Passion for wine? One way to follow up on that passion is to invest in some formal education – learn more about viticulture and vinification, tips on tasting and enjoyment, and where and how the best wines are made.

Do you purchase wine at the best possible price? Are you worried about the survival of small wine industry players? Can you do both?

Wine Scores? Wine Labels? Are these the best criteria when choosing a bottle of wine?

When are “facts” true but somewhat misleading or at the very least, open to interpretation? In a new report by the Marine Institute, the Californian wine industry is depicted as fully owned and controlled by large, global alcohol focused corporations, debunking many hard working, dedicated, tax paying small family wineries, that yes…. do exist.

There are countless reviewers and wine critics rating hundreds if not thousands of wines. Should these ratings be the basis by which you purchase wine or should you ignore them entirely?

Approximately five months have passed since I published the Top 50 Wineries on Twitter in July. What has happened since the first report? New wineries are taking advantage of the medium while the leaders continue to grow!

What do state regulators, control state executives, public health advocates, anti-alcohol organizations and wholesalers have in common? They all have a vested interest in keeping the status quo.

Wine can be made from any fermentable fruit. In the middle of the 19th century apple cider (wine) and grape wine were lauded for health reasons and to deter the drinking of high alcohol alternatives such as highly fortified wines and distilled beverages.

Have wine buying patterns changed since the recession? Are these changes likely only temporary or permanent? Data would suggest that at the very least new buying patterns are here for a while.

It never ceases to amaze me! Someone in government comes up with a good idea that will promote local industry and increase local revenues only to be opposed by a group determined to keep the status quo… even if it may be good for their business.