Category: US Wine

Assouline Releases Wine & Travel United States of America – A Strategic Lens on American Wine Tourism and Cultural Branding

I’m thrilled to receive a copy of Assouline’s Wine & Travel United States of America – fresh off the press!

With a quick overview, this latest publication from Assouline offers a timely exploration of the American wine industry through the dual lenses of culture and tourism. Authored by Enrico Bernardo, World’s Best Sommelier (2004), the book reveals how America’s wine regions are shaping both consumer tastes and the nation’s global identity for premium wine tourism, presenting these regions not only as destinations but also as cultural expressions of land, climate, and community.

Bernardo takes readers from California’s Santa Barbara, where Rhône varietals thrive in the Pacific breeze, to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, globally recognized for its refined Pinot Noir. Along the way, he highlights the distinct terroirs of Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, the pioneering sustainability of Sonoma and Mendocino, and the charm of New York’s Finger Lakes. Each chapter underscores how geography, climate, and human vision intersect to create wines that reflect a nation’s spirit of innovation and tradition.

Beyond viticulture, Wine & Travel: USA celebrates the art of hospitality and the culinary traditions that define American wine culture. From Michelin-starred dining in Napa to the approachable tasting rooms of emerging regions, Bernardo further illustrates how wine tourism is a key driver of regional economies and as a catalyst for cross-sector growth in gastronomy, hospitality, and cultural heritage.

A celebrated figure in gastronomy, Bernardo was named Best Sommelier in the World in 2004. His career includes helming Michelin-starred restaurants, global consulting, and authoring seminal works such as The Impossible Collection of Wine and The Impossible Collection of Champagne. With Wine & Travel: USA, he offers both oenophiles and travelers an immersive journey across vineyards, valleys, and coastlines, positioning American wine as a cultural treasure on the world stage.

For wine tourism professionals, the publication reinforces the importance of storytelling, hospitality innovation, and sustainability in strengthening regional identity. It provides not only inspiration but also strategic insight into how American wine destinations can continue to expand market share and cultural resonance on the global stage.

I’m looking forward to digging in and reading this thoughtful study of how American wine regions are redefining global wine tourism!

USA Today Recognizes Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery as America’s Leading Destination for Wine Tours and Tastings

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region has been named the Best Winery Tour in the United States by the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition underscores the winery’s enduring role in advancing American viticulture and wine tourism through innovation, history, and experiential hospitality. In addition to securing the top honour for winery tours, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery also ranked among the nation’s leading wine tasting rooms, highlighting its 1886 Food & Wine Experience, where visitors enjoy curated tours followed by seated tastings paired with seasonal culinary creations. The winery’s tasting facilities, knowledgeable staff, and panoramic views of Keuka Lake reinforce its position as a premier destination for wine education, heritage, and sensory exploration.

Here are the results of USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Tours, 10 Best Tasting Rooms, and 10 Best Winery Restaurants:

USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Tours

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

Baldacci Family Vineyards (Napa, California)

Eberle Winery (Paso Robles, California)

Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma, California)

Jordan Vineyard & Winery (Healdsburg, California)

Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Geyserville, California)

Grape Creek Vineyards (Fredericksburg, Texas)

Cline Family Cellars (Sonoma, California)

Benziger Family Winery (Glen Ellen, California)

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards (Solvang, California)

USA Today’s 10 Best Tasting Rooms

Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

Final Girl Wines (Solvang, California)

Rune Wines (Sonoita, Arizona)

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards (Ashland, Oregon)

Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

Boordy Vineyards (Hydes, Maryland)

McPherson Cellars (Lubbock, Texas)

USA Today’s 10Best Winery Restaurants

Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez, California)

Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton, Oregon)

The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles, California)

Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay, Michigan)

The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard (Burdett, New York)

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (Spokane, Washington)

Bolero Restaurante (Temecula, California)

Farm Cafe (Lodi, California)

Pronghorn Pizza (Sonoita, Arizona)

The Kitchen at Abeja (Walla Walla, Washington)

USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Restaurants

Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez, California)

Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton, Oregon)

The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles, California)

Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay, Michigan)

The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard (Burdett, New York)

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (Spokane, Washington)

Bolero Restaurante (Temecula, California)

Farm Cafe (Lodi, California)

Pronghorn Pizza (Sonoita, Arizona)

The Kitchen at Abeja (Walla Walla, Washington)

The 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards showcase how wineries across the United States are elevating wine tourism through innovation, hospitality, and memorable visitor experiences. From the historic estates of New York’s Finger Lakes to the acclaimed tasting rooms of Oregon, the culinary-driven winery restaurants of California, and the boutique vineyards of Texas and Arizona, these award-winning destinations reflect the diversity and richness of American wine culture. Together, they highlight how wine tourism fosters regional identity, supports local economies, and deepens travellers’ connections to both place and tradition. These celebrated wineries offer the perfect opportunity to plan a journey that combines history, education, gastronomy, and the joy of discovery, an invitation to explore the very best of U.S. wine country.

EU wine, spirits to face 15% US tariff starting August 1

European wine and spirits will face a 15% U.S. import tariff until a different deal is agreed in talks expected to continue in the autumn, the European Commission and EU diplomats said on Thursday, dashing producers’ hopes of an immediate reprieve.

A framework trade deal between Brussels and Washington on Sunday agreed a 15% tariff for most EU imports into the United States, although some sectors were expected to be exempted.

The U.S. tariff on European wine and spirits is currently 10%. Brussels is keen to reduce that to zero or, for wine at least, to the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) rates that are set on a fixed cost per litre basis, rather than in percentage terms.

“The Commission remains determined to achieve and secure the maximum number of carve-outs, including … wine and spirits,” Commission spokesperson for trade Olof Gill said.

“It is not our expectation that wine and spirits will be included as an exemption in the first group announced by the U.S. tomorrow. And therefore that sector will be captured by the 15% ceiling,” he said.

Winemakers said the tariff, even if temporary, would hurt the sector, especially when combined with the stronger euro.

“The 15% duty on EU wines, even if applied for some months until the negotiations are closed, would cause significant economic losses not only for EU wine producers but also for U.S. businesses involved throughout the supply chain,” said Ignacio Sanchez Recarte, secretary general of European wine producers group CEEV.

“When combined with the currency shift in the dollar/euro exchange rate, the overall financial burden on the sector could reach 30%. Investments will be halted and export volumes will decline while waiting for the final agreement,” he said.

U.S. Distilled Spirits Council President and CEO Chris Swonger also urged a quick deal to bring tariffs down to zero.

“It is extremely disappointing and utterly exasperating that the U.S. and EU have not yet come to an agreement on spirits, which is an easy win for the United States that will help secure our economic vitality during this challenging time for the hospitality industry,” Swonger said.

“It is critical for our great American distilleries, farmers and hospitality workers across the country that President Trump secure a permanent return to zero-for-zero tariffs on spirits with the European Union,” he said in a statement.

The U.S. is to publish an executive order on Friday, implementing the framework trade deal that was agreed on Sunday between U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Separately, the EU and the U.S. are to publish a joint statement spelling out the details of the framework deal.

A senior diplomat said that talks on wine and spirits tariffs would continue after the joint statement. “(This will take place) probably in the autumn,” the diplomat said.

Until recently, spirits had benefited from zero tariffs between the U.S. and EU following an agreement in 1997 that also included other countries such as Canada and Japan.

That lasted until 2018, when the EU response to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs included increased duties on U.S. bourbon and other spirits. These were suspended in 2021.

U.S. MFN rates for wine are 19.8 cents per litre for sparkling and 6.3 cents per litre for most other wines, which equates to very low rates in most cases.

