California’s Napa Valley is fermenting into a full-blown revolt as furious vineyard owners warn a new fee could leave them paying tens of thousands of dollars a year — the latest financial punch threatening to crush the struggling wine industry. Farmers across the iconic Northern California enclave say they are staring down financial disaster as … Read more
When artificial intelligence-backed tractors became available to vineyards, Tom Gamble wanted to be an early adopter. He knew there would be a learning curve, but Gamble decided the technology was worth figuring out. The third-generation farmer bought one autonomous tractor. He plans on deploying its self-driving feature this spring and is currently using the tractor’s … Read more
It was a very good year. “It’s been dry, hot, great sunshine, no humidity. The berries are smaller and more concentrated, which means more flavor, giving us a window to make more powerful, elegant wines,” said Roman Roth, head winemaker at Wölffer Estate in Bridgehampton. Roth is particularly excited for the pinot noir this year, … Read more