California’s wine industry is navigating a period of profound transformation. Over the past few years, the state has witnessed an overwhelming surplus of grapes, tumbling demand, drastic market shifts, and seismic distribution changes. Once buoyed by strong vintages and steady consumer interest, the landscape today demands both clarity and adaptation.

Sam Lerman, CEO of Spyrt Worldwide, a company focused on importing Ukrainian wine, vodka, and other spirits, visited City Vino to share his remarkable journey, the story of SHABO Winery, and a flight of eight Ukrainian wines with the King George Wine Society. The evening was a captivating blend of history, personal mission, and exceptional winemaking. Here are the highlights of a night that took guests from the shores of the Black Sea to the vineyards of Odesa, Ukraine.

Blended wines are like perfectly curated guest lists—each grape varietal brings its unique personality, creating a harmony that’s greater than the sum of its parts. From the structured elegance of Bordeaux, to the bold flavors of Portugal, these blends showcase the best of what teamwork can achieve in a bottle. Let’s take a closer look at the grapes that turn these regional blends into unforgettable experiences.

This Thanksgiving, as we gather around the table, Chilean wines offer a taste of history and a touch of adventure—beginning with País, the very first grape variety planted in Chile, brought over by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s. Long before French varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot arrived, País was the foundational grape, thriving in Chile's unique, isolated landscapes. Known in Europe as Listán Prieto, this grape traveled across the ocean on the ships of Spanish explorers, becoming one of the oldest surviving varietals in the New World.