Latest dispatches

Things To Do in Napa Valley in Summer 2026

Napa Valley in summer is one of those experiences that gets under your skin in the best possible way. The vines are full and green, the light turns everything gold by late afternoon, and the pace of life slows down just enough to remind you what a real break feels like. Whether you are planning […] The post Things To Do in Napa Valley in Summer 2026 appeared first on Candlelight Inn . The post Things To Do in Napa Valley in Summer 2026 appeared first on Candlelight Inn .

Wine Faults To Know: Volatile Acidity

It’s 2025 and New Laws for the Alcoholic Beverage Industry are Here, or Coming Soon

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.

Ohmygod–Part 1 On the Plane?

OK, I really mean it this time… For those long-term readers of this blog, you are no doubt familiar with Ohmygod, a client that I had for three weeks of bike trips in Europe. I started recounting this story way … Continue reading →

Hygiene | The importance of consistency

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. That age-old adage is especially true when it comes to winning over the approval of discerning beer lovers. For the lesser-known breweries, the need to make that first customer experience an all-round palate-pleaser is absolutely critical. Your branding could be powerful, eye-catching and memorable,...

A Litigtion Strategy Is The Only Hope To Combat Alcohol Wholesaler Consolidation

A couple million dollars should do the trick to rebalance the industry

Turning the Tables on Kat Anderson

Kathryn Anderson is an author, travel journalist, and speaker whose work has appeared in publications worldwide. As the creator of the award-winning site Coffee and Mascara, she guides readers toward [...]

Judge Nominations for Next Gen International Wine Awards Close May 15

The under-40 judging model is central to the competition’s mission: providing wineries with meaningful insight into how the next generation evaluates quality, price, packaging, and brand relevance...

Almost-Summer Recipe Pairings Currently Living Rent Free in My Head

Almost-summer has its own kind of intoxication. It starts somewhere between golden hour and the first text that says “come over, I’m trying a new recipe!” Suddenly everybody becomes a little more attractive holding a wine glass in the kitchen or the patio, with bad lighting and vibey music. Nobody knows what time it is, [...]

Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Venezia DOC Spumante Rosé: The Wine of Poets

Iconic Italian Wine We’re pairing Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti with “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s a celebration of la dolce vita, the Italian good life, especially through food and drink. This wine’s name, Il Vino dei Poeti, means “The Wine of Poets,” a tribute to artists who expressed the joy of life, much like Elizabeth finds her spark again over a perfect meal. This iconic Italian rosé sparkling wine is one of the most recognizable wines in the Bottega portfolio, appreciated for its freshness, elegance, and visual appeal. Crafted by Bottega, […]

1701 Franciacorta, la biodinamica come atto di libertà

C’è una Franciacorta che guarda avanti riscoprendo radici antiche, e poi c’è 1701 Franciacorta , che quelle radici le abita davvero, dentro un vigneto murato dell’XI secolo, il Brolo, da cui tutto prende nome e senso: una data, 1701, che non è marketing ma memoria liquida di una delle prime vinificazioni di questo angolo di Lombardia. Qui, a Cazzago San Martino, nel cuore dell’anfiteatro morenico affacciato sul Lago d’Iseo, la vite cresce su suoli di sabbia e limo, profondi e vitali, modellati dai ghiacciai e accarezzati da un microclima mitigato dall’acqua, condizioni ideali per generare quella tensione minerale che è la firma più autentica del territorio. Ma 1701 Franciacorta non è solo geografia: è una storia recente che affonda in un passato lungo oltre tre secoli, rinata nel 2012 grazie alla visione di Silvia e Federico Stefini che, insieme a un gruppo di amici, rilevano la storica tenuta della famiglia Conti Bettoni Cazzago e decidono di cambiare paradigma, scegliendo la via più

Wines That Make Girls’ Night Better (Without Overthinking It)

Girls’ night isn’t about wine rules—it’s about connection, laughter, and something good in your glass. The best wine for girls night is easy to drink, food-friendly, and fun enough to keep the vibe going all night. At Corus Imports, we focus on Georgian wines that naturally fit these moments—wines that are expressive, approachable, and made for sharing around the table. Here are the best styles to bring to your next casual gathering. Semi-Sweet Georgian Red + Snack Boards & Sweet Moments Best...

Best Wines for Celebrations (Without the Champagne Price Tag)

When people think of celebrations, they often default to champagne. But the truth is, you don’t need an expensive French label to make a moment feel special. The best wine for celebration is the one that brings people together, tastes exceptional, and feels meaningful, while not overpaying for the occasion. Georgian wines offer exactly that: heritage, craftsmanship, and depth, with styles that fit perfectly into birthdays, anniversaries, dinners, and milestones. Here are the best celebration...

The Judgement of Paris: the legacy continues…

…. with more and more regions now empowered to challenge established regions and produce world-class wines, believes the International Wine and Food Society (IWFS), host of the all-new event, The Judgement +50 It was an indisputable part of the history […] The post The Judgement of Paris: the legacy continues… appeared first on Ruma Singh .

Wine & Tourism in Sicily: Benanti Winery Shows the Way

Sue and I have just returned from a trip to Sicily. We went as tourists — Sicily is one of the few regions of Italy we haven’t visited until now — but you can be sure that wine was always on our minds. Sicily’s Tourism Boom We were not alone. Tourism is booming in Sicily, […]

Is Douro Valley Worth Visiting in 2026? A Local’s Guide

If you are planning a trip to Portugal and asking yourself, “Is Douro Valley worth visiting in 2026?”, the answer is a resounding yes. As locals, we've seen this region evolve from a hidden gem into one of the most sophisticated wine destinations in the world , all while keeping its soul intact.

The Featured Croatian Wines of 2026

It was easily shown in the general Croatia and Dalmacija Reports that there’s a great deal happening in this corner of Southern Europe. While Croatia isn’t enormous in terms of wine production, there were nearly 350 wines in those two reports, so it’s worth looking at a smaller, Featured Selection that’s just 5% of the larger total, but which are wines that sum up the general scope of excellence being produced currently. The following are not in any kind of ranking, but are listed in alphabetical order as per the […] For full access, please log in or purchase a subscription.

Konstantin Baum MW: “It is us wine nerds who talk about lighter wines. Most of the market is looking for something else”

The German Master of Wine analyses the gap between the wine industry’s narrative and real consumer behaviour: while a niche audience is looking for freshness and lower alcohol, the broader market is still driven by price, recognisability and immediate pleasure. L'articolo Konstantin Baum MW: “It is us wine nerds who talk about lighter wines. Most of the market is looking for something else” proviene da Wine Meridian .

Featured Selection Croatia 2026

The following are a refined selection of wines from the larger Croatia and Dalmacija Reports from 2026. For full access, please purchase a Personal Subscription or Commercial Subscription.