Winter In Sonoma County (pics)

In case it's dreary at home, and you want a break, here's what you might find in Sonoma County in the winter months. All are my photos from past years.

Wine Industry Report for 2026

The Silicon Valley Bank's Wine Division puts out an annual report on the financial state of the American wine industry. The data comes from wineries returning a survey of their past year's performance. Their State of the US Wine Industry report is required reading for many in the wine business. Below are a few key points. Go here and click on Download Now to see the full report.

Wine Faults

Something ain't quite right with your wine, but you aren't sure what it might be or if it's just you. Following are the most common problems you can find with wine. Some of them happened at the winery, the others in storage, in transit, or in your hands.

Describing Sonoma County Towns

If you are wondering where to stay when visiting Sonoma County, rather than asking people on Reddit or looking at a map, use this handy description guide to pick what fits your personality.

Towns listed from large to small. 

Visiting Sonoma County in the Winter

Is an off-season visit right for you? Here are pros and cons of a winter visit. The same applies for Napa, our next door neighbor.

Other California Wine Towns

Lots of people know about the wine towns of Napa Valley (Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga), and next door in Sonoma County (Sonoma, and Healdsburg). These burgs tend to be cutesy and pricey. California has other wine towns that aren't so well known, maybe not so cute, and probably not so expensive. 

It's Supposed to be Wine TASTING

Napa Valley and its small towns sometimes have issues with people overdoing it. Luckily, it seems most folks are aware of the potential to overindulge and hire a driver, have a designated-driver, or keep their winery stops to two per day.

Top Wine Stories of 2025

Welcome to 2026. We made it! Following are some of last year's big stories relating to the U.S. alcohol industry.

Best Wines $20 and Under

The best low-cost wines, according to Wine Enthusiast. The wine magazine put together their list of favorite inexpensive wines from the past year, The Top 100 Best Buys. Forty-four were American wines, including the #1 wine, Method 2023 California Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $20, but often selling for around $15.

The #9 wine

Largest Wine Retailers

America's largest wine retailers are a couple of warehouse-type stores. Total Wines passed up Costco for the number one spot in 2024. The difference between the two is Total Wines specializes in wine, and it's right there in the name. Costco is a membership "club" that sells everything. 

Helping the Wine Industry

  Wine consumption is down, and most are citing the cause is the belief that alcohol is bad for you in any quantity. The wine industry is shrinking. What could help right the ship? 

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.