Wine 1121

Wine Enthusiast’s 2026 Top 100 Cellar Selections highlights several wines from the Columbia Valley, the vast Washington wine region that includes Yakima, Prosser, Red Mountain and Walla Walla. The list is designed for wines to buy now and enjoy years later.

DeLille 2023 Harrison Hill Bordeaux-Style Red Blend

Drink: 2027–2042 | 94 points | No. 85

Wine Enthusiast describes DeLille Cellars’ blend as elegant and nimble, with notes of sweet-tart cherry, balsamic and cedar. A 750-milliliter bottle is listed for $110 on DeLille’s website.

Passing Time 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Drink: Now–2040 | 97 points | No. 49

The Cabernet Sauvignon offers flavors and aromas of ripe Rainier cherries, orange peel and tobacco. Passing Time is owned by former Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Damon Huard, who is from Yakima, and Dan Marino. Bottles are listed for $110 on Passing Time’s website.

Dossier 2022 Halo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Drink: 2040 or later | 98 points | No. 13

Wine Enthusiast reviewer Michael Alberty describes this fuller-bodied wine as lemony and velvety, praising its elegant texture. Dossier Wine Collective is owned by former Seattle Seahawks player Sidney Rice and Yakima developer Tim Lenihan. A 750-milliliter bottle is listed for $225 on Dossier’s website.

Cimento 2022 Cimentare Malbec

Drink: 2045 | 98 points | No. 4

Although it comes from Milton-Freewater, Oregon, rather than Washington, this Malbec is close enough to the Tri-Cities to merit a mention. Alberty notes aromas of blueberry jam on baked bread, accented by coriander and violets. Only 831 bottles were produced, and purchases are limited to people who can log in through the wine’s online listing.

Wine and art have more in common than might first appear: both reflect creativity, craft, and the circumstances of their creation. That connection can also offer a useful way to approach buying wine. Rather than searching for a single “best” bottle, focus on your preferences, budget, and the experience you want.

Set a budget and narrow down your style

Before browsing, decide how much you want to spend and what kind of wine you enjoy. “White wine” or “red wine” is a broad starting point, so try describing the style you want instead—for example, light and crisp, rich and silky, or bold and structured. The occasion can help guide both the style and price.

Ask an expert for guidance

A sommelier or knowledgeable wine-shop employee can help you find a bottle that suits your taste, just as an art curator can help someone navigate a gallery. If you’re unsure how to explain your preferences, bring up wines you’ve liked—or ones you haven’t. Experts can use those examples to suggest options you may not have tried before.

Expect each vintage to be different

Like an artist returning to a familiar subject, a winemaker may work with the same vineyard year after year. The wines can share a recognizable character, while still differing from one vintage to the next because each growing season brings its own conditions.

Describe the mood and texture you’re looking for

You don’t need specialist vocabulary to explain what appeals to you. Words such as “silky,” “lively,” “cozy,” “elegant,” or “bold” can help communicate the style you want. Everyday descriptions are often enough for a wine professional to understand your preferences.

Remember that taste is subjective

Expert recommendations are opinions, not rules. The right wine is ultimately the one you enjoy—not necessarily the most expensive bottle or the one a sommelier prefers. Trust your own response, whether you’re choosing a modestly priced bottle or something more celebrated.

Decide whether you’re buying for sentiment, status, or value

People collect wine for different reasons. Some are drawn to highly sought-after producers; others choose bottles tied to meaningful events, such as saving wine from the year a child was born.

You can also consider whether a bottle is worth cellaring. A wine’s ability to age depends on how it was made and the winemaker’s intentions, not simply its region. Wines with characteristics such as high acidity, tannins, alcohol, or sugar may have elements that help them develop over time, though structure and fruit concentration matter too. Wines intended to be enjoyed young can still be excellent.

If you plan to keep a bottle, store it in a dark, cool place with consistent conditions.

Ultimately, choosing wine is a personal experience, and it doesn’t require a large budget. Notice what you enjoy, tell a professional what you’re looking for, and let your own taste guide what you buy.

Wine has carried names and reputations for centuries. Even in ancient Rome, amphorae were marked with details about a wine’s origin and destination, while taverns advertised different prices for different grades. Many early wine labels have disappeared, but a number of historic producers are still operating today.

Veuve Clicquot

The Champagne house began in 1772, founded by textile merchant Philippe Clicquot. After his son François died in 1805, his widow, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, took over the business.

During the Napoleonic Wars, European trade was in turmoil, but Madame Clicquot believed Russia remained eager for Champagne. In 1814, she took a major risk by arranging to smuggle nearly 10,000 bottles of the 1811 vintage to St. Petersburg. The shipment helped sustain the business until demand for French luxuries recovered.

Veuve Clicquot is now one of the world’s best-known Champagne houses. Madame Clicquot is also credited with advancing the riddling process, which helps remove sediment from sparkling wine, and with pioneering rosé Champagne made by blending red wine with white Champagne.

Taylor Fladgate

Taylor Fladgate’s roots go back to 1692, when English merchant Job Bearsley arrived in Portugal and began trading in wine. The Bearsley family later entered the Port trade and acquired property near Régua in the Douro Valley.

The business faced danger during the Napoleonic Wars, when French troops threatened British merchants and their holdings in Portugal. Joseph Camo, an American citizen, stayed in Porto to oversee shipments to Britain, helping keep the trade moving until British forces retook the city in 1809.

The company took a step toward its modern identity in 1838, when John Fladgate partnered with Morgan Yeatman. Taylor Fladgate is still known for Vintage Port, alongside a wider range of fortified wines.

Ruinart

Often described as the world’s first Champagne house, Ruinart grew from an idea shared by Benedictine monk Dom Thierry Ruinart with his nephew Nicolas, a textile merchant. By 1735, Nicolas had left the cloth trade to focus on Champagne.

In 1877, the house acquired underground chalk quarries, known as crayères, which provided cool conditions for aging wine. The galleries also offered shelter for bottles and helped the business continue during World War I, when bombardments damaged its properties in Reims.

After World War II, Gérard Ruinart and Bertrand Mure renewed the house’s focus on Chardonnay. That direction led to the 1959 Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, named for Dom Thierry. Chardonnay remains central to the brand today.

Moët & Chandon

Claude Moët founded his wine business in 1743, serving French aristocrats and the royal court. His grandson, Jean-Rémy Moët, expanded the company’s reach beyond France and built connections with influential visitors to Épernay, including Napoleon Bonaparte and members of his family.

As the company grew, it began exporting millions of bottles each year. Moët & Chandon later merged with cognac producer Jas Hennessy & Cie in 1971 to form Moët Hennessy. In 1987, the company joined with Louis Vuitton to create LVMH.

Château Lafite Rothschild

Château Lafite Rothschild traces its origins to the 13th century, but its reputation grew under the Ségur family. Jacques de Ségur expanded the vineyards, and his descendant Nicolas-Alexandre de Ségur helped make Lafite popular among European nobility. The wine eventually reached the court of Louis XV at Versailles.

After the French Revolution, the estate passed through several owners. Baron James de Rothschild bought it at auction in 1868. The vineyard later weathered phylloxera, fungal disease and the economic disruption of two world wars.

Following World War II, Baron Élie de Rothschild oversaw its restoration and helped build its international presence. Today, Château Lafite Rothschild remains one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious names.

Château Margaux

Château Margaux’s history reaches back to the 12th century, though vineyards were established much later. In the 1500s, Pierre de Lestonnac replaced the estate’s cereal crops with vines.

By the 18th century, its wines had attracted prominent drinkers, including British Prime Minister Robert Walpole and American diplomat Thomas Jefferson. The French Revolution brought confiscation and the execution of owner Élie du Barry. The estate later earned First Growth status in 1855, but mildew, phylloxera and economic troubles took a toll.

Greek-born businessman André Mentzelopoulos bought Château Margaux in 1977 and began restoring it. His daughter Corinne continued the revival after his death in 1980. The estate is now recognized as one of Bordeaux’s leading First Growth producers.

Sandeman

George Sandeman founded his wine business in London in 1790 with £300 borrowed from his father. At a time when merchants often shipped wine in unmarked barrels, he branded his casks with the initials GSC. In 1811, he bought a Port-aging cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.

By the mid-19th century, Sandeman was shipping thousands of pipes of Port each year. The company expanded internationally in the 20th century and continued to develop its range, including the introduction of Porto Branco, a white Port, in 1964.

After becoming a public company in 1952 and changing hands several times, Sandeman was acquired by Portuguese wine producer Sogrape in 2002. It remains a globally recognized Port brand.

Brotherhood

New York’s Brotherhood began with John Jaques, a cobbler and shopkeeper who started selling grapes in 1835. After grape prices fell, he turned to making sacramental wine in 1839. His sons later expanded the operation under the name Jaques Brothers Winery.

The winery survived Prohibition by producing sacramental and medicinal wines under strict regulations. Later owners Francis and Eloise Farrell helped build its tourism business, drawing large numbers of visitors.

A major fire damaged historic buildings in 1999, but restoration followed. By 2005, the winery was upgrading its facilities and equipment while expanding its vineyards and visitor offerings.

Charles Krug

Charles Krug, a journalist turned winemaker, established his Napa Valley winery in 1861. It became an important influence on other local wine producers, but Prohibition left it dormant and in disrepair.

The Mondavi family acquired the property in 1943 and ushered in a new period of growth, introducing techniques such as cold fermentation for white wines and using French oak to age reds. The winery was designated a California historic landmark in 1956 and later added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Still led by the Mondavi family, Charles Krug produces a range of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Gundlach Bundschu

Bavarian immigrant Jacob Gundlach bought 400 acres in Sonoma Valley in 1858. The first full Rhinefarm vintage followed in 1861. His future son-in-law, Charles Bundschu, joined the business in 1868 and helped expand it, including by opening a branch in New York.

An earthquake and fire destroyed the family’s San Francisco home and winery in the early 20th century. Prohibition brought another setback, but owner Walter Bundschu kept the vineyard operating by selling grapes for juice and to other wineries.

The family returned to winemaking decades later. Jim Bundschu helped revive the operation, with a new vintage produced in 1973 and released commercially in 1976. The winery remains family-run.

Schramsberg

German immigrant Jacob Schram bought more than 200 acres on Napa Valley’s Diamond Mountain in 1862. The winery expanded its vineyards, carved hillside caves for storage and was producing more than 20,000 cases annually by the late 19th century. Its early wines included Zinfandel, Riesling and Sauvignon Vert, as well as sparkling wine.

After Schram’s death, his son sold the property in 1912, and the estate fell into relative obscurity. Its revival began in 1965, when Jack and Jamie Davies bought the neglected winery and focused on sparkling wine.

A defining moment came in 1972, when Schramsberg’s 1969 Blanc de Blancs was served at a state dinner in Beijing during President Richard Nixon’s visit to China. The Davies family still runs the winery, which produces vintage sparkling wines as well as its J. Schram range.

Vinitaly.USA opened in New York City on October 26, bringing together 300 exhibitors and 2,500 Italian wine labels at Pier 36. The event, organized by Veronafiere with the Italian Trade Agency, runs through October 27 and marks the exhibition’s New York debut.

Organizers see the event as a way to help Italian producers reach more American consumers and strengthen their position in the U.S., the leading export market for Italian wine. According to the UIV-Vinitaly Observatory, 35 million Americans currently drink Italian wine. Of nearly 90 million regular wine drinkers in the country, more than 50 million could be potential consumers.

The industry is looking to reach those untapped audiences by adapting to a changing market. Research presented for the event suggests Italian wines appeal across age groups, including younger consumers, while California wines are more heavily concentrated among people over 55.

American wine habits are also shifting. Although drinking wine on its own or with a meal remains common, consumers are increasingly trying it in cocktails, over ice, or mixed with nonalcoholic drinks. A Wine Market Council survey found that 75% of regular wine drinkers consume wine in ways beyond traditional formats. Family habits, restaurant and bar experiences, and social media all influence those choices.

Vinitaly.USA exhibitors are responding to two broad areas of demand: premium wines associated with fine dining and the Italian lifestyle, and more versatile offerings suited to newer serving styles and occasions. Veronafiere General Manager Giovanni Sacripante said the challenge is to understand changing preferences while preserving Italian wine’s regional identity and traditions.

The event also includes the 13th wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum, with more than 20 sessions on market trends, wine tourism, education, and masterclasses. In total, Vinitaly.USA features wineries, regional and industry associations, and wine consortia from across Italy.

The United States imported about $4.9 billion in wine from the European Union in 2025, making it a key market for Italian producers seeking continued growth. Organizers say reaching new audiences will require closer attention to differences in age, ethnicity, and regional demand.

Learn more about Vinitaly.USA | Read the original announcement

Napa Valley’s wine industry is facing serious headwinds. Wineries are struggling to sell grapes, some businesses have filed for bankruptcy, and growers are replacing vines with crops such as olives, pistachios, and agave. Yet a series of recent investments suggests that some buyers see long-term potential in the region.

Caren and Nick Orum, owners of Arborum, have expanded their St. Helena estate by purchasing 24 acres of neighboring land, bringing their contiguous holdings to 44 acres. They plan to replant part of the property and aim to produce wine entirely from estate-grown grapes, farmed regeneratively and certified organic. Caren Orum says those practices may matter increasingly to younger wine drinkers.

Another notable deal was the sale of Artesa in Carneros to Jean-Charles Boisset. Founded in 1992 as Codorniu Napa, the winery is known for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Spanish varieties including Albariño and Tempranillo. Boisset plans to continue that winemaking tradition while using the vineyards for new JCB sparkling wines. He also hopes to turn the estate and its pyramid-shaped winery into an arts center.

Boisset says he believes in Napa’s enduring value despite the industry’s current difficulties, viewing the purchase as a long-term commitment rather than a short-term bet.

Hayes Drumwright has also invested in Napa, acquiring Edge Hill, a historic property that was previously owned by vintner Joel Gott and the Rudd family. Drumwright and winemaker Sam Kaplan plan to replant the vineyard in 2027, replacing its field blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Rhône varieties with Cabernet Sauvignon. The new vines may not be ready for harvest until 2032.

The property’s stone building will serve as a tasting room for Drumwright’s Vida Valiente label until that brand’s winery is complete. Edge Hill will also become the home of a future brand called Ultra Mortem. Drumwright remains optimistic about the valley, pointing to new wealth and a growing generation of potential wine collectors.

At Lawrence Wine Estates, CEO Carlton McCoy sees Napa changing as a new generation of owners and consumers shape the region’s future. The company recently opened Home Ranch, a private hospitality destination at Heitz Cellar where guests can sample wines from several estates in one visit. McCoy says visitors are booking fewer appointments, so the setting offers a way to experience more of the portfolio in a single stop.

McCoy believes today’s leaders can build on Napa’s reputation without needing to prove the valley’s wines are world-class. Instead, he says, the focus can shift toward a less formal, more personal connection with the place and its wines. These investments and new approaches suggest that, despite the industry’s struggles, Napa Valley’s future may be far from settled.

The Prisoner Wine Company’s Unshackled range is designed to offer accessible choices for both new wine drinkers and longtime enthusiasts, with bottles suited to everyday meals and holiday gatherings.

The collection features three California Central Coast wines: Chardonnay for $17.99, Pinot Noir for $22.99, and Cabernet Sauvignon for $19.99. The prices are below those of the company’s traditional Prisoner wines, which generally cost $35.99 to $40.

The Unshackled packaging also uses less material: the bottles have no foil and are made with thinner glass, choices intended to reduce their environmental footprint.

A versatile wine for Thanksgiving

Jake Sanders, a WSET Level 2 wine professional and trade development manager at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, recommends the lighter-bodied Pinot Noir for Thanksgiving. Its versatility makes it a match for dishes such as turkey, duck, chicken, gravy-based foods, and spiced holiday meals.

Chardonnay with a blend

The Unshackled Chardonnay isn’t made entirely from Chardonnay grapes; it includes a touch of Viognier, which contributes aromatic character and a fuller, buttery mouthfeel. The wine has pear aromas and green apple notes, and its acidity works well with creamy dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo.

Winemaker Todd Ricard developed the Unshackled range to make wine more approachable to a wider audience. Sanders advises beginners to focus on the styles and regions they enjoy rather than choosing by price, using those preferences to guide future purchases and restaurant orders.

Learn more about The Prisoner Wine Company.

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and Veronafiere will bring wine industry professionals together in New York for the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum on October 26–27, 2026. Held at Pier 36 alongside Vinitaly.USA, the forum is designed to connect Italian wineries with North American importers, distributors, retailers, buyers and hospitality professionals.

The two-day program will feature seminars, masterclasses, business-to-business meetings and networking, with a focus on market trends and the challenges facing Italian wine in the United States. ITA says the sessions will help producers build relationships with American industry professionals and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Three masterclasses will examine key questions for the sector:

• The future of Italian wine in America: Italian institutions and U.S. wine leaders will discuss trade and investment, brand development, restaurants and changing consumer preferences, with the aim of identifying shared priorities and practical ways to strengthen the relationship.
• What U.S. sommeliers look for: Italian producers and Master Sommeliers will discuss what influences whether a wine is tasted, listed or served by the glass—including price, margins, appellation, availability and distributor support.
• Selling Italian wine tourism: Representatives from travel and hospitality will explore how wineries and wine regions can become bookable, marketable parts of travel itineraries. Topics include service standards, accessibility, logistics, accommodation capacity and partnerships.

The forum is organized by Veronafiere in collaboration with the Italian Trade Agency. The preliminary program and event details are available on the official wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum website.

As the weather cools, many wine drinkers shift from crisp whites and light rosés to fuller-bodied reds. Wine consultant Leslie Sbrocco recommends looking for bottles with dark fruit, earthy aromas, and enough warmth to pair with fall favorites such as soups, stews, pasta, lentils, beans, and grilled mushrooms.

Here are four styles she suggests exploring this season:

Argentinian Malbec

Though Malbec originated in France, Argentina is now its leading producer, particularly around Mendoza near the Andes. These full-bodied wines often offer blackberry, plum, and cherry flavors. Sunny days and cool nights help grapes retain freshness alongside their rich fruit character.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Grown around the world, Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile grape used in many celebrated wines. In Bordeaux, it contributes structure and complexity, often alongside Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Napa Valley Cabernets, meanwhile, are known for concentrated fruit, firm tannins, and a plush texture. If you haven’t enjoyed Cabernet from one region, trying a different region or producer may change your mind.

Grenache

Grenache thrives in warm, dry regions including southern France, Spain—where it’s called Garnacha—and Australia. It tends to be softer and less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon, but still has plenty of body, earthiness, and spice. Its approachable, food-friendly character works well with roasted meats and root vegetables.

Old-vine Zinfandel

California old-vine Zinfandel can be found in areas such as the Sierra Foothills, Sonoma, and Paso Robles. Some vines are more than a century old, producing full-bodied wines with ripe fruit, earthy notes, and spice. Its bold, warming profile makes it a fitting choice for the first truly cold days of the season.

Each category includes a wide range of bottles and prices, so choosing a wine that suits your budget—and asking a shop for tasting notes—can help you find the right fit.

The Livermore Valley has been named Wine Enthusiast’s “Wine Region of the Year,” recognizing the region’s longstanding influence on California winemaking. Livermore helped spread the Concannon cabernet sauvignon clones 7, 8 and 11, as well as the Wente chardonnay clone, across the Western United States.

The honor was celebrated at the 24th annual Taste Our Terroir food and wine competition, held Oct. 15 at the renovated Concannon Barrel Room and Bubbles Lounge. The event’s signature gala brought together local wineries and restaurants for food-and-wine pairings.

A panel of judges that included master sommelier Evan Goldstein, wine writer Betsy Andrews and Chef Daniela Fiala presented these awards:

• Best Classic Pairing: Page Mill Winery and Restaurant L Campo, pairing a 2022 GPS blend of Grenache and Petite Sirah with El Campo’s savory soffrito-filled waffle cone.
• Most Innovative Pairing: Steven Kent Winery and Lanna Thai, pairing 2024 “Rock” Cabernet Franc with slow-braised short rib and southern Thai turmeric curry noodles.
• Judges’ Best Overall Pairing: Occasio Winery and Sabio on Main, pairing 2025 Sauvignon Blanc with Thai green curry and butternut squash shooters.

Pruett Farms and the Cheese Parlor won People’s Choice for Best White Wine Pairing. Their entry combined a 2025 Poulet Sautant Stainless Steel Chardonnay with marinated Australian cheese, bourbon cashews, hot honey, Alto Adige speck and Granny Smith apple.

People’s Choice for Best Red Wine Pairing went to winemaker Rosie Fierro of Rosa Fierro Cellars and Chef Jose Madriz of El Charro. Their pairing featured Fierro’s 2017 “Call Me a Cab” Cabernet Sauvignon with a beef birria tamale.

Fierro said the two business owners wanted their pairing and table display to reflect their Hispanic heritage. Tamales are a tradition at Mexican family gatherings, she said, making them a fitting match for a wine event in their Livermore Valley community.

Occasio won the judges’ overall pairing award for the first time. The winery previously received the Most Innovative award in 2022 for a pairing created by Sabio on Main chef Francis Hogan.

More information about the Livermore Valley wine region is available at lvwine.org.

The regional recognition came as Livermore also mourned the death of Jim Concannon, a third-generation winemaker and longtime figure in the region’s wine industry. Concannon, 95, was known for producing the first varietal bottling of petite sirah in the United States. Budwood from the original Concannon “Mother Vine” was also used to help replant California cabernet vineyards damaged by phylloxera and other diseases.

Separately, the California Association of Winegrape Growers named J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines its 2026 Grower of the Year, citing the company’s work in winegrowing, sustainability and innovation. The family-owned business, founded by Jerry Lohr, operates vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County’s Arroyo Seco and St. Helena.

J. Lohr’s San Jose Wine Center is scheduled to host France in the Fall wine dinners Nov. 6–7. Details and tickets are available through J. Lohr.

Premier Cruz, a Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon event featuring 15 wineries, is set for Oct. 24 at Lexington Hills Estate and Winery in Los Gatos. The program will include library vintages, a McLaren showcase and light bites. Tickets are available online.

Sen. Adam Schiff warned that Canada’s boycott of American wine could cause lasting harm to U.S. wineries, even if the trade dispute that sparked it is resolved.

During a visit to Serres Ranch in Sonoma on Monday, Schiff met with wine industry representatives from Sonoma and Napa counties. He said the boycott had been “devastating,” contributing to more than $500 million in lost U.S. wine exports over 19 months and putting at risk ties with what had been the industry’s largest overseas market.

Canadian anger over President Donald Trump’s tariffs and comments about Canada has spread beyond provinces that restricted U.S. alcohol sales. Alberta is currently the only province allowing California wine to be sold, but Schiff said he heard concerns there, too. He recently met with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and provincial officials, then traveled to Ottawa for discussions with national officials and business representatives.

The decline in exports is steep. U.S. wine shipments to Canada fell 78% in 2025, from $460 million to $103 million, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture trade data. The Wine Institute estimates that the shortfall from March 2025 through June 2026 totaled about $522 million compared with the same period a year earlier.

The institute says the loss is not solely a measure of consumer preference: Most Canadian provinces stopped buying and distributing U.S. alcoholic beverages in March 2025, limiting access to American wine. Still, Canadian consumers and retailers are turning to alternatives. The Calgary Herald reported that demand for U.S. wine was waning in Alberta, while sales of local wine in British Columbia’s government liquor stores rose 157% from the previous year.

Canada’s share of U.S. wine exports dropped from 36% in 2024 to 12% in 2025, moving from the top destination to third place. The decline accounted for most of the drop in the value of U.S. wine exports worldwide, which fell from $1.27 billion in 2024 to about $830 million in 2025. Wine Institute statistics show exports have been trending downward since reaching roughly $1.6 billion in 2016.

Schiff urged fellow senators to visit Canada and maintain relationships with Canadian buyers and officials. He warned that rebuilding the market could be difficult as competitors take up shelf space and form ties with distributors and customers.

“ Shelf space doesn’t sit empty waiting for U.S. wine to come back,” said Wine Institute spokesperson Julie Berge. The organization is working with officials in both countries to restore access and help California wineries rebuild distribution and customer relationships. It says, however, that growth in other markets cannot replace access to Canada.

Schiff also called for changes to federal farm support programs to better serve specialty-crop growers. He said he hopes Congress will pass a farm bill that funds research into vineyard diseases such as red blotch and improves assistance for specialty crops. He also expressed interest in exploring federal wine-labeling legislation.