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David Lett, founder of Oregon Pinot Noir, dies
Pinot Noir pioneer David Lett died last week at his home in Dundee, Oregon, at the age of 69.
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Riedel sues Eisch over breathable glass claims
Wine glass manufacturer Riedel has filed a lawsuit in Germany against competitor Eisch challenging its marketing of a new line of glassware as ‘breathable’.
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Norman de Leuze: obituary
Norman de Leuze, founder of Napa Valley’s ZD Wines died last week at the age of 75 following a long battle with cancer.
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Sanfords take back their tasting room
Richard and Thekla Sanford have reclaimed the former Sanford tasting room facility in Santa Rita Hills for their new brand, Alma Rosa.
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Constellation snaps up Beam Wine Estates
Constellation Brands this week bought Beam Wine Estates for US$885m.
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Windfall for Davis after Frog’s Leap purchase
A US$12.5m windfall has boosted the coffers of University of California Davis – at the same time as increasing the holdings of Frog’s Leap Winery.
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Wine gains on beer as US youth drink of choice
Wine is gaining ground on beer as the drink of choice for young Americans, a Nielsen survey has found.
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Napa property on market for $34m
A 12-acre Napa Valley property is for sale for US$34m.
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‘Storm’ of negative pr as wine.com sneaks on rivals
Wine.com has brought ‘a bleep-storm of negative PR’ on itself after reporting fellow retailers for breaking state shipping laws.
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Sbragia leaves full-time role at Beringer
Veteran Beringer winemaker Ed Sbragia is handing over winemaking duties to his deputy Laurie Hook.
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Belgian customs destroys shipment of ‘California champagne’ – pictures
Last week, Belgian customs authorities seized and destroyed 3,200 bottles of Californian Andre sparkling wine.
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Writers’ strike: Judgment of Paris on hold
With the Writers Guild of America strike still in full effect, production of the film Judgment of Paris is on hold.
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Napa Valley Vintners ‘green’ programme open
The Napa Valley Vintners association has expanded its Napa Green Certified Winery programme.
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Tim Mondavi back on the wine scene with Continuum
Tim Mondavi and family have officially re-entered the wine game with release of Continuum.
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Jamie Davies: obituary
Jamie Davies, who died on Tuesday at the age of 73, was co-founder of Napa Valley’s Schramsberg Vineyards and one of the first generation of true Napa pioneers.
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Taint, oxidation forces Leeuwin to re-bottle old vintages
Top Australian producer Leeuwin is re-bottling its flagship Chardonnay under screwcap following frustration with defects caused by corks.
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Second San Francisco Paulee soaks up the Burgundy
Daniel Johnnes’ second La Paulee event has just taken place in San Francisco – with a who’s who of sommeliers and chefs in attendance.
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Shoup, Huneeus buy Wallula
Former Chateau Ste Michelle chief Allen Shoup and Agustin Huneeus have joined forces to buy Wallula Vineyard in Washington.
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Oregon harvest up for third year running
Oregon crushed the most grapes ever in 2007 as the state’s wine industry shows continued growth for the third year running.
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Schramsberg will contested
The will of Schramsberg founder Jamie Davies is being contested by her son John Davies, who was disinherited last year.
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Dennis T Collins: obituary
Dennis T Collins, general manager of California’s Treana Winery since 2002, has died of cancer aged 60.
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Coppola denied permission to floodlight winery
A Sonoma County zoning board has denied Francis Ford Coppola permission to illuminate his Rosso & Bianco winery with multi-coloured floodlights.
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California growers face frost and water shortage
April frosts have caused widespread damage to vines in northern California, and water shortage is hampering the use of sprinklers to protect them.
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Americans trade down and keep wine market stable
Recent sales figures suggest that despite the American mortgage crisis, economic weakness and the low dollar, Americans are still bullish on wine.