Source:  Reuters

Wine Institute Urges Resolution of US-Canada Dispute

The Wine Institute issued the following statement this week in response to the announcements that the United States would be placing tariffs on imports from Canada, and the Canadian government responded with retaliatory tariffs against U.S. wine. Additionally, provincial leaders across Canada’s largest provinces threaten to remove U.S. wine and beverage alcohol from their provinces in response to the U.S. tariffs.

“Canada is the single most important export market for U.S. wines with retail sales over $1.1 billion annually,” said Robert P. Koch, President & CEO of Wine Institute. “Wine is one of the U.S.’s most highly value-added agricultural exports, so any loss of access to the Canadian market will damage the entire US wine sector. Our wineries have spent decades building market share and brand loyalty across Canada. These actions put all of this at risk. In addition, all of beverage alcohol is already facing unprecedented challenges in the marketplace so these tariffs and potential product removals come at a time when their impact will be tough to absorb. We urge both governments to work together to resolve this dispute as soon as possible to minimize the economic harm.”

The U.S. wine industry has long supported the position that wine, as a unique agricultural product, should not be targeted in trade disputes unrelated to wine. Wine Institute strongly advocates for the removal of wine from all trade retaliation lists regardless of the market. Retaliatory tariffs invariably harm U.S. wine producers and impede the growth of the wine sector.

Sonoma County Tourism Unveils “Wine Country for All of Us”

Sonoma County Tourism an industry leader in destination stewardship announces its new initiative, “Wine Country for All of Us,” a thoughtful and deliberate commitment to fostering belonging among visitors and residents. Grounded in Sonoma County’s long-standing dedication to inclusivity, the initiative celebrates the region’s diverse history and invites everyone to experience Wine Country through their own lens.

Through the decades, the area has become a haven for visitors and local residents seeking connected communities and genuine acceptance. From the LGBTQ+ pioneers who found refuge in Guerneville’s redwoods to the multi-generational immigrant families who shaped the wine and agriculture industries to a collective of women’s history activists who began efforts that became Women’s History Month, Sonoma County’s culture reflects a deep-rooted tradition of advocating for, welcoming and celebrating individuals from all walks of life.

Sonoma County Tourism is further reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity by pursuing a new partnership with Wheel the World, a global leader in accessibility travel experiences, to enhance accessibility and create more inclusive travel experiences. The region is in the beginning stages of seeking “Destination Verified” status, which will provide visitors with access to necessary information regarding accessibility options, ensuring their needs are fulfilled before, during, and after their trip. Additional affiliations with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kind Traveler, and Leave No Trace help solidify the region’s philosophy of stewarding the environment and encouraging visitors to respect and care for the county’s natural splendor and habitat. Training classes and resources provided by SCT’s Accredited Hospitality Professionals (AHP) program will also continue to equip local businesses with tools to further foster inclusivity and create environments where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Brian Marchi, Chair of Sonoma County Tourism’s Board of Directors, remarked, “Sonoma County has always been a place where creativity and inclusivity thrive. ‘Wine Country for All of Us’ builds on that legacy, ensuring every visitor feels seen and celebrated while enriching the community. This initiative is a testament to our shared values and a meaningful step toward a more connected, welcoming future.”

The initiative will be supported by a dynamic and upcoming integrated marketing campaign, “This is Wine Country”, which will expand perceptions of the region and invite travelers to discover Sonoma County’s unexpected treasures. The campaign underscores SCT’s authentic, purpose-driven travel ethos, showcasing unique wine country experiences, including redwood hikes, coastal adventures, encounters with local artisans, culinary innovation, and more.

As Sonoma County Tourism looks ahead, “Wine Country for All of Us” serves as a guiding principle, reinforcing the region’s commitment to the belief that travel can inspire deeper understanding and connection. With a history steeped in inclusivity and a future focused on equity and accessibility, Sonoma County Tourism is leading the way in creating a destination where Life Opens Up — for all.