Wine 983

The Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association (DSBIA) has announced details for the upcoming 24th Annual LIVE Art & Wine Tour, scheduled for Thursday, April 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The evening will kick off with check-in at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum, where attendees will receive a commemorative wine glass, plate, and a map to navigate the featured tasting locations.

As the primary fundraiser for DSBIA, the proceeds from the Art & Wine Tour will support various initiatives aimed at revitalizing downtown Santa Barbara. These include projects like the Vacant Window Beautification Program, the 1st Thursday Art Walk, new art installations, and enhancements for maintenance and security.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., guests can stroll through downtown, where participating venues will transform into pop-up galleries and tasting rooms. Notable venues include the Jeff Shelton Architect Studio, Silver Wines, and Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design Studio.

Local restaurants will offer wines and signature bites during the tour, along with live art experiences. The evening will culminate back at the Santa Barbara Historical Museum for a final party from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring more local culinary delights, spirit tastings, a silent auction, and live music by The Groove Collective.

This is a 21+ event, and tickets for this all-inclusive experience can be purchased here.

Participating wineries and restaurants promise a vibrant evening, making it a highlight for both locals and visitors alike.

The western edge of North America offers an abundance of wine regions not just confined to the well-known Napa Valley. With its sunny climate and nearby Pacific breezes, places like Oregon, Washington, and Baja California in Mexico yield impressive wineries just waiting to be explored. Here are four standout locations for a wine-focused getaway:

Walla Walla, Washington

Once a sleepy agricultural town, Walla Walla has transformed into a charming wine destination. The area boasts numerous tasting rooms, top-notch restaurants, and delightful hotels. Local actor and winery owner Kyle MacLachlan frequently visits and recommends dining at favorites like Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen for Mediterranean flavors and Hattaway’s on Alder known for delicious fish dishes. High-end accommodations can be found at the Inn at Abeja and quirky touches at The Finch.

Wine enthusiasts can explore MacLachlan’s own label, Pursued by Bear, and partake in an exquisite experience at wineries like Rasa Vineyards and Vital Wines, where sales benefit vineyard workers’ healthcare.

Lodi, California

Often overshadowed, Lodi is a hidden gem in California’s wine country. Spring and early summer reveal stunning cherry blossoms, while kayaking down the Mokelumne River presents a picturesque view. Winemaker Tegan Passalacqua of Sandlands recommends a visit to Bokisch Vineyards for Spanish varietals and Michael David Winery for a delightful café. Don’t miss a visit to Guantonio’s for pizza and Ruby’s Bakery for top-tier pastries.

The premier destination here is the Appellation Lodi Wine & Roses Resort and Spa, offering a refined yet relaxed atmosphere with excellent dining options.

Columbia Gorge, Oregon and Washington

Located east of Portland, this stunning canyon area features a rich array of vineyards. With new waves of ambitious winemakers emerging, the region brews excitement. Notable recommendations include the weekend winemaker lunches at Buona Notte and Hiyu Wine Farm, which offers magical culinary experiences. Across the river, Loop de Loop and Savage Grace Wines showcase fantastic wines in striking architectural settings.

Stay at The Society Hotel Bingen for a unique experience in a converted schoolhouse, then enjoy breakfast at White Salmon Baking Co..

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

About 90 minutes south of San Diego, Valle de Guadalupe is an up-and-coming wine destination. The region is vibrant with experimentation and young winemakers, boasting over 200 independent labels. Winemaker Maryam Hariri notes how the valley serves as an incredible launchpad for creativity. At her winery, Azizam Wines, natural wines like sparkling orange pet-nat are highlights.

For a different experience, visit Adobe Guadalupe for horseback riding through the vineyards. Noteworthy establishments also include vineyard restaurants like Bruma Wine Resort, known for its excellent tasting menus at Fauna.

Each of these wine regions provides a unique experience away from the well-trodden paths of Napa Valley, promising wonderful wines, delightful meals, and picturesque landscapes.

