NapaValley.wine – The “Why Wine” Project
Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) has announced the next installment of the “Why Wine?” campaign, a movement dedicated to celebrating the authentic story of wine. Want to win a signed copy of Karen MacNeil’s The Wine Bible? Well, head over to the Why Wine Project to share your story. From the website:
We want to hear your story:
What is it about wine? Why do people care about it? The honest answer is that it’s different for everyone. That’s why we want to hear all the “why wine” stories. You can join the sharing by making a video of why you got into wine. Why does wine matter to you? What is it about wine that you like? What is it about wine that pulls you in?
Step 1: Make a quick video sharing your #WhyWine story. Feel free to download the “Why Wine?” logo below to add to your video
Step 2: Share the video in Social Media using the hashtag #WhyWine and tag @NapaVintners
Wine-Searcher – US Tariff Threat to European Wine
Blake Gray takes an in-depth look at what 200% tariffs on EU wines will do to US consumers and US wine makers.
In theory, the US tariff would triple the price of EU wines: a $25 Chianti Classico would now cost $75. In practice, it would probably mean an immediate near-halt of the sale of most EU wines and spirits in the US.
I want to write something here. I’m proud to be an American, and I love US wine, but I also never feel more international than when I drink wine. For $25 I can take a visit-in-a-glass to Tuscany or the Rhône Valley or Patagonia. US wines are great, but they don’t taste like wines made in those places. Wine is not like steel; it’s not completely interchangeable.
Wine Business – Halter Ranch Estate Achieves Regenerative Organic Certified® Status and Celebrates 25 Years
We are big fans of the Paso Robles, CA, location (they also have tasting rooms and vineyards in Temecula, CA, as well as in Fredericksburg, TX. This is a nice achievement on their part. From the press release:
Moving into its 25th year in business, Halter Ranch is thrilled to announce the original Paso Robles Estate vineyard has achieved Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC™) status.
Halter Ranch is the second Paso Robles vineyard operation in the Adelaida District to achieve this status behind pioneering neighbors – Tablas Creek.
Long before achieving ROC™ status, Halter Ranch’s Estate vineyard was deeply rooted in sustainable and organic vineyard practices. Previously recognized as a model SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified winery for over a decade, Halter Ranch has consistently farmed with sustainability at its core. Before advancing its regenerative farming program and achieving ROC™ status, Halter Ranch first transitioned toward organic certification. In July 2023, the Halter Ranch Estate vineyard earned organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).
Jancis Robinson – Chile – now a fine-wine producer
If the 200% tariffs on the EU go into effect, then perhaps places like Chile and Argentina will fill that void. Jancis has a nice write-up on the quality coming out of Chile.
While Americans have tended to view wine from Chile as necessarily cheap and cheerful (although this may be changing since the influential Wine Spectator chose Don Melchor 2021 as its wine of the year last year), Chile has long had numerous, well-informed champions in the UK. One of the first was Master of Wine Peter Richards, who now hosts the popular podcast Wine Blast with his wife, fellow Master of Wine Susie Barrie.
Phys.org – AI made its way to vineyards. Here’s how the technology is helping make your wine
Yes, AI is everywhere, and so the wine industry is no exception. A nice in depth piece on how AI has made its way into many aspects of the business. Some highlights:
As AI continues to grow, experts say that the wine industry is proof that businesses can integrate technology efficiently to supplement labor without displacing a workforce. New agricultural tech like AI can help farmers cut back on waste and run more efficient and sustainable vineyards by monitoring water use and helping determine when and where to use products like fertilizers or pest control. AI-backed tractors and irrigation systems, farmers say, can minimize water use by analyzing soil or vines while also helping farmers to manage acres of vineyards by providing more accurate data on the health of a crop or what a season’s yield will be.
Other facets of the wine industry have also started adopting the tech, from using generative AI to create custom wine labels to turning to ChatGPT to develop, label, and price an entire bottle.
Cava Maciel in Valle De Guadalupe, MX
Jorge Maciel’s dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in both the wines and the welcoming atmosphere that permeates the property. The combination of scenic views, approachable tastings, and a personal connection with the winemaker makes visiting Cava Maciel feel less like a standard wine tour and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
During our visit, one of the standout moments was tasting the 2014 Cava Maciel Petite Sirah, ‘Perigeo.’ This wine impressed with its structured tannins and layers of dark fruit, offering a well-rounded and memorable experience that speaks to Jorge’s careful winemaking approach.
2014 Cava Maciel Petite Sirah, ‘Perigeo’ 89 PTS – $45
Jorge barreled aged this vintage for 24 months in French oak barrels, which really brings out the chocolate and vanilla qualities in the wine. This petite sirah is on the drier side, with lower acidity; it has a lovely structure and a silky finish.
Petite Sirahs can be a little on the tannic side. Let it decant for an hour to mellow out those tannins to fully appreciate this wine.
Deckman’s en el Mogor in Valle De Guadalupe, MX
Dining at Deckman’s en el Mogor isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing food in a way that connects you to the land, the seasons, and the people who make it all possible. Drew Deckman’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing is evident in every aspect of the restaurant.
This is a place where the food is real, the atmosphere is unpretentious, and every meal tells a story. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates a great meal with a view, Deckman’s en el Mogor is well worth the trip.
If you find yourself in Valle de Guadalupe, do yourself a favor—book a table, sit back, and let Baja’s bounty do the talking.
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