Jon Bates is as home in the wilds hunting mushrooms—including his largest porcini ever encountered (right)—as he is in the dining room. March 3, 2026—When one door closes, another opens, especially if you’re selling mushrooms and fine Italian wine. Right ... See more
All the snow in the east has me thinking about sledding. And right now, the sledding is about as tough as it gets in the wine business. Are you ready for more bad news? On the heels of multiple closures and layoffs at Gallo, the largest U.S. wine company,... See more
February 20, 2026 – The name Rosscienda conjures up an image of a Spanish hacienda, and you would not be wrong. Set in the Aptos hills, off Freedom Blvd, this is a secluded vineyard property in a great wide open platter of land, bordered by forest on two ... See more
Trinity Audioplayer ready... Valentine’s Day might be behind us, but true love is worth celebrating continually. Instead of roses, here are a dozen ways to express your appreciation using the official language of love: sparkling wine. We’ll start with som... See more
February 17, 2026 – There is new evidence of a deepening bear market in wineland. While some areas may be looking up: for example, Wente cites growth in sales of its Chardonnay in the retail market, and Alexander Valley Vineyards, known for its Cabernet S... See more