Houston’s wine market is experiencing a significant decline, with alcohol consumption dropping to its lowest levels in 90 years. This shift in consumer behavior has already cost the Houston economy an estimated $70 million, as wine brands struggle to attract buyers despite having plenty of stock available.

At the Houston Wine Merchant, manager Antonio Gianola notes that the store receives hundreds of bottles weekly, reflecting current drinking trends. Despite this overflow, sales are down. Reports from Silicon Valley Bank indicate that the wine market faced a staggering loss of $1.3 billion in 2025. In Houston specifically, the Texas Restaurant Association reports a 3.4% decrease, translating to a $67 million loss in the Houston and Harris County area.

Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are drinking far less than previous cohorts, with only about 25% admitting to consuming alcohol. This trend is forcing restaurants to creatively adapt their offerings to maintain customer engagement. Gianola mentions that the level of wine in bottles might look different, but they are all handmade, showcasing the craftsmanship behind them.

To combat the decline, educational initiatives are being taken at establishments like the Texas Wine School, where classes are offered to teach patrons about wine. Brandon Kerne from the school emphasizes that while the demand might be shifting, there remains hope for higher-end wines as collectors seek bottles for special occasions.

As wineries plan production years in advance, they are now facing surplus issues, realizing they may have overproduced given the current market conditions. However, some believe a wine shortage could arise in the future if demand rebounds. The market’s dynamics are continuously evolving, influencing both supply and consumer preferences in the wine industry.

The sommelier at Brush Creek Ranch, a luxurious resort in Wyoming, is preparing for the auction of two prestigious bottles of 1870 Chateau Lafite, expected to sell for over $50,000 each. These rare magnums were found in Glamis Castle in Scotland, which is famous not only for its haunted history but also for its impressive wine cellar.

Sydney Werry, the wine director at Brush Creek Ranch, expressed the rarity and historical significance of these wines, stating, “This wine is in the category of never-to-be-seen-again.” She anticipates significant interest from collectors at the Sotheby’s auction, with the potential for bids to exceed expectations due to the wine’s legacy.

Glamis Castle has a storied past, once being home to Mary, Queen of Scots, and known for inspiring Shakespeare’s "Macbeth." The 13th Earl of Strathmore acquired the Lafite bottles and laid them down in the cellar in 1878, only to be forgotten for decades. It wasn’t until 1971 that the wines were rediscovered by Michael Broadbent during a visit intended for the auction of "The Finest and Rarest Wines From Private Cellars." His subsequent tasting of the wines revealed their remarkable quality as they matured over the years.

Werry’s experiences with various vintages of Lafite reveal a complexity that transcends simple descriptions. She characterizes the flavor profiles as evoking not just specific fruits but also a sense of place and experience, making each sip an exploration of depth and nuance.

Wine auctions are known for their energetic environments, often much livelier than anticipated. Werry noted that participants might sample from lots during bidding, promoting a spirited atmosphere as people enjoy the wine and show off their personal collections.

The interest in the 1870 vintage is heightened by its status as a pre-phylloxera wine, crafted before the devastating vine disease prompted substantial changes in vineyard practices in the late 19th century. This historical significance, coupled with its status as a first-growth wine, adds to its celebrated reputation.

While Brush Creek Ranch continuously seeks to enhance its extensive wine collection, Werry does not foresee purchasing at this particular auction, focusing instead on maintaining a diverse inventory that appeals to varying tastes and budgets.

The auction of such a remarkable wine collection serves as a reminder of wine’s rich history and the extraordinary stories that accompany each bottle. This fascination with aged vintages, as noted by Werry, encompasses not just the appreciation of the wines themselves but the tradition and storytelling woven into their production and legacy.

Constellation Brands, the parent company of Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi Winery, has announced a more challenging outlook for its wine and spirits sector despite ongoing success in its beer division. The company reported these findings during its fourth-quarter earnings release for fiscal 2026.

As part of its strategic shift, Constellation has been focusing on higher-priced wine brands like Mondavi, Schrader Cellars, and The Prisoner Wine Co., after divesting lower-priced labels such as Simi from Healdsburg last year. Nevertheless, the wine and spirits division is still grappling with weakened consumer demand and various industry challenges.

