Episode description

Today in Wine News

Non-alcoholic options have been steadily increasing in popularity over the past few years, and more and more scientists have been commissioning studies on how much alcohol can affect a person’s overall health. The United States specifically has seen a new wave of teetotalers promoting neo-Prohibitionist rhetoric that has been scaring away wine drinkers present and future, at a critical point when wine is fighting an uphill battle to expand its audience while retaining the light to moderate drinkers that make up a majority of wine enthusiasts.

So who should consumers believe when it comes to the health benefits, or health detriments, of wine? Is there such a thing as a healthy level of consumption?

Keep listening to learn more.

Fine wine is grounded in time and place, and when enjoyed in moderation, can be a thrilling and delicious glimpse into history, society, and science in a glass. Please remember to drink responsibly.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Further Reading

* Find help for substance abuse (USAGov website)

* “Is Wine Facing Prohibition 2.0?” (Kathleen Willcox/WineSearcher)

* “What did you do in the booze wars?” (Andy Neather/The View from My Table)

* “A famous local wine writer said she hates Dry January. That started a social media firestorm - and a movement.” (Sarah Doyle/The Press Democrat)

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In Other News

Here are some additional highlights:

The Court of Master Sommeliers - Americas has announced a new Master Sommelier. Congratulations to Master Sommelier Myles Trapp, from Napa Valley, California, on a milestone achievement.

* “How The Newest Master Sommelier in 2024 Passed the Test” (Jill Barth/SevenFiftyDaily)

Criolla Chica, a grape known in Europe as Listán Prieto, is now legally recognized as a quality grape in Argentina. In an August bulletin from the Instituto Nacional de Viniviticultura, also known as the INV, Criolla Chica has been upgraded to a “high quality red grape”, changing its previous designation as a pink rosado grape.

* “Criolla Chica granted quality status in Argentina” (Sorrel Moseley-Williams/Decanter)

And finally, after months of secrecy, the sale price of Domaine William Fèvre has been made public. In January 2024, Domaines des Barons de Rothschild, the luxury wine conglomerate that also owns Château Lafite Rothschild in Bordeaux and Viña Los Vascos in Chile, acquired Fèvre in a deal for a previously undisclosed sum. According to recent reporting from Bloomberg, it is estimated that Domaines des Barons de Rothschild, or DBR, paid about $99 million dollars to acquire the famed estate.

* “Eyewatering price revealed for William Fevre acquisition” (Sarah Neish/The Drinks Business) 

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That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!

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We’ll be back next Thursday with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers and happy drinking!

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