Is the surgeon general’s warning yet another blow to California wine? // After 16 years of writing about wine, David McIntyre says farewell

The U.S. surgeon general has entered the controversial debate over alcohol and health — and it could be yet another blow to a California wine industry in crisis.

Dave McIntyre revisits over a decade and a half of covering wine, including the effects of climate change, emerging regions and more.

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Granholm v. Heald Supreme Court ruling, one of the most critical milestones for the direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping market.

Shares of Constellation Brands, Anheuser-Busch InBev and other makers of beer, wine and spirits fell after the U.S. Surgeon General issued a new warning on the links between alcohol and cancer.

Who in the alcohol biz is working hardest to buy protection?

The study expects 29% of men and 22% of women in France to participate in Dry January in 2025, with 37% among those aged 25- to 34-years-old.

What's on the horizen for wine and alcohol is something new and significant.

The title of this post reflects the actions the Surgeon General is promoting. It's part of a long-term, well-thought-out, and well-funded campaign against consuming alcohol - any amount of alcohol.

The California legislature adopted, and the Governor approved, several amendments to the state’s alcohol laws this past year (with many amendments already in effect) and several new statutes creating privileges and responsibilities.

The Blaye Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), situated in Bordeaux's right bank, is set to undergo substantial modifications following the homologation of its updated production specifications.

Some are concerned about the government’s involvement in the app while others plan to adapt.

Visual branding is so much, much more than just a logo—it’s the full, immersive experience that your customers have with your winery.

Friday’s warning from the US surgeon general that alcohol is a “well-established, preventable cause of cancer” is perhaps a wakeup call for millions of Americans, but it’s the worst-case scenario that many beer and spirits companies have been bracing for over the years.

The category is set to soar by US$4bn by 2028, with the US and Brazil leading the charge in the booming category.

While the volume of wines imported into Germany remains nearly the same, the value has significantly decreased.

From tariffs to climate change, the wine industry will face significant challenges in the year ahead, but changing consumer preferences could also bring opportunities.

At its forefront is Benanti Winery, a name synonymous with the revival of Etna’s winemaking legacy.

For those on the hunt for wines that are affordable and distinctive, along with heritage and climate-change resilience, then there’s a corner of Europe that should serve you well.

There are few more things more contentious in the world of wine then the absence or presence of sulfur.

Chinese author Gus Zhu MW Zhu has given us another, gentler place to turn for answers when pondering what we are tasting and why. 

At the young age of 25, George started working as production manager and head winemaker at Charles Krug Winery. 

Family and friends share stories about the wine industry pioneer who died in early December of pancreatic cancer.