Chief Financial Officer Garth Hankinson highlighted several factors negatively impacting profit margins, including ongoing pressures within the category, challenges in distribution channels, and a need to rebalance distributor inventory. He noted that the anticipated growth in high-end U.S. wine has shifted to a scenario of slight declines, while high-end spirits have slowed from moderate growth to stagnant figures.

Additionally, the company has seen a decline in both winery visitations and international demand, specifically citing challenges in Canada, its largest market, where a ban on U.S. wines and spirits is still in effect.

In a recent report, Constellation recorded a net sales figure of $9.14 billion, reflecting a 10% decrease overall and a 4% decline for the remaining portfolio. The wine and spirits segment now represents only 9% of total revenue after various sales, and shipments in this area plummeted by 62% year-over-year.

The landmark Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville is set to reopen on April 20 following a significant renovation. A temporary tasting room was operational in downtown Napa during this time.

Despite these challenges, Constellation’s beer segment remains strong, particularly its Mexican beer brands. The company aims to adjust inventory levels with distributors to navigate the current slower sales environment and anticipates eventually returning to profitability, although it may take longer than expected due to existing market headwinds.

In contrast, Constellation’s beer division continues to thrive, showcasing solid momentum even amidst a tough economic backdrop, largely due to the success of popular brands like Modelo Especial, which holds the title of the top beer brand in the U.S. by dollar sales.

For more information on Constellation Brands and its operations, visit Constellation Brands.

Jeff Bitter, president of the Allied Grape Growers, is advocating for a revival of protective tariffs on imported wines to support California’s struggling wine industry. Despite many business owners in the past claiming that tariffs hurt their bottom line, Bitter insists that heightened tariffs could help domestic producers compete against the influx of cheaper imported wines.

As Bitter pointed out, approximately one-third of the wine consumed in the United States is imported, attributing the challenges faced by local growers to their inability to compete with lower-priced foreign products. He stated, "It’s hard for us to compete on price. Our costs in California are significantly higher than in most wine-producing countries."

The California wine industry has been experiencing a downturn as younger generations move away from traditional wine consumption. Reports indicate that in recent years, around 40,000 acres of vineyards have been removed to adjust to falling demand. Bitter shared, “The last two years, we’ve seen about 40,000 acres in the state pulled out each year, of wine grapes.”

The industry faces a significant challenge as wine is often viewed as a luxury product. This perception and the current economic climate have pushed many consumers towards cheaper alternatives. Bitter elaborated, “Wine isn’t a cheap product to buy… it’s not cheap regardless of the price point.”

However, not everyone agrees with Bitter’s perspective. Some producers argue that imposing tariffs on foreign wines will not lead to a shift in consumer preference. They highlight that American wine cannot easily replace popular international varieties like Sancerre, Chianti, or Barolo. Moreover, 97% of the wine produced in California is consumed domestically, with only a small fraction exported, signaling that tariffs may not be the panacea Bitter envisions.

As the strategy continues to unfold under the scrutiny of the marketplace and consumer trends, the effectiveness of tariffs as a solution to save California’s wine industry remains uncertain.

If you’re planning a wine-focused getaway, the shortlist for the Wine Travel Awards 2025–2026 provides an excellent starting point. These awards not only assess wines but also the complete travel experience, including sustainability, culture, and innovation.

How the Rankings Work

The Wine Travel Awards utilize a two-step evaluation process. First, wine lovers and travelers worldwide vote for their top destinations. Then, industry experts review the leading contenders, considering factors like wine quality, tourism infrastructure, and eco-friendly practices. This combination offers a valuable resource for choosing your next travel destination.

The Top 5 Wine Regions to Explore

Here are five regions that wine enthusiasts should consider:

Burgenland, Austria

Known for its blend of tradition and modernity, Burgenland boasts a unique microclimate near Lake Neusiedl, producing notable sweet wines and elegant reds such as Blaufränkisch. The region prioritizes sustainability, featuring eco-friendly vineyards and numerous wine tourism opportunities.

• What to try: Blaufränkisch or a noble rot sweet wine.

California, USA

California Wine Country, including Napa Valley and Sonoma County, stands out as a major wine destination. Its diversity is complemented by a strong farm-to-table culinary scene and scenic drives, making it a popular choice for wine travelers.

• What to try: Napa Cabernet Sauvignon or Sonoma Pinot Noir.

South Africa

With stunning landscapes and rich history, South African wine regions like Stellenbosch and Hermanus offer breathtaking views and a commitment to sustainability, blending tradition with innovation.

• What to try: Pinotage or Chenin Blanc.

Romania

Emerging as a wine travel hotspot, Romania introduces visitors to indigenous grape varieties and modern winemaking. The “Wines of Romania” initiative promotes cultural storytelling, offering unique wine routes.

• What to try: Fetească Neagră or Fetească Albă.

Valpolicella, Italy

Near Verona, Valpolicella is famous for celebrated wines like Amarone and Ripasso. With its rolling hills and historical villages, it offers a perfect blend of wine, culture, and tourism experiences.

• What to try: Amarone della Valpolicella or Ripasso.

A New Way to Experience Wine Travel

These regions excel in providing more than just wine tasting; they focus on creating connections with the land, people, and culture behind each bottle. This evolving perspective on wine travel emphasizes sustainability and immersive experiences, whether cycling through Austrian vineyards or enjoying the views along the South African coast.

The Wine Travel Awards recognize this shift, making it clear that exceptional wine regions today encapsulate far more than just wine.

Scientists in the UK have developed an innovative AI-powered device called RipenAI, designed to assess grape ripeness for winemaking. This handheld sensor utilizes advanced machine learning and optical technology to give winemakers immediate and precise information regarding when grapes are ready to be harvested.

Traditionally, determining grape ripeness involves labor-intensive sampling and testing methods that can slow the process down significantly. With RipenAI, the sensor can analyze how grapes absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light, which changes as the grapes mature. This allows for rapid, real-time assessments right on the vine, significantly enhancing efficiency in the grape harvesting process.

Xuechun Wang, a post-doctoral researcher at Queen Mary University of London, explains that the technology is capable of estimating grape ripeness without causing any harm to the fruit. The device can be handheld or installed across vineyards to continuously monitor grape ripeness and overall crop health.

Nick Edwards, director of Saffron Grange Vineyard, emphasized the importance of timing in grape harvesting for producing high-quality wine. Proper monitoring of parameters such as sugar content and acidity is critical to selecting the optimal time to pick grapes, which varies based on multiple factors including weather and vine location.

The introduction of RipenAI promises substantial advantages for winemakers. By providing constant, non-destructive insights into grape ripeness, the device aids in careful planning for labor and winery preparations. This potentially minimizes the need for additional interventions during the winemaking process, leading to a production of higher-quality sparkling wines.

The research team is actively seeking vineyards, agritech firms, and fruit orchards to test a prototype of RipenAI during the upcoming harvest season. Given the growth of the wine industry in the UK, the tool is poised to be a game-changer, signaling a future where precision agriculture plays a larger role in winemaking.

For more information about the US wine industry, refer to Wine Enthusiast’s recent recognition of the Finger Lakes as the American Wine Region of the Year.

Scientists at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have developed an innovative AI-powered device called RipenAI, designed to enhance the efficiency of wine production by determining grape ripeness. This handheld optical sensor provides real-time information on whether grapes are ready for harvest, employing advanced machine learning techniques.

Traditionally, determining grape ripeness involved manual sampling and slow destructive testing, which can be time-consuming. With RipenAI, researchers utilize optical sensors to detect various wavelengths of light absorbed and reflected by the grapes. As grapes ripen, their chemical makeup changes, affecting their optical response. The sensors analyze these spectral patterns to gauge ripeness without harming the fruit.

Post-doctoral researcher Xuechun Wang, who specializes in intelligent sensors, highlighted the device’s practical utility. It allows grape pickers to quickly assess ripeness on-site, supporting better decision-making in the vineyard. Additionally, it can be permanently set up in vineyards to monitor grapes continually, offering insights into crop health.

