Early this year, the wine world learned of the death of Georges Dubouef, at the age of 86. While his may not be a household name, his wine legacy will live on.

In October of 2019, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on some European still (non-sparkling) wines. Importers, wholesalers and retailers have had to adjust pricing in order to keep bringing these wines to your national retailers and local store shelves so the effect on you as a consumer may have been small or not noticeable at all. Shortly, the US Trade Representative (USTR) is considering imposition of a 100% (on top of that 25% tariff from October) tariff on European wines (including still and sparkling), olive oils, cheeses, Scotch and Irish whiskies.

Viognier is a grape that is as hard to grow as the name is to pronounce. The variety is early ripening, leaving it susceptible to late spring frosts that can burn the delicate buds that would ultimately form all the green growth including the grapes themselves.

With Father’s Day approaching, we pay tribute to the grape father of fathers, Cabernet Franc. Yes, Cabernet Franc! Did you know that Cabernet Franc is the father of Cabernet Sauvignon?