The Wine Press is your weekly dose of wine news, covered in 15 minute episodes. Tune in each Thursday for the most eye-catching news from the wine world and beyond!
Host Maria Banson is a Certified Sommelier living and working in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband. Maria is the author of Brunello Bombshell, a blog that pairs wine with movies, TV shows, and more. She enjoys listening to Verdi operas and singing "Libiamo" while drinking Special Club Champagne... or old Brunello.
Some days, you just wake up and realize that the world has changed. And today is the day that I realized that The Wine Press Podcast needs to change with it.
So, my dear listeners, what are you interested in hearing from me on a regular basis? Do you want to see wine news ever other week, or even every month? Or would you rather that I focus on everything related to film? I’d like to hear more of your thoughts. Feel free to add a comment below, or email me at thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
Thank you for being the beautiful bombshell you are! I appreciate your candor, your positivity, and your listening ears.
Brunello Bombshell is supported by cinephiles and wine lovers like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber today. Thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
Canada is taking drastic measures against American alcohol in response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Eight San Francisco-based restaurants have been added to the famous Michelin Guide, and one Michelin-starred San Francisco staple will be closing its doors by the end of May. And a major figure in the world of Champagne has passed away.
What’s going on in the wine world today?
Keep listening to learn more.
Further Reading
* “B.C. bans all U.S. alcohol at government stores, wine and beer included, in response to Trump tariffs” (Chad Pawson and Tessa Vikander/CBC)
* “Canadian provinces remove US alcohol from shelves in tariffs response” (Fiona Holland/Just Drinks)
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to .
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Vintner, Prisoner, Soldier, Spy
Épisode 35
jeudi 6 mars 2025 • Durée 20:20
Hello Wine Press listeners!
We’re trying out a new format of The Wine Press Podcast today that brings you more stories from the wine world every week. This will be more of a “Maria Reads The Trades” episode that pulls the news right from the source. If you have some thoughts on the new format, or you’d like to give us a shout, leave a comment here. Enjoy!
And now, all the news that’s fit to drink…
Today in Wine News
Constellation is rumored to be selling off its wine portfolio and splitting it up between two major buyers.
Premiere Napa Valley raised over 3 million dollars for Napa Valley Vintners… while one of Napa Valley’s legacy estates faces a temporary court ordered closure.
Australia vows to implement tax relief measures for the alcohol industry starting in 2026.
The Global Artisan Vintners Alliance has announced its formation.
A movie based on one of the highest valued wine heists of all time is in the works.
And Peter M.F. Sichel, a wine figure who led a cinematic life, has passed away.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Épisode 34
jeudi 27 février 2025 • Durée 11:29
Today in Wine News
The Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, celebrating the best in the previous year of film with the best food and wine the city has to offer. This Sunday’s ceremony represents the culmination of awards season in Los Angeles, which can be a make or break time for restaurants, sommeliers, and hospitality workers of all types as talent from all over the world descends on L.A.
But this year has been a bigger struggle than expected, due to the wildfires that swept through Los Angeles and threatened major film landmarks - including the Dolby Theatre - in early January. How has the Los Angeles wine scene started to rebuild after the devastation of the fires? And what challenges do wine professionals face as they rebuild their workplaces and communities during the busiest, most public facing time of year in the City of Angels?
Keep listening to learn more.
Fundraising for L.A. wildfire recovery is still a vital and pressing need. If you haven’t done so already, please consider making a financial donation to one of the many great organizations helping members of the wine community in Los Angeles. As of this publication date, $250 million dollars has been donated towards Los Angeles fire relief on GoFundMe, but there are still many individuals who need assistance.
Between Friday, February 28 and Sunday, March 2, 10 Ninths Wines will be donating 100 percent of online sales to Restaurants Care. During the month of March, 100 percent of all new 10 Ninths restaurant account sales will go directly towards Restaurants Care. In addition, Dave Baxter from the Vintertainment podcast has listed a few resources on his Substack article, “Los Angeles Wine Wildfire Relief”. Thank you for your generosity.
