Views of a local who has been in the hospitality side of the wine biz full- or part-time for about three decades. Maybe more importantly, an avid consumer of the local wines for over 40 years. Mostly general comments on the California wine business because that's what I know.
Norton Safeweb
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Helping the Wine Industry
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Another Reason the Wine Industry is in Trouble
There are fewer people drinking, people drinking less, mostly for health reasons. Consumers have other options like craft beer and hard seltzer. There are other reasons for the decline in sales.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Is Wine Uncool?
There's plenty of talk as to why wine sales and wine consumption have tanked. U.S. drinking is way down, with a record low percentage of Americans saying they don't drink alcohol. That number appears to still be dropping. Health concerns, especially among the younger folks, is the biggest reason given. There are other reasons.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Wine With Food, For Your Health
How healthy/unhealthy is wine? There are mixed signals. It seems that the amount of alcohol consumed and in what circumstances changes the outcome.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Alcohol and Stress
More than one study has shown that a glass of wine can reduce stress. This can help if you have a big decision to make that might be financial or career-related. Maybe you just had a tough day and need a reset. But according to the World Health Organization, “No level of alcohol consumption is safe for your health.” I call BS.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Unique History of Zinfandel
Zinfandel was America's grape. There was no Zin in Europe, so the opinion was it's an American original. In the 1990s, that all changed.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
The Anti-Alcohol Movement
This one is aimed at the wine industry.
The anti-booze, neo-prohibitionists, and sober curious people are having their day. That shouldn't be treated as a problem for those in the wine biz, but it is for many, and that's a mistake.