February, 22, 2012 Consumers pay more for tongue-twisting wines

(Decanter) - Wine tastes better if a winery is difficult to pronounce, according to new research. n a study by Brock University professor, Dr Antonia Mantonakis, it found English-speaking wine consumers were more likely to buy wine from a winery with a difficult-to-pronounce name. Participants al...

February, 22, 2012 US: OREGON WINE SALES UP FOR 20TH YEAR

(Thedrinksbusiness) - Sales of Oregon wines are expected to rise by 7%-10% this year, marking 20 straight years of growth for the American state.The prediction comes from Silicon Valley Bank, which surveyed winery owners in Oregon, Washington and California. “Tasting room visits at Oregon winer...

February, 22, 2012 US: Idaho: Emergency legislation would remove little-known tax on free sips of wine at tastings

(Spokesman) - Roger Batt, lobbyist for the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers, told the House Revenue & Taxation Committee today that Idaho wineries were surprised last August to receive a letter from the Idaho State Tax Commission, telling them go through their records going back three years, t...

February, 22, 2012 Are Americans' Tastes Changing?

(WineSpectator) - Did you happen to notice the announcements a few weeks ago about how Starbucks and Peet's are now offering lighter-roast coffees? This was no small thing, and I confess that it took me by surprise. Now, I do not consider myself any sort of coffee connoisseur. Oh sure, I buy whole b...

February, 21, 2012 Petrus Vies With Ausone as $11 Million Wine Sales Move to California, U.K.

(Bloomberg) - The most expensive Pomerol producers Chateau Petrus and Le Pin are competing with Bordeaux first- growth Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, Saint-Emilion estate Chateau Ausone and top Burgundies at sales worth as much as $11 million. Five auctions are scheduled this week in London, New York a...

February, 21, 2012 Critics see red over early Brunello previews

(Decanter) - Previews of the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino vintage for the 'privileged few' have sparked fury among wine critics and bloggers. It has been revealed that a number of wine publications and critics have been allowed to taste the 2007 vintage before the official presentation at Benvenuto B...

February, 21, 2012 US: Local vintners ask: What makes a winery?

(LodiNews) - During a beautiful summer wedding set off by scenic Lodi vineyards, what should be the focus of the day? According to current San Joaquin County codes, it’s not the bride. It’s the 2008 Cabernet being served with dinner. Local winemakers are wondering how to draw the line between...

February, 21, 2012 Gaming billionaire ups stake in Treasury Wine Estates

(Decanter) - Casino and gaming billionaire, James Packer, has increased his stake in the world's second largest wine producer, Treasury Wine Estates.The move pushed shares up 3% to $3.80 to hit a three-month high, leading to speculation in the Australian media that its wine industry's fortunes are i...