Further Reading
* “Los Angeles wildfires devastated the local wine industry. What’s next?” (Brianne Cohen/Decanter)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Whisky, Whiskey, Whiskies
Épisode 33
jeudi 20 février 2025 • Durée 10:50
Today in Wine News
The American Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has adopted production and labeling standards for a brand new category of spirits: American Single Malt Whisky. For the first time in 52 years, a new category has been added to the TTB, and American distillers are hoping to spark some growth in sales for a beverage that has continued to rise in interest from American drinkers over the past few years.
With the United States and Japan both issuing new regulations for single malt whiskies, how will drinkers around the world respond to the new spirits hitting shelves? And will the rising tide lift all single malt boats, including single malts from Scotland?
Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:
Tribeca Grill, the New York institution for elevated New American cuisine, will be shutting its doors after 34 years. Founded by chef slash restaurateur Drew Neiporent and Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, the restaurant has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award every year since 2002 - one of only nine restaurants in New York City to win the award. The last day of service will be Saturday, March 1.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Wine-Less in Washington
Épisode 32
jeudi 13 février 2025 • Durée 11:24
Today in Wine News
A report published by Wine Business on February 1 indicated that the number of wineries in California, Oregon, and Washington all took considerable dips in the past year. With 5% fewer wineries in Oregon and 4% fewer wineries in California - the two largest states for wine production - consumers can expect to see less options for American-made wine available on retail shelves and on restaurant wine lists.
What does the decreasing number of wineries say about the state of the American wine industry that hasn’t been published yet? And in an age when imported beverages see hefty taxes, what can wineries based in the Pacific Northwest provide to an American consumer base that scoffs at the price of the handcrafted, small production wines that make up a large share of Oregon and Washington’s wine landscape?
Keep listening to learn more.
Further Reading
* “Lightest Crush in 20 Years: California Crushed 2.84 Million Tons of Wine Grapes in 2024” (Wine Business)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Revenge Tariffs, Served With A Chill
Épisode 31
jeudi 6 février 2025 • Durée 11:03
Today in Wine News
On February 1, President Trump placed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing “an extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs” that constitutes a national emergency. Two days later, America’s neighbors to the north and south had both reached agreements with the Trump administration to reprieve Canada and Mexico for 30 days… but not without immediate repercussions for the American alcohol industry.
So what does lie in store for American exports? How will the already flagging American wine industry fight through tariffs on exports to find new audiences abroad? And what will happen to the Americans who want to continue supporting their favorite American producers?
Keep listening to learn more.
Further Reading
* “Joint Statement by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., the Chamber of the Tequila Industry, and Spirits Canada on Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico” (Press Release)
* “U.S. booze stocks tumble as Canada prepares to retaliate against Trump tariffs” (Ciara Linnane/MarketWatch)
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Hope Is Not A Strategy
Épisode 30
jeudi 30 janvier 2025 • Durée 12:05
Today in Wine News
Silicon Valley Bank released its annual State of the U.S. Wine Industry report last week, and while there was some expected news about the continuing slump of American wine sales, other numbers are starting to trend upwards. Notably, the current downturn in wine consumption was likened to a similar downturn in the early 1990s, when Baby Boomers started bumping up their wine spending and thwarting the anti-alcohol messages pushed by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
What patterns have Baby Boomer oenophiles created in today’s American wine industry? As wine starts looking to a newer, younger audience, how can Millennials and Gen Z wine drinkers use their influence to maintain a new golden era for well made and well priced wine?
* “California wine is in crisis. But for consumers, it could be a ‘golden era’ of deals” (Jess Lander/SF Chronicle)
* “‘We Can’t Be Passive Anymore’: Silicon Valley Bank’s 2025 Wine Report” ()
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: What's Australian for Wine?
Épisode 29
jeudi 23 janvier 2025 • Durée 10:21
Today in Wine News
Australian wine has historically fallen into public opinion as one of two stereotypes - Yellow Tail, the cheap bulk wine that is still one of the most highly imported wines in the world, and Penfolds, the classic, high octane Barossa Valley Shiraz blends that put Australian fine wine on the map. But with tariffs in China recently lifted, and Americans looking for delicious and affordable imported table wines, the Australian wine industry is due for a big surge of interest from sommeliers to average wine drinkers.
How can Australian winemakers seize the cultural moment and bring their products to a much larger international audience? And what will these new drinking habits and marketing campaigns focus on saying about the legacy of Australian wine?
Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:
Semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards have been announced, including three new beverage-oriented categories this year. Check out the show notes below to see if your favorite local chef, sommelier, or bartender made the short list. The eventual nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 9, and winners will be announced on Monday, June 16 at the annual ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Wine Press: Tariffs? Anyone? Anyone?
Épisode 28
jeudi 16 janvier 2025 • Durée 13:26
Today in Wine News
Think pieces about extraneous tariffs on imported wines started popping up mere hours after the 45th President of the United States became President-Elect for the second time. Americans have been heeding the call to stock up on their favorite French and Italian wines before January 20th, fearing accessibility issues on anything without a “Made in the U.S.A.” sticker on it.
How will a proposed 10 to 20 percent tariff on imported goods affect the way Americans drink wine? And how can wine lovers continue to enjoy their favorite imported wines when exorbitant prices dictate smaller cellars and smaller restaurant wine lists?
Shout out to Marie, Brian, Dave, and Allison for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, which is supported by cinephiles and wine lovers like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber today. Thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
* “Peter M F Sichel – from CIA to Blue Nun” (Jancis Robinson)
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
Shout out to Marie, Brian, Dave, and Allison for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:
Four new Masters of Wine have been announced. The Institute of Masters of Wine has announced four new members of their prestigious organization: Jackie Ang MW from Singapore, Amanda Barnes MW from Argentina, Sarah Benson MW from the United Kingdom, and Kathleen Van der Berghe MW from Belgium. Congratulations to the four new Masters of Wine!
Canadian sommelier Joris Gutierrez Garcia has been named the Best Sommelier of the Americas. Finalists Joris Gutierrez Garcia of Canada, Mark Guillaudeu of the United States, and Nicolas Reines of Colombia competed in a live final round that included blind tasting of wines and spirits, a decanting task, proper preparation and serving of three aperitifs, food pairing exercises, and a lightning round identification challenge.
* “ASI Announces Winner of the ASI Contest Best Sommelier of the Americas 2025” (David Furer/Wine Business)
And finally, La Paulée, the world’s largest celebration of Burgundy’s famed estates, is taking over San Francisco starting today. Producer-focused seminars, wine dinners, and signature events like the La Paulée Gala Dinner will be held at restaurants like Verjus, The Morris, The Pearl, Saison, and The Conservatory at One Sansome starting today, February 27, through the evening of Saturday, March 1.
* To purchase tickets to the La Paulée events in San Francisco, click the link here.
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press! Check out the show notes for this episode at Brunello Bombshell dot Substack dot com.
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber today. Thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
Shout out to Marie, Brian, Dave, and Allison for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
* “After 34 Years, New York’s Iconic Wine Restaurant Tribeca Grill Will Close” (Julia Larson/Wine Spectator)
Winemakers from the Livermore Valley AVA have announced Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc as its two signature grape varieties. The Livermore Valley Wine Community released a statement last week announcing the two heritage varieties as present and future focus points for Livermore Valley wine.
* “Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc named signature varietals of Livermore Valley” (Cierra Bailey/Livermore Vine)
And finally, an update on the use of non-alcoholic wine and gluten free bread in The Church of England. Their statement is as follows: “Contrary to recent reports following a question asked by a General Synod member, the Church of England is not banning ‘gluten-free’ wafers nor ‘non-alcoholic’ wine at Communion. Church of England churches across the country routinely offer ‘gluten-free’ bread or ‘non-alcoholic’ wine at Holy Communion. Many professional ecclesiastical suppliers have long provided wine or bread which may contain tiny traces of alcohol or gluten which can legitimately be considered non-alcoholic or gluten free”.
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
Shout out to Marie, Brian, Dave, and Allison for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
The Wine Press is a Brunello Bombshell podcast, supported by cinephiles and wine lovers like you. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber today.
Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:
A new Cru Bourgeois classification has been released, with eight new estates joining the Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel list for the first time. The full list of Cru Bourgeois estates now sits at 170 châteaux - down from 249 châteaux in 2020, a decrease of almost 38%.