The team at QMUL is collaborating with Extend Robotics and Saffron Grange Vineyard in Essex to integrate this technology into robotic grape pickers, further enhancing harvesting efficiency.

Nick Edwards, director at Saffron Grange Vineyard, emphasized the critical nature of timing in grape harvesting for producing high-quality wine. The RipenAI technology promises significant advantages for winemakers, enabling precise harvesting aligned with the optimal balance of sugar and acidity needed for desired wine styles. With RipenAI, growers will be able to repeatedly monitor ripeness throughout the ripening process, leading to better harvest decisions that can improve wine quality while reducing the need for interventions like de-acidification.

Early field trials have yielded promising data, and the research team is now looking to expand its collaboration with more vineyards and agritech companies in the upcoming harvest season. They believe that widespread adoption of this technology could significantly impact the wine industry, particularly in regions looking to optimize their production methods.

Moreover, the technology is adaptable for various other crops, such as apples and berries, showcasing its potential beyond viticulture. As the U.K.’s wine industry continues to grow, advancements like RipenAI play a crucial role in supporting winemakers in achieving success through improved practices.

A remarkable achievement unfolded recently for Sonoma County when a Grenache from Grey Stack Cellars clinched the top honor at the 14th annual North Coast Wine Challenge. This prestigious award marks the first time a Grenache has won the “Best of the Best” title in this notable wine competition, which gathered more than 1,000 entries from across the region.

The event took place on April 8, 2026, at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, with Grey Stack’s 2023 Grenache from Sonoma Mountain not only winning the overall best prize but also taking home awards for Best Red and Best Sonoma County wine. Additionally, its 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir and Grenache garnered the title of Best Rosé.

Deodora Estate’s Sonoma Coast Riesling secured the title of Best White for the second year in a row, marking a historic consecutive win. Other notable winners included Breathless Wines’ NV Brut for Best Sparkling and Navarro Vineyards’ Late Harvest Riesling for Best Dessert.

Daryl Groom, the chief judge of the competition, expressed enthusiasm over the outcomes, particularly the triumphs of Grenache and Riesling. Traditionally, varietals like Chardonnay or Bordeaux blends often took the upper hand, so this shift in preference highlights evolving consumer tastes, leaning towards lighter wines.

The competition brought together 30 local judges who blind-tasted wines sourced from 220 wineries within the North Coast AVA, which encompasses Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Solano, and Marin counties. Only a select 42 wines moved on to the final sweepstakes round, including various categories such as reds, whites, and sparkling.

Among the notable mentions, the “other white varietals” category, which includes less common varietals, saw significant growth, indicating a rising consumer interest in unique white wines. While Chardonnay remains the most entered varietal, many wineries are expanding their selections to include crisper options to attract a wider audience.

The tasting event not only showcases the diversity of wines produced in the region but also highlights the ongoing commitment of local wineries to elevate their craft. Looking ahead, wine enthusiasts can look forward to savoring the award-winning selections at the North Coast Wine & Food Festival on June 13 at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. For further details, visit northcoastwineandfood.com.

Top Winners of the 2026 North Coast Wine Challenge

• Best of the Best, Best Red, and Best Sonoma County: Grey Stack Cellars 2023 Grenache, Four Brothers Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain
• Best Sparkling: Breathless Wines (NV) Brut, Sonoma County
• Best White: Deodora Estate Vineyards 2023 Riesling, Sonoma Coast
• Best Rosé: Grey Stack Cellars 2025 Rosé of Pinot Noir and Grenache, Four Brothers Vineyard
• Best Dessert: Navarro Vineyards 2025 Late Harvest Riesling, Anderson Valley
• Best Napa County: AMPL 2023 Proprietary Red Blend, Howell Mountain
• Best Mendocino County: Ra Ra Wine Co. 2025 Dry Gewürztraminer, Redwood Valley
• Best Lake County: R Vineyards 2023 Reba Red, Lake County
• Best Solano County: Moshin Vineyards 2024 Chenin Blanc, Solano County