Silicon Valley Bank Releases 2026 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Report // Wildfire near edge of California Wine Country reaches 362 acres, closes Highway 128

Responses from 450 family wineries reveal a widening gap between those growing and those declining across the direct-to-consumer wine channel.

A wildfire near the edge of Northern California’s Wine Country grew to 362 acres Monday, forcing the closure of part of Highway 128 and prompting evacuation warnings before firefighters gained some control of the blaze, officials said.

For reasons known only the office of the Ohio Solicitor General, the state of Ohio has chosen not to seek an en banc panel review of the 6th Circuit to resolve the circuit’s conflict on alcohol retail shipping. 

Modesto-based alcohol producer and distributor Gallo announced it will close one of its facilities and lay off 20 workers, industry publication Wine Business reported, the latest in a string of shutdowns the company has enacted during a troubling period for the wine industry.

The wine industry needs to have use both a “carrot and a stick” in order to raise labour standard in viticulture and the supply chain – which may be an “unsexy” topic, but one of increasing importance.

The arrival of El Niño is expected to be declared 'imminently', with meteorologists warning there is a 40% chance the storm could escalate into a rare "Super El Niño".

Roughly 16% of U.S. wineries lowered their tasting fees in 2025. This shift was most widespread in Napa and Sonoma counties, which have the highest tasting fees in the U.S.; roughly 30% of wineries in each region reported dropping their prices. 

One prominent Athens hotel has decided to stock its wine cellar exclusively with Assyrtiko. Sarah Neish discovers why the list, which includes bottles priced from €75 to €650, offers a "liquid history" of Greece.

Beverage professionals break down the process of transforming an idea into a market-ready product, from formulation and sourcing to branding and compliance.

The mindful consumer is not a niche. They are an increasingly central segment of the premium wine market and reward brands that take them seriously.

While providing a last-ditch survival option for people trapped amid a wildfire provides an obvious benefit, refuges could also deter people from evacuating.

Amid the river’s worst water year on record and deadlocked negotiations over its future, the Bureau of Reclamation announced it will impose a new 10-year management plan if the states relying on the river don’t come to an agreement.

A cloud hangs over the future of the famous Barossa brand as its maker, Treasury Wine Estates, looks to cull more than half of its labels.

Treasury has identified 10 key brands to focus on and invest in, and is undergoing a strategic review of its struggling US business.

California retailer K&L Wine Merchants is in expansion mode, having recently opened its first East Coast location in New York City.

A heavy majority believe more departures are on the horizon.

The decree and order setting out the conditions for experimental drone spraying programmes in France came into effect on Monday June 1.

An increasing number of Bordeaux producers are stepping outside appellation rules in favour of Vin de France, seeking greater freedom over grape varieties, winemaking techniques and branding.

New provisions could leave gene-edited Pinot Noir and Riesling in limbo.