Area faces quarantine if a second moth is found; some residents oppose measures to control potentially devastating vineyard pest

Discrimination at any level of the three tiers of the alcohol distribution chain is unconstitutional. Further, a state may not require an in-state physical presence to participate in interstate commerce.

Effective Sept. 2, Jean-Mari Peltier will become the first president of the National Grape and Wine Initiative. And according to NGWI, the timing could not be better.

Wetzel, an aeronautical engineer, corporate titan and Healdsburg philanthropist whose family-run Alexander Valley Vineyards was one of the pioneers in premium grapegrowing and winemaking, died Thursday at home at the age of 88.

Democratic senators cited a series of heat-related deaths in the fields as they approved a bill Monday that could make it easier for unions to organize California farm workers. The bill would let farm workers choose union representation without the traditional ballot-booth elections.

Orders from wineries would need to be funneled through the LCB, which would ship bottles to customers, for a fee.

He's funny. But he's funny in a way that audiences can connect with. Anyone who has enjoyed him as Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" movies, the continually flabbergasted Sheriff of Nottingham in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" (1991) or the psychopathic and exasperated villain Hans Gruber in "Die Hard" (1988) can attest to this.

A pending bill would require wineries to ship consumer purchases to the state Liquor Control Board, which would then send the wine to the consumer for a fee.

A telling statistic: Metric tons of European wine imported from January to July to the United States is down 15 percent this year over the same period last year, according to Zepol Corp., an online trade database.

The main obstacle to a smaller carbon footprint for wine is the frequently abysmal quality of wine put in boxes. But that's an easy fix: raise the quality.

The problem with Slovakia is that winemakers there fail to comply with restrictions regarding the growing area

As Sonoma County grape harvest kicks into gear, experts say crop starting out lighter than normal, but fruit appears above average

One of summer's most refreshing wines is Vinho Verde, the cool, crisp and zesty white wine from the northwestern corner of Portugal. Usually light in body and low in alcohol, it has a knifelike acidity and a hint of fizz.

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers held a press conference at Larkmead Vineyards in Calistoga, California to forecast what is unanimously being heralded as an exceptional vintage of pristine grapes with lower than average yields in a year marked by extreme growing conditions.

Mendocino County has the potential to make some of California's most distinct expressions of Pinot Noir. Most Pinot can be found in the remote Anderson Valley, where cool nights and plenty of coastal fog influence have long provided a haven for Pinot amid the northern redwoods. A stable, steady 2006 growing season certainly provided an opportunity for the region to shine.

As you drive through a quiet residential area in the east side of Sonoma on the way to Buena Vista Carneros winery, you might reach for your map, thinking you took a wrong turn. But keep driving and signs lead you to a winding, country road that ends at the entrance to Buena Vista.

2006 Substance Columbia Valley Merlot ($20; other varietals also available)

Does it matter what the label on your wine bottle says? Yes, quite a lot, according to the U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) which has halted the import of certain Italian and French wines.

Thirty grocery stores across Washington will offer wine and beer tastings beginning Oct. 1 as part of a year-long pilot program by the state liquor control board.

Its acclaimed vintages dominate British supermarket shelves, but Australia's wine regions are suffering from the drought.