Utah is an interesting state in a number of ways, but wine production is not one of them, nor is it a large consuming state given the religious orientation of most residents. To some extent the popular ski areas account for wine’s economic impact, since many skiers often enjoy a glass or two as part … Read more

Shutdown Countdown: One Week A week from today is the deadline for Congress to avoid a potentially catastrophic government shutdown, and there’s still a long way to go with lots of obstacles. A Continuing Resolution (CR) is needed to keep the government functioning, and right now there are three different versions which are all DOA … Read more

Texas boasts the first vineyards planted in what is now the United States, in 1662 near El Paso by Franciscan priests. European settlers, especially Germans, followed with more plantings and wine production in the 1880’s, which of course was wiped out by Prohibition, though Val Verde Winery (est. 1883) somehow managed to survive. The modern … Read more

Shutdown Showdown (Again) “CR?” That abbreviated question is common on Capitol Hill each fall, when the government is about to run out of money and there’s no new budget in sight. The initials stand for Continuing Resolution, a.k.a. Kicking the Can Down the Road. In other words, we’ll continue spending the same amounts until we … Read more

The Volunteer State first had grapes and wine in the 1800’s, but as elsewhere the industry was wiped out by Prohibition. Today the wineries are spread across the state, with one statewide Wine Trail having Eastern, Middle, and Western sections for wine lovers to visit. That trail was formed just a year ago, and this … Read more