Getting Folks Back to the Tasting Room

Some are ready to come back out wine tasting now any way they can. Some will not come back until things get back to the normal of a few months ago. Then there is what's probably the largest group of folks in the middle that will maybe come back, depending on certain conditions. It may be if they feel safe. It may be if they think it will still be fun.

Is the Wine Industry Racist?

There is a handful of Black-owned wineries in California. For that matter there isn't a whole lot of Mexican-American owned ones either even though there are many Hispanic people employed by wineries (mostly in the field and the cellar).

You can see a list of Black-owned wineries from Wine Enthusiast.

A Short History of California Merlot

If you're going to talk about California Merlot there is one event that defines everything that went before and after. It's called the French Paradox and it happened in 1991.

Wine (and Alcohol) Jokes

Friday laugh time

California's ABC, Our Own Little Fascist State

The Golden State's Department of Alcohol Beverage Control with an annual budget of something like $85 million is the regulatory body for all things alcohol. They make up rules, they enforce them, they do it all. Some things done in the past have been kind of laughable, but not many will laugh in public for fear of retaliation. They have ABC "cops" that can show up at your business at any time and look at anything they want. Warrant? They don't need no stinking warrant.

Now under the pretext of the current pandemic emergency they've decided to do away with due process. I mean, that does make their job more difficult when they have to prove something before punishment is rendered. Now they can go in and if there's something they don't like they can shut you down on the spot. No, it doesn't have to be covid/public health related. Your bar could just be too rowdy for them (a disorderly house in ABC speak).

You can read more from the legal experts.

Sieg Heil, boys.

A Short History of California Chardonnay

Chardonnay has been the best selling wine in the U.S. for a long time so it would seem it's not affected by wine trends. Or is it? Let's take a look at Chardonnay beginning about 1970 when premium wine production ramped up in the Golden State.

Fri Wine Funnies

Cuz, damn, we need a laugh!

Now Might be the Time to Visit Napa Valley

Napa Valley is world famous and draws the corresponding crowds. Of course, until recently almost all businesses have been closed, but Napa Valley wineries are starting to open back up. The wineries and restaurants will, of course, be operating differently. But if you wanted to visit Napa, but were put off by the crowds, then 2020 is probably the year for you. Without the out-of-state visitors traffic should be light.

Wineries are requiring appointments so you'll have to plan ahead. With social distancing rules most will be seeing fewer guests. You'll want reservations at most restaurants, too. And remember to BYOM (bring your own mask).

Opportunities for Wineries Post-Lockdown

During the lockdown we've seen wine sales via shipping go up by triple digit amounts and retail sales, mostly in grocery stores, go up by double digits. Counteracting that is sales via the tasting room is near zero other than wine clubs.

As wineries open under new rules how can they maintain the good while gaining back where they've lost? Well, ain't that the million dollar question.

Sonoma County Opening Up

Currently there are a few dozen wineries offering tastings with food in an outdoor setting and by reservation. The county health officials decided food was required in this first phase though I'm not clear why. Some restaurants are open with outdoor seating. This might be changing as early as this Saturday, June 6th.