Love to Hate

Love to Hate

By Karen MacNeil July 10, 2026 Originally 3/18/2026 (A version of this piece originally appeared in Decanter magazine in May 2026.)   It takes a long time to become hated. First you have to become desired. Deeply desired. Such is the psychological paradox of...
Relighting Passion

Relighting Passion

Wine and America on the 250th Anniversary of the United States By Karen MacNeil June 30, 2026   The Statue of Liberty was crumbling. But in 1986, after five years and $250 million, the statue—an extraordinary gift from France—was “relit” in a thrilling nationwide...
Dangerously Old

Dangerously Old

By Karen MacNeil In this week’s wine news, nearly 50% of the stories from writers and critics were about age. Here are some headlines: Can X Wine Age? Tasting of B Reveals B Can Age! The Question of Ageability and C Wine This Ageworthy D Wine Has Genuine Longevity Is...

A. Because white wine does not need to be swirled as vigorously to open it up

B. Because white wine is generally not as complex as red wine

C. Because in traditional, elegant place settings, white wine glasses and red wine glasses needed to be differentiated from one another

D. No one knows

Fifty Pounds and a Gazillion Seeds

Lodi, the self-proclaimed “Zinfandel Capital of the World” (it produces over 40% of California’s zin), is also home to over 130 different grape varieties, more than any other California region. These include: The following content is accessible for members only, please sign in.

Continue reading