* “Eight new estates upgraded to top of Cru Bourgeois classification as 2025 results revealed” (Georgie Hindle/Decanter)
The Church of England has banned non-alcoholic wine and gluten free bread as forms of Holy Communion. The Church of England has declared that “Non-alcoholic wine is not permissible because fermentation is an essential process in creating wine, and removing alcohol nullifies this transformation”.
And finally, Martine Saunier, the legendary Burgundy advocate who founded Martine’s Wines import company, has passed away.
Martine Saunier died on Sunday, February 9 from lung cancer at the age of 91. She is survived by her two stepsons, Jeffrey Cregg and “The Power of Love” singer Huey Lewis.
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
Shout out to Marie, Brian, Dave, and Allison for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:
Jai Singh has become the first ever Best Sommelier in India! The newly founded Sommeliers Association of India held its first national contest on January 29th as part of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale.
* “India Crowns Its First-Ever ‘2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India’ at The LaLiT Mumbai” (Wine Industry Advisor Editor)
Touraine has become the first Loire Valley AOC to add climate change-resistant grape varieties to its blends. The Touraine AOC’s governing board recently decided to permit six different grapes to be blended into the wines: Floréal, Meslier Saint-François, Orbois, Chenin, Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis.
* “6 new grape varieties for AOC Touraine” (Vitisphere)
And finally, Peter Babich, widely considered one of the great pioneers of New Zealand wine, has passed away at age 92. Peter Babich is survived by his wife, Lise Babich, his sons Joseph, David and Michael, his daughters-in-law Julie and Paula and grandchildren Peter, Luke, Annelise, Sophia and Amara.
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
Shout out to Marie, Brian, and Dave for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:
The Old Vine Registry is making serious headway on its registration goals. Over 4,000 vineyards from 39 countries have now been enlisted in the Old Vine Registry, a project that started in June 2023 with just over 2,000 entries. The Old Vine Registry has set a goal of registering 10,000 entries into its database by 2027.
It’s a great week to be a woman in wine! The Court of Master Sommeliers has announced the 10 women who have been selected to participate in the 3rd Annual Women’s Sommelier Symposium.
There’s some more good news for another woman in the highest ranks of the Court: Master Sommelier Laura DePasquale has been appointed as the new chair for Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America’s Women’s Leadership Council.
And finally, because our favorite season is awards… Wine Enthusiast celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Wine Star Awards at a black tie gala in San Francisco. Held at the Westin St. Francis hotel on Union Square, Wine Enthusiast gathered the best and brightest minds in wine alongside the Wine Star Award winners for 2024.
A quick note:
A few listeners have asked about ways to donate towards wildfire relief for Los Angeles-based friends in the wine industry. United Sommeliers Foundation is currently accepting applications for emergency specific aid due to the L.A. wildfires, and they are a 501(c)3 non-profit doing incredible work to make sure that no somm is left behind. To make a donation, go to UnitedSommeliersFoundation.org, listed below in the show notes. Fellow wine writer and movie lover Dave Baxter has also compiled a fantastic list of resources, also available below.
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
Shout out to Marie, Brian, and Dave for being paid subscribers to Brunello Bombshell - thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
Pop superstar Pink will be headlining a different type of venue next week. Winemaker and entrepreneur Alecia Moore - known to music lovers as P!nk - will be the keynote speaker at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, happening from January 28 to 30 in Sacramento, California.
* “Alecia Moore, Winemaker and Two Wolves Wine Founder, Announced as Keynote Speaker for 2025 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium” (Press Release/Wine Business)
And finally, Slanted Door restaurateur Charles Phan passed away unexpectedly on January 20 at age 62. Slanted Door’s Instagram account announced the news with this statement: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of our beloved leader, visionary and friend, Chef Charles Phan, due to cardiac arrest… Charles was more than a chef. He was one of the most generous humans… For now, let’s honor Charles’ extraordinary life and legacy by keeping his spirit alive in the way we savor and share meals with one another - always family style.”
* “Charles Phan, the Innovative Chef of SF’s Slanted Door, Has Died” (Luke Tsai/KQED)
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a free or paid subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week - now publishing Monday through Friday. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
Disclosure: Brunello Bombshell is an affiliate of Bookshop.org. If you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a commission for that sale. Thank you for supporting your friendly neighborhood sommelier!
The wildfires that swept through Los Angