehensive, multifaceted system considering diverse factors in pest management. Immediate goals include funding research for alternative methods, prioritizing prevention, and enhancing education and training. The roadmap aims to leverage natural approaches, accelerate the evaluation and use of safer alternatives, and involve stakeholder input in decision-making for reduced pesticide use. The DPR encourages transparency and public participation, recognizing the critical role of grower input in shaping effective pest management strategies.
Napa Harvest: Yields up 15-20 Percent
Napa Valley experienced a delayed but abundant harvest for the 2023 wine grape season, with yields 15 to 20 percent higher than average. Despite the delayed start and extended bloom, the harvest brought high-quality fruit with excellent skin integrity and retained acidity. Vineyard managers highlighted the delay in the season and the intense but successful harvest period, where crews worked relentlessly for three to four weeks. The weather played a pivotal role, allowing slow ripening and flavor development. While labor shortages persist, teamwork between wineries and growers ensures a successful harvest amidst logistical challenges, showcasing the unique terroir-driven characteristics of the vintage.
Burgundy harvest ‘surpasses all expectations’ despite ‘rock and roll year’
Despite a tumultuous year marked by weather fluctuations, the Burgundy harvest of 2023 has exceeded expectations, delivering abundant and excellent quality grapes, according to Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB). While the summer weather was erratic, the Chardonnay, Aligoté, and Sauvignon grapes reached full maturity in ideal condition, promising outstanding white wines. The meticulous sorting of the plentiful Pinot Noir ensured only the finest grapes were used, resulting in expressive and aromatic red wines. The year is anticipated to be exceptional for white wines with ripe, aromatic, and well-balanced grapes, while the September sun contributed to expressive reds with varied fruit profiles and intense colors. Despite challenges like hailstorms and temperature fluctuations, the region managed to produce a promising harvest, though some growers picked grapes during cooler hours to preserve freshness.
Why the Wine Industry Is Worried About Ozempic | Sarasota Magazine
The wine industry is concerned about the impact of Ozempic, a popular diabetes and weight-loss drug by Novo Nordisk that reduces alcohol cravings while suppressing hunger. Marketed off-label for weight loss, its high demand has caused shortages for those prescribed it. Ozempic’s potential to decrease alcohol consumption worries winemakers as users may socialize without drinking, leading to an anticipated overall 1.8 percent drop in American alcohol sales. While these drugs offer solutions to alcoholism and obesity, concerns about side effects like gastroparesis and ileus have led to lawsuits.
A sweet solution: turning winery waste into jelly
Researchers in Turkey have proposed an innovative use for winery waste by turning wine lees, a major by-product of winemaking, into a natural coloring agent for gelatine-based sweets. Published in SCI’s Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, the study highlights the potential of wine lees, rich in health-enhancing anthocyanins, to replace synthetic colorants in confectionery. This sustainable solution not only enhances the flavor and texture of jellies but also aligns with consumer preferences for natural ingredients. The cost-effectiveness of wine lees compared to commercial alternatives further adds to their appeal, potentially reducing waste disposal costs for wineries and contributing to environmental sustainability. The researchers aim to explore further applications for wine lees, considering their high antioxidant content and potential health benefits beyond confectionery.
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