February 3, 2025 – The Wine Tariff Battle Begins

Wine News Round-Up

Natalie Collins, President, California Association of Winegrape Growers – Who is the American Wine Industry? – Time to Reframe Tariff Messaging

In a well-written article on the merits of Tariffs on wine imports into the US, the president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers lays out her case.  From the article: 

With the narrative being controlled by importers and distributors, a misconception has been created that lower import prices are fundamentally better for all segments of the industry. In reality, these low-cost imports have made, and continue to make, it more challenging for U.S. growers and wineries to survive.

and…

Imposing tariffs is not always about harming competition, tariffs are meant to aid in leveling the playing field – to give domestic companies a fair shot at competing within their own markets. These hypothetical tariffs are not aimed at crippling industries or retaliating against countries for unrelated matters. They are modest and intend to address the competitive advantages created by foreign subsidies and lower production costs.

Wine-Searcher – Good Times Ahead for US Wine Consumers

Rob McMillan, the executive vice president of Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division, doesn’t see a recovery in US wine sales until 2030. He recently released the State of the US Wine Industry 2025. He feels that consumers should see good deals in the coming years. Some of the key take aways from McMillian’s interview with Wine-Searcher’s W. Blake Gray.

• …tasting room fees actually went down last year. For the first time ever, both the average regular fee (down 7 percent to $38.19) and reserve fee (down 3 percent to $71.66) were lower than the year before.
• Baby Boomers, who like wine more than other types of alcohol, are aging out of the marketplace, and younger adults just don’t like wine as much. It’s no mystery as to why: young people don’t have as much money to spend, and wine prices have outpaced the growth in wages.
• The only type of wine that increased sales was Prosecco, up 2.7 percent. Sauvignon Blanc is another “success” story, as its sales did not drop.
• On the down side, sales of Syrah dropped 24.5 percent. Onetime darling Malbec dropped 17.4 percent, second-worst of any variety, as red wines lost ground to whites.

San Francisco Chronicle – Nonalcoholic Wine Has Come A Long Way. But Here’s The Harsh Reality

Non paywall link

As I talked about a few weeks ago on the show.  I’m not a fan of nonalcoholic wine.  And have yet to even taste one that comes close to being good.  Well, Jess Lander, the senior wine critic over that the SF Chronicle, agrees with me.  She was a judge at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition a few weeks ago.  And had to taste through 26 nonalcoholic wines.  From the article:

… the flight was dismal. Bizarrely, several of the specimens smelled or tasted distinctly of oregano. A plasticky flavor kept popping up, along with, in the reds, an artificial cherry note that made me long for Robitussin. My notes include: “pasta sauce,” “painful” and “jalapeno-infused?” 

VinePair – 15 Winemakers to Watch in 2025

Looking for some new wines to taste in 2025.  Well, VinePair has you covered with a globe covering list of some on the hottest winemakers to be on the lookout for this year.  From the article:

This list spans winemakers just getting started to world-class producers just reaching the U.S. for the first time. Whether it’s an Arneis from California, Sekt-inspired sparkling from the Finger Lakes, or Chardonnay from Japan, these winemakers’ persistence and commitment to shaping a bright future is tangible in the glass.

Wine & Winery of the Week

Asuncion Ridge Vineyards Winery in Paso Robles

How many winery founding stories start with a wine glass in the cellar of a Master Sommelier? That’s exactly how the founders of Asuncion Ridge Vineyards came together, and we’re so glad they did because their wines are some of the best we’ve had in Paso Robles. We rated just about everything we tasted 90+ points, and most wines are between $35 to $45.

2019 Barton Family Wines Soul Mate  93 Points – $50

Supporting family wineries is near and dear to our hearts, and when we learned about Barton Family Wines, we couldn’t wait to try them. This family-owned and operated winery, crafts wines that are meant to embody the spirit of Paso Robles and reflect how the unique microclimates produce world-class grapes. The winery’s 2019 Barton Family Soul Mate, a red blend of 45% Grenache and 32% Syrah, was as enchanting as it was delicious.

Restaurant and Corkage of the Week

Michael’s Gourmet Room in Las Vegas, NV

Nestled within the bustling South Point Hotel and Casino, Michael’s Gourmet Room offers an unparalleled dining experience steeped in elegance and tradition. For over 40 years, this iconic steakhouse has been a symbol of fine dining in Las Vegas, beloved by visitors and locals alike.

With accolades that include being named one of the Top 5 Restaurants in Las Vegas by Zagat Survey and a Four-Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association, Michael’s Gourmet Room continues to set the standard for exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and refined ambiance.\

Corkage Fee is $45 Per Bottle / No Limit