The Italian Wine School based in Miami, Florida is pleased to announce that it will offer the first course certified by Vinitaly International Academy (VIA): Maestro Italian Wine Course certification study program.  Designed for wine industry professionals and aficionados, the eight session course will distinguish itself from other wine certifications in that it not only provides a comprehensive look at …

Fresno, CA – Maria Montalvo is the new marketing director of retail and foodservice promotion for the California Table Grape Commission. Montalvo’s responsibilities include leading the in-store promotion initiatives and communication strategies needed to help move California table grapes through the U.S. and Canadian markets. “We are very excited Maria has joined the team,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the …

Fresno, CA – California table grapes are featured on menus this fall with Morrison Healthcare, Nordstrom Restaurants, Restaurant Associates, and Black Angus Steakhouse. “Chefs continue to create exciting new menu items with fresh grapes,” said Courtney Romano, foodservice consultant to the California Table Grape Commission. “Grapes offer versatility, great flavor and visual appeal, and deliver desirable acidity and sweetness that …

The California Table Grape Commission recently assessed crop volume and projected a final total of 109 million 19-pound boxes with shipments continuing into January. With 40 to 50 percent of the California table grape crop typically shipping after October 1, Kathleen Nave, president of the commission, notes that grapes are very definitely a fall and early winter fruit. “Grapes from …

Recently, local members of the wine industry in the Napa County area of Northern California have been actively engaged with county government in discussions regarding ways to streamline the winery use permit process. Frustrated with the cost and lengthy time frames associated with the current process, California vintners have been searching for ways to make the permitting process more user-friendly, …

Ficklin Vineyards, America’s oldest Port winery established in 1946, recently received a request from the US Embassy in London for their award-winning Port to serve at upcoming Embassy dinners. From Ficklin Vineyards remote location in Madera County, Winemaker and President, Peter Ficklin, was happy to hear his Ports are drawing interest from across the pond. “The UK has a long …

AgSafe (agsafe.org), a leading provider of health and safety education to the agricultural community, has announced that President & CEO Amy Wolfe will be leaving the organization and that a search for her replacement is underway. Wolfe, who has led the organization for more than a decade, will vacate her position in June 2020. “Amy has been a remarkable leader, …

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wine Institute issued the following statement today in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s announcement that it would be placing new tariffs on imported wines from the European Union due to a trade dispute related to aircraft subsidies. A 25% tariff will be applied to bottled table wine from France, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. “Wine …

In North Central Washington, the Columbia River is the cornerstone of life. But even more important is the infrastructure that makes up the Columbia Basin Project. Grand Coulee dam provides electricity, flood control, and recreation and the ditches and canals deliver water to fields–all critical to the economic vitality of our communities. In the 1930’s, President Roosevelt had the vision.  …

Recently, local members of the wine industry in the Napa County area of Northern California have been actively engaged with county government in discussions regarding ways to streamline the winery use permit process. Frustrated with the cost and lengthy time frames associated with the current process, California vintners have been searching for ways to make the permitting process more user-friendly, and a …