When visitors arrive at Sonoma County’s newest winery, Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor, Calif., the first thing they see is a chalkboard sign that reads, “Please wear your mask, unless you are seated,” with a masked smiley face emoji. Guests then proceed to the outdoor check-in desk, which is stocked with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer, and are led to either a great big lawn or pavilion for a tasting experience that’s more than safely distanced from others.

The virtual tasting model, which wineries embraced en masse to connect with consumers while their tasting rooms were closed, looks like it’s here to stay. According to a recent survey conducted by Napa Valley Vintners, 64 percent of wineries have hosted at least one virtual tasting since March, and 72 percent of wineries plan to continue virtual tastings after shelter-in-place orders are lifted.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on the wine, food, and hospitality industries and as most businesses remain closed until further notice, these industries are finding creative ways to work together in an effort to generate revenue and stay afloat. Wine brands are partnering up with restaurants, retailers, purveyors, and hotels to offer consumers unique experiences and deals they can enjoy at home and in the future. “I think that it is so important for us all to come together du

What should I wear to work? It may sound innocuous, but this loaded question was at the heart of a lively and controversial panel discussion that closed out the Bâtonnage Forum, held May 4 at a private estate in Napa, California.

Covid-19 is having a major and possibly devastating effect on the wine industry as a whole — tasting rooms across the globe are closed and many depend on visitation for sales — but it’s been especially difficult for wineries in the Southern Hemisphere, which also happen to be in the throes of wine’s most demanding season: harvest.

Wildfires in California aren’t new, but after back-to-back years of the most deadly and destructive fires in California’s history, it’s clear they’re increasing in both frequency and ferocity. Members of the winemaking industry, in particular, are on high alert, concerned not only for their wineries and tasting rooms but, most importantly, their vines.

Wildfires. Floods. Late-season cold snaps. Heat spikes at harvest. Few question that Northern California’s vineyards are experiencing the effects of climate change. In the Napa Valley, rising temperatures threaten to diminish the quality of the region’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon—or perhaps eradicate it altogether.

Headlines in recent years have helped raise awareness of the dangerous effects of human exposure of agricultural chemicals. For Fred Cline of California's Cline Cellars, however; an instinctive concern for his children's well-being on his farm first arose decades ago, eventually serving as the catalyst for his fastidious commitment to sustainable farming.

A brand born on the premise of being atypical. The Prisoner Wine Company is celebrated for its bold and creative blends that utilize a wide range of grapes—many of which are more uncommon varieties like Viognier, Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, Tempranillo, and Muscat.

The Herzog family reflects on nine generations of winemaking through their new Lineage portfolio.