Each year the world produces about 28 billion liters of wine.  Approximately 70% is sold through supermarkets.  So what is wrong with a little healthy competition? Nothing in theory. Unfortunately, large chains are selling wine at or below cost simply to fill carts with groceries. Loss leading products are nothing new,...

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A few months ago a web posting was forwarded to me with the ominous sounding link biodynamicshoax.wordpress.com. Started by Stuart Smith, it is a series of articles and commentaries about the pseudo-science, superstition and ritualistic behavior behind biodynamics. It is "affectionately" titled "Biodynamics is a Hoax." It is true that many...

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Over two years ago a comprehensive and independently peer-reviewed Life Cycle Analysis was completed on the environmental impact of natural corks, aluminium screw caps, and plastic closures.  It was audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers. The study found that CO2 emissions — a key factor in global warming — resulting from the life cycle...

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A fellow winemaker told me why he entered competitions. “It is pretty much a lottery. You pay your money, send your wine in and if you win an award, great. If not, you just move on to the next one. Unless your wine is truly awful eventually you will win...

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Last year, Michael Mondavi rattled the cages of corporate producers of wine – including the largest, Constellation, who purchased Mondavi wines in 2005. As reported in an article in Harpers, Michael Mondavi bluntly states major corporations are not capable of success in the fine wine market. “…only independent or family businesses...

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When you're a wine maker and you meet enthusiasts like our collectors and patron club members, they always ask your opinion - first on wine and then on the culture and business of wine making, wine growing, wine reviewers and wine issues ranging from the screw cap vs cork debate to prices, sustainability...

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