This Week Uncorked

Brett Martin

All of last week's news from the world of wine.

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 119 - Champagne Can Now Reach 15% Alcohol! Here's Why

    Champagne is reaching record alcohol levels of up to 15% as its market shows signs of recovery after years of decline, UK authorities arrest a man over a suspected £500,000 counterfeit wine sale, and an Arizona winery introduces a unique promotion tying wine case prices to desert temperatures.  Plus, we visit Björnson Vineyard in Salem, OR, review the Björnson Vineyard "Viola" Auxerrois 2024, explore Harlo Steakhouse & Bar in Las Vegas, NV, with its $50 per bottle corkage fee (2-bottle maximum, wines cannot be on the restaurant's wine list), and feature Circa 1886 Restaurant in Charleston, SC, offering $40 per bottle corkage with no limit.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Champagne Hits Record Alcohol Levels ♦️ Champagne Market Shows Signs of Recovery ♦️ UK: Man Arrested Over Suspected £500,000 Counterfeit Wine Sale ♦️ Arizona Winery Ties Case Prices to the Desert Temperature   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Björnson Vineyard Review in Salem, OR ♦️ Björnson Vineyard "Viola" Auxerrois 2024   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ Harlo Steakhouse & Bar in Las Vegas, NV ♦️ Corkage is $50 per Bottle / 2 Bottle Max / Can't be on Wine List ♦️ $40 Per Bottle / No Limit at Circa 1886 Restaurant in Charleston, SC 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  2. Oct 19

    Episode 118 - Michelin's New Winery Ratings Are Already Causing Controversy

    Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills celebrates two new 100-point wines from Jeb Dunnuck, France's historic Arbois wine appellation turns 90 amid growing tensions over strict regulations, and Michelin's controversial new winery ratings spark debate across the wine world.  Plus, we visit Devona Winery in Walla Walla, Washington, taste Pine Ridge Vineyards Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, dine at Hattaway's on Alder with a $25 per bottle corkage fee, and feature Sidney Street Cafe in St. Louis, Missouri, where corkage is $30 per bottle with no limit.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Two Vineyards Produce Fruit Behind Jeb Dunnuck 100-Point Wines ♦️ Historic French Wine Region Turns 90 ♦️ Michelin Is Now Rating Wineries. The Wine World Is Skeptical.   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Devona Winery Review in Walla Walla, WA ♦️ Pine Ridge Vineyards Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ Hattaway's on Alder in Walla Walla, WA ♦️ Corkage is $25 per Bottle / No Stated Bottle Limit ♦️ $30 Per Bottle / No Limit at Sidney Street Cafe in St. Louis, MO 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  3. Oct 12

    Episode 117 - Why California Wineries Are Giving Away Pinot Noir

    California producers are giving away premium Pinot Noir as the bulk wine market struggles, Oregon's Rogue Valley has been named USA TODAY's #1 Best Wine Region, Sicily's Catarratto is finally getting its moment in the spotlight, and Chinese wine critic Alexandre Ma is working to change the language we use to describe wine.    Plus, we visit Troon Vineyard in McMinnville, Oregon, taste The Hess Collection "The Lion" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, stop by Yuki Yama Sushi in Park City with $25 corkage, and feature J.W. Heist Steakhouse in Bozeman, Montana, where corkage is $75 per bottle with a two-bottle maximum.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Bulk Wine Flounders in a Buyer's Market ♦️ Rogue Valley Named #1 Best Wine Region in USA TODAY ♦️ Why Catarratto Is the Quincy Jones of White Wine Grapes ♦️ Chinese Wine Critic Who Wants to Change the Language of Wine   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Troon Vineyard in McMinnville, OR ♦️ The Hess Collection "The Lion" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ Yuki Yama Sushi in Park City, UT ♦️ Corkage Fee is $25 Per Bottle ♦️ $75 Per Bottle / 2 Max at J.W. Heist Steakhouse in Bozeman, MT 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/october-12-2026-why-california-wineries-are-giving-away-pinot-noir/    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  4. Oct 5

    Episode 116 - Counterfeit Wine Could Be Hiding in Plain Sight

    The U.S. wine market is projected to slip 3.5% in 2026, AI is already transforming how wine is made and authenticated, counterfeiters are fooling everyone from everyday drinkers to the world's top collectors, and Wales is bidding to create the world's first natural wine appellation.    Plus, we visit Telaya Wine Co. in Garden City, Idaho, taste their 2023 "250th Anniversary Liberty Red," stop by Meril at the M in Las Vegas for $25-per-bottle corkage with no limit, and feature Kevin Rathbun Steak in Atlanta with $30-per-bottle corkage and no limit. Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ U.S. Wine Market To Slip 3.5% In 2026 ♦️ The AI Revolution Is Already Transforming Wine ♦️ Counterfeiters Fooled Even the World's Top Collectors ♦️ Wales Bids for World's First Natural Wine Appellation   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Telaya Wine Co. in Garden City, ID ♦️ Telaya Wine Co. "250th Anniversary Liberty Red" Red Blend 2023   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ Meril at the M in Las Vegas, NV ♦️ Corkage Fee is $25 Per Bottle / No Limit ♦️ $30 Per Bottle / No Limit at Kevin Rathbun Steak in Atlanta, GA 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/october-5-2026-counterfeit-wine-could-be-hiding-in-plain-sight/    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  5. Sep 28

    Episode 115 - Gen Z Is Drinking More Than You've Been Told

    New IWSR research challenges the Gen Z moderation myth, traditional wine clubs face questions about their future, Russia opens a massive "Wine Disneyland" to boost enotourism, and Portugal's Sines emerges as a global pioneer in underwater wine tourism.  We also visit SCORIA Tasting Room in Boise, taste the 2023 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis, dine at King's Landing Bistro in Springdale with $30-per-bottle unlimited corkage, and feature The Duck Inn in Chicago, where corkage is $50 for the first bottle per two guests and drops to $35 for additional bottles.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ IWSR: Gen Z Moderation 'Myth' Debunked ♦️ Are Traditional Wine Clubs Outdated? ♦️ Russia Opens 'Wine Disneyland' to Boost Enotourism ♦️ Sines Becomes A Global Pioneer In Underwater Wine Tourism   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ SCORIA Vineyards in Caldwell, ID ♦️ Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 2023   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ King's Landing Bistro in Springdale, UT ♦️ Corkage Fee is $30 Per Bottle / No Limit ♦️ $50 First Bottle/1 Bottle Per 2 People/Fee decrease to $35 after first bottle at The Duck Inn in Chicago, IL 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  6. Sep 21

    Episode 114 - 3,000 Bottles Stolen in Targeted Italian Wine Heist

    This week, we cover Napa's expanding water lawsuit and its challenge to winery planning, the deepening succession battle inside French wine giant Castel, the theft of 3,000 bottles of Alta Langa from a Strevi winery, and historic Vivac Winery hitting the market.  Plus, we visit Old Town Cellars in Park City and taste the 2021 Robert Mondavi "The Reserve Red Blend," dine at Pine Cone Ridge with its $35 corkage fee, and feature The Copper Onion in Salt Lake City, where corkage is $25 per bottle with no limit.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Napa Water Lawsuit Expands Into Winery Planning Challenge ♦️ French Wine Giant's Succession Plot Thickens ♦️ 3,000 Bottles of Alta Langa Stolen from Strevi Winery ♦️ Historic Vivac Winery Offered for Sale   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Old Town Cellars in Park City, UT ♦️ Robert Mondavi "The Reserve Red Blend" Bordeaux Blend 2021   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ Pine Cone Ridge in Park City, UT ♦️ Corkage Fee is $35 Per Bottle ♦️ $25 Per Bottle / No Limit at The Copper Onion in Salt Lake City, UT 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/september-21-2026-3000-bottles-stolen-in-targeted-italian-wine-heist/    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  7. Sep 14

    Episode 113 - Michelin Is Now Rating Wineries | Meet the Michelin Grape 🍇

    The MICHELIN Guide launches its first-ever wine selection in Burgundy, Virginia wines shine in a landmark Paris tasting, We The Wine People premieres in Washington, D.C., and six new Master Sommeliers join the elite ranks of the wine world.  Plus, we visit Alpha Omega Collective Napa and taste the 2022 Alpha Omega Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, dine at Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood in Boise with $40-per-bottle corkage and a two-bottle maximum, and feature ilili NoMad in New York City with $35-per-bottle corkage and no limit.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ The MICHELIN Guide Is Set To Launch ♦️ Virginia Wines Shine in Paris ♦️ Washington, D.C. Premiere of We The Wine People ♦️ Six New Master Sommeliers Announced   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Alpha Omega Collective Napa in Napa Valley, CA ♦️ Alpha Omega Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood in Boise, ID ♦️ Corkage Fee is 40 Per Bottle / Max 2 ♦️ $35 Per Bottle / No Limit at ilili NoMad in New York, NY 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/september-14-2026-michelin-is-now-rating-wineries-meet-the-michelin-grape/    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

  8. Sep 7

    Episode 112 - U.S. Tariffs Just Reinvented Franzia Boxed Wine in China

    This week, we cover whether Canada could face consequences for its U.S. alcohol ban, how tariffs have reinvented Franzia in China, how South Africa's wine industry is adapting to changing climate conditions, and the rebound of Champagne sales in the U.S.  We also visit Reynvaan Family Vineyards in Walla Walla and taste its 2022 "Queen's Road White" White Blend, dine at ōkta Farm and Kitchen in McMinnville with a $50-per-bottle corkage fee (two-bottle max and not on the wine list), and feature Coppa in Boston with a $45-per-bottle corkage fee and two-bottle maximum.   Get 10% off your first purchase at The Caubleist using the code CORK10 at checkout! https://thecaubleist.com/    Wine News Round-Up: ♦️ Will Canada End Up Being Punished for the US Alcohol Ban? ♦️ Tariffs Reinvented Franzia in China ♦️ South Africa Tackles Changing Times ♦️ Champagne Rebounds In The U.S.   Wine & Winery of the Week: ♦️ Reynvaan Family Vineyards in Walla Walla, WA ♦️ Reynvaan Family Vineyards "Queen's Road White" White Blend 2022   Restaurant & Corkage of the Week: ♦️ ōkta Farm and Kitchen in McMinnville, OR ♦️ Corkage Fee is $50 Per Bottle / Max 2 / Can't be on Wine List ♦️ $45 Per Bottle / Max 2 at Coppa in Boston, MA 📄  SHOW NOTES 📄  Read all the stories discussed on the show ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/september-7-2026-u-s-tariffs-just-reinvented-franzia-boxed-wine-in-china/    👇SUBSCRIBE👇 ️ ♦️ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIe5rOLf18ZllnhaZWWQt9A?sub_confirmation=1  ️ ♦️ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CorkandJourney/  ️ ♦️ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/corkandjourney/  ️ ♦️ Twitter - https://twitter.com/corkandjourney/   💰 RESTAURANT CORKAGE FEES 💰 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/listings    🍷 WINE REVIEWS 🍷 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/wines/    🏠 WINERY REVIEWS 🏠 ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/travel/wineries/    🍽️ RESTAURANT REVIEWS 🍽️ ♦️ https://corkandjourney.com/category/food/restaurants/

About

All of last week's news from the world of wine.

You Might Also Like