Category Archives: Wine

How a ‘Natural Experiment’ Explains Policy Failures During Covid

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

When I put on my academic hat, I become an ethnographer. That’s essentially a fancy term for a journalist, a story teller.  It’s the opposite of what most people consider “science,” but it is probably very useful for explaining large … Continue reading →

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Demand for Wine Reflects Uncertainty as World Emerges from Covid: Ciatti

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

In its latest market report, Ciatti notes that wine production in all Northern Hemisphere countries are lighter than average.  Italy and Spain are down 9%, OIV estimates, which is pocket change compared to France’s 27% drop since 2020.  California’s production, … Continue reading →

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California Vintners See 2021 Vintage as One of Best in Recent Years

Posted on November 10, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

The ongoing drought presented challenges for winegrowers, resulting in reduced yields, but vintners are reporting outstanding quality and great concentration in the fruit, Wine Institute said. California produces about 80% of the nation’s wine, making it the world’s fourth-largest wine-producing … Continue reading →

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Uruguay’s Great Wines Looking for U.S. Distributors

Posted on November 6, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

Uruguay’s wine producers produce exceptional wines, wine writer Amanda Barnes says.  And they are looking for U.S. distributors.  Listen to my interview here, and read the notes below. Uruguay is a nation of small family vineyards, more that 600 in all that … Continue reading →

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Sonoma County Grape Harvest: ‘Near Perfect Year for Growing Grapes’

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

What a difference a year can make.  In 2020, we were concerned about the safety of our friends in Sonoma County.  This year, the folks there are celebrating the end of harvesting and say that while the grape yield appears … Continue reading →

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California Wineries Sweating Over Water

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Joel Whitaker

That’s the conclusion reached from early returns in Silicon Valley Bank’s annual winery conditions survey. “Water is clearly a worry with 42% of responders expressing concern they may have a serious problem in 2022, while 51% are on edge but … Continue reading →

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