The wine industry transitions into 2026 carrying the weight of a turbulent year, marked by a complex landscape of global tariffs, shifting consumer habits, and high-stakes drama. While authorities track international fugitives linked to high-profile cellar thefts in Virginia, California’s vintners are busy reframing a “tough” 2025 by highlighting a resurgence in white wine and more accessible tasting room experiences. However, new challenges loom on the horizon; the arrival of GLP-1 weight-loss pills poses a fresh hurdle for alcohol volume, even as savvy collectors find “silver linings” in better pricing and classic brand renewals. In this edition, we break down the most-read stories of the past year, celebrate a legendary Santorini Assyrtiko, and tip our hats to a Las Vegas landmark that remains a pinnacle of destination dining.
FOX 5 – Serbian National Wanted in Clarke County Wine Theft
In FOX 5 News, Isabel Soisson reports a key update to the Clarke County wine theft case we previously covered, with authorities now identifying a second suspect connected to the high-profile cellar heist at L’Auberge Provençale. The article details new felony warrants, alleged international flight, and how the theft involved some of the world’s most valuable wines. From the article:
The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office has issued three felony warrants for Nikola Krndija, 57, in connection with the theft of wine from L’Auberge Provencal on Nov. 19, 2025.
Investigators believe Krndija left the United States on Nov. 20, 2025, from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, heading to Vienna, Austria.
San Francisco Chronicle – It Was a Tough Year for California Wine — but Here Was the Good News
In the San Francisco Chronicle, Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic, argues that while 2025 delivered plenty of grim headlines for California wine, the full picture was more balanced than it appeared. The piece reframes the year through overlooked bright spots, 
from white wine’s resurgence and new tasting rooms to consumer-friendly pricing and quietly successful winery transitions. From the article:
No matter how you slice it, 2025 was a tough year for the California wine industry. Alcohol consumption declined, wineries went out of business and tariffs restricted the global export marketplace.
But! Each of those statements deserves an asterisk. New research suggests that the decline in consumption hasn’t actually been that big. While some wineries closed, many others opened new tasting rooms. And Congress could be sending monetary relief to offset the sales losses from tariffs.
It’s a known feature of human psychology — called negativity bias — that bad news tends to stick with us more than good news does.
Wine-Searcher – The Most-Read Stories of 2025
In Wine-Searcher, Nat Sellers looks back at the stories that drew the most attention in 2025, noting that nearly all of them were reported by U.S. editor W. Blake Gray. The roundup reflects a year dominated by oversupply, tariffs, falling demand, and landmark winery declines, alongside a few consumer-friendly outcomes such as cheaper wine, renewed interest in classic brands, and improved buying conditions.
From the article:
As the hands of time wave-in an unenvied 2026, we look back at our most-read stories of the last 12 months and, with 20/20 hindsight vision, have a look at what piqued our reader’s interests and why. Rather than go in order the most-read, however, we are going to travel chronologically through the year, beginning in January, with 2025’s fifth most-read story: Good Times Ahead for US Wine Consumers. As our US editor, W. Blake Gray reported: “This will be a great era for consumers looking for good deals.” For wineries however, Gray noted, the outlook was not so good.
Just Drinks – Arrival of GLP-1 Weight-Loss Pill Creates New Headache for Food, Drink Makers
In Just Drinks, Simon Harvey reports that Novo Nordisk’s FDA-approved Wegovy pill is set to intensify pressure on U.S. food and beverage companies as GLP-1 drugs move from injections to a more accessible oral format. Beyond reducing appetite, the article highlights a growing concern for the alcohol industry, as GLP-1 use is increasingly associated with a lower desire to consume alcohol, compounding volume pressure already facing beer, wine, and spirits producers. With easier adoption expected once the pill reaches shelves in January, manufacturers are bracing for deeper shifts in eating and drinking behavior. From the article:
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has announced its Wegovy pill has been approved for commercial sale by the US Food and Drug Administration and will arrive on shelves “early” in January.
The introduction of the pill has widely been anticipated by the food and beverage industry, which has been facing sales volume and reformulation pressures from people taking the GLP-1 injection format.
Galante Vineyards: Cowboy Charm Meets Carmel Wine Country
Located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Galante Vineyards is a wine lover’s retreat with a Western flair. Known for its bold reds and smooth, structured varietals, this small but mighty winery delivers big flavors. With no reservations required, an inviting tasting room, and a top-notch wine club, Galante is a must-visit for those exploring California’s Central Coast.
Hatzidakis Skitali Assyrtiko 2019
This Assyrtiko represents a significant moment of transition for a legendary Santorini producer. Named “Skitali,” meaning “baton,” it symbolizes the transfer of stewardship from founder Haridimos Hatzidakis to the next generation. Grown on volcanic soils, this wine offers intense minerality, saline complexity, and the structural depth to age gracefully for years.
Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Paris Las Vegas)
A Vegas classic for the view alone, Eiffel Tower Restaurant still earns its stars on the plate and in the service. From a flawless Wellington to a polished wine program, this is destination dining that justifies the hype—with an upcharge if you want that coveted window.
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