February 10, 2025 – California Wineries Sound the Alarm on Immigration Policy

The California wine industry braces for potential labor shortages amid immigration policy shifts, while young consumers show untapped wine interest. Explore wine fridge pricing, service red flags, and Honrama Cellars’ inspiring legacy. Plus, savor Michelin-starred Rebel Omakase’s unforgettable 20+ course experience—though corkage is off the table.

Table of Contents

  • Who’s going to pick the grapes this year?  
  • Young people want to drink wine, but they just don’t know it yet.
  • What are your wine service pet peeves?  9 Somms share theirs, and I have a few of my own.  Let’s discuss.

Wine News Round-Up

KQED – CA Wine Industry Could Face Huge Impact From Trump’s Immigration Policies

This affects all farmers and crops.  Not just wine growers in California. From the article:

A recent U.S. Department of Labor survey estimates that undocumented immigrants make up 51% of the state’s agricultural workforce. At a time when wine sales are lagging, experts agree that mass deportations would have a devastating impact on the industry.

Wine Enthusiast – What to Know About Wine Fridge Price Ranges

This is a self-serving article, as Wine Enthusiast is a big seller of wine fridges.  But a good overview nonetheless.  We have 4 of the VinoViews to house our collection.  If you are in the market, these go on sale all the time.  So be on the lookout for seasonal sales. 

SVB on Wine – Wine: It’s what the young consumer wants. They just don’t know it.

A nice article from Rob McMillan of Silicon Valley Bank, following up on his Silicon Valley Bank State of the US Wine Industry Report.  From the Article:

It’s time to break the mold and reevaluate everything we think – DTC, grape contracts, the tasting room model, micro collaborations with neighbors, the effectiveness of our social media campaigns, wholesale distribution, our efficiencies, how we use data, our messaging, where we market, how we define ‘an experience’ … The list is long and includes gaining personal insight and being willing to take a position on the inflated claims of the anti-alcohol industry. And yes, I know permit holders can’t make health claims. But we can do more in that area. Staying silent hasn’t been a good strategy.

The possibilities are bright ahead of us because wine is what the young consumer wants. They just don’t know it. So let’s tell them.

VinePair – We Asked 9 Sommeliers: What’s the Biggest Wine Service Red Flag?

I love this list.  I’m pretty much in agreement with many of these.  Here are the 9 “Red Flags”:

  1. Sparkling wine served in flutes
  2. Talking down to guests
  3. Wines served too warm
  4. Skipping bottle presentation
  5. Pretentious wine flexes
  6. Glasses not properly cleaned
  7. Incorrect glassware
  8. Pouring out the entire bottle at once
  9. Only letting one team member sell wine

My big pet peeves would be numbers 3, 6, 7 & 8. 

Wine & Winery of the Week

Honrama Cellars in Sonoma, CA

Honrama Cellars is more than just a winery; it’s a deeply personal story of love, perseverance, and honoring family legacy. Founded in 2008 by Miriam and Juan Puentes, the winery pays homage to Miriam’s father, Honorio Ramirez Mata. A lifelong vineyard worker and Cellar Master at the renowned Caymus Vineyards, Honorio dreamed of one day owning a winery himself. Though he passed away in 1998, Miriam carried his dream forward with unwavering determination.

2019 Honrama Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

The 2019 Honrama Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust and expressive example of Napa Valley winemaking. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a layered and harmonious tasting experience, showcasing a deep garnet color, pronounced aromas, and bold flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and mocha, balanced with firm tannins and a long finish.

Restaurant and Corkage of the Week

Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach

(Received a Michelin Star on 8/6/24 in Episode 5)

Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach is a dining experience like no other. This expertly crafted 20+ course dining experience is a delight for the senses, and the intuitive service is like none we have ever experienced. In Japanese, ‘omakase’ loosely translates to “chef’s choice.” This means that when you dine at an omakase-style restaurant, the chefs will craft a multi-course dining experience, usually 10+ courses. Expect a mix of sushi, sashimi, one-shot soups, and grilled meats like wagyu. The breadth of an omakase experience spans both hot and cold dishes, includes various textures on the plate, and really does take guests on a journey of the senses.

Corkage: No Outside Alcohol Allowed

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