This Week Uncorked

Explore the world of high-end wine, from the $3,705 Screaming Eagle Sauvignon Blanc to Aldi’s clever wine stunt exposing how presentation can alter perceptions. Dive into the costs of opening a Napa tasting room, discover the rising quality of English still wines, and check out Paso Robles’ Écluse Wines and

Explore the latest in the wine world, from the top wine lists in Las Vegas to the innovative wine delivery systems and new wine regions like Easter Island and Mâconnais. Dive into how French winemakers are battling mildew and discover must-visit wine spots that might surprise you.

California’s Vintage Wine Estates has filed for bankruptcy, driven by a severe drop in stock value and significant debt, with the former Cosentino Winery being sold to entrepreneur Brion Wise for $10.5 million. Meanwhile, vineyard workers face financial strain from extreme heat, Congress questions the selection of anti-alcohol advocates for

Pernod Ricard is divesting most of its wine brands, including Jacobs Creek and Campo Viejo, to focus on its core spirits business, while new ventures and closures in the wine industry highlight shifting trends and challenges.

Darioush Winery has expanded its Napa Valley holdings by purchasing a 21-acre vineyard near Yountville for approximately $10 million, adding to its now 65 vineyard acres in the region. Meanwhile, a significant portion of California’s 2024 wine grape harvest faces the threat of going to waste due to an economic

CMB Wines has acquired the historic Foppiano Winery and Vineyards in Healdsburg, CA, aiming to preserve its legacy while integrating it into the Martin Ray portfolio and investing in its future growth.

Franz Haas, a renowned Italian wine producer, has sued Winebow for allegedly causing over $30 million in damages by interfering with its business relationships and misrepresenting its distribution rights.

The Bouygues family of Château Montrose fame extends their winemaking legacy beyond France with the acquisition of Virginia’s RdV Vineyards, now rebranded as Lost Mountain, aiming to enhance its stature in the American wine scene.

Amid rebranding efforts like E & J Gallo’s shift to high-quality wines, regulatory collaborations to prevent underage alcohol exposure, and changing grape values in Napa Valley, the US wine industry faces environmental challenges and innovation, exemplified by the reopening of Signorello Estate with fireproof features and luxury experiences.

Domaine Faiveley’s majority acquisition of Williams Selyem highlights significant shifts in the wine industry, amid declining Bordeaux vineyard values, rising Chablis demand in the USA, regulatory actions against Southern Glazer’s, and innovative sustainability practices in Napa Valley.

Amid acquisitions like Horse Heaven Wine Company’s purchase of Ste. Michelle’s Prosser facility, the US wine industry is launching innovative campaigns to engage younger consumers, while facing challenges such as Vintage Wine Estates’ financial struggles and severe weather impacts on French vineyards.

Ram’s Gate Winery’s surprising acquisition by O’Neill Vintners & Distillers signals a bold move into the luxury wine market, reflecting broader industry trends towards high-end and sustainable wine production.