Grapes remain the highest value fruit crop in the U.S.—estimated at $7 billion. There are a million acres of grape-bearing land in the U.S.—wine grapes, table grapes, and raisin grapes. Continue reading “Grape growing USA 3-27-2024”
Category: Recent Columns
Wine and Holy Week 3-20-2024
For Christians, the coming days are a transition from the promise of Christmas to the time of fulfillment of Easter. Continue reading “Wine and Holy Week 3-20-2024”
Wine challenges 3-13-2024
While wine has been an integral part of civilization for at least 8,000 years, it also is subject to the waxes and wanes of fashion. What is rad and fav today can be tomorrow’s meh. Think merlot. Think white zinfandel. Think Milli Vanilli. Continue reading “Wine challenges 3-13-2024”
Porto 3-6-2024
Porto (port wine) often is mistaken to be a depth-of-winter libation sipped while gazing at a roaring fire, the finale to a robust meal. Porto certainly works in that scenario, but you miss out if you so limit your porto possibilities. Continue reading “Porto 3-6-2024”
Wine facts and trivia, Part Two 2-28-2024
More interesting facts and trivia about wine: Continue reading “Wine facts and trivia, Part Two 2-28-2024”
Wine facts and trivia, Part One 2-21-2023
Some interesting facts and trivia about wine: Continue reading “Wine facts and trivia, Part One 2-21-2023”
Wine glut 2-14-2024
Wine has enjoyed quite a run. Consumption up for decades. Quality up—the best in the 8,000 year history of wine. Availability up, thanks in no small part to elimination of antediluvian restrictions on direct-to-consumer wine sales. Continue reading “Wine glut 2-14-2024”
Valentine’s Day 2-7-2023
Valentine’s Day, the inspired capitalist fabrication of greeting card makers, florists, and chocolatiers, happens next Wednesday. Here are some notions about wine to titillate your cherished someone. Continue reading “Valentine’s Day 2-7-2023”
Scientific proof of terroir 1-31-2024
Terroir is that baffling French term you often encounter with wine. There is another French term that sums up the meaning of terroir—je ne sais quoi [something that cannot be fully described or expressed]. Continue reading “Scientific proof of terroir 1-31-2024”
Old Vines 1-24-2024
You likely have seen the description “old vine” on a wine label. What exactly does that mean and is it important? Continue reading “Old Vines 1-24-2024”