Today's Wine News -- Weird, Good, Ugly

There are several bits of interesting wine-related news coming out in the last few days. The first one is something you'll probably never need to know. The second has to do with the booming economy. Next is a "shame on you" bit. Last is a wine country bungalow for sale (yes, we all live like this).

For the Outbreak of Nuclear War

Resveratrol, the anti-oxidant in red wine that has numerous health benefits, has just gained another one. Those doomsdayers that stock a bunker with guns, water, and food will now want to add a wine cellar. Why? Because Resveratrol helps prevent cell damage from nuclear radiation.
 

California Tourism is Up

The last six years have seen an increase in tourism dollars every year. Sonoma County had $1.82 billion in direct tourism spending in 2015, up 2.3% from 2014. Napa had $1.27 billion in spending up 8.9%. What does this mean to you if you're coming? Book sooner rather than later!
Article from the Press Democrat.

Way to go Gallo. Not.

About eleven years ago Gallo bought Barefoot Cellars. This is why you see Barefoot everywhere as Gallo has the distribution power to promote their many brands. In the days before Gallo moving into the more premium wines they were often criticized for making their fortune off the winos on the street based on their crappy, cheap, fortified (meaning high alcohol) wine-like products. Gallo denied this or just said well, it's not their fault. Their latest "lifestyle" product tries to come across more as soda pop. Barefoot Refresh Spritzers are supposed to be a go-anywhere canned summer fun pick-me-up. Looks to me like it's aimed at 17 year old females. Downplaying the fact that's it's an alcoholic drink is Gallo at its finest in deniability.
 

Wine Country Real Estate

Here's your typical house for sale. It's called a vineyard villa. The property is located in the hills between Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Just four million bucks! No, I don't know why it's so cheap. (click on the photo to enlarge)
 

If you like to spread out a bit then this one is claimed to be the largest piece of privately-owned property in the county. However, it's $39 million for this 8,000 acre (12 sq mile) cattle ranch so your payments will be a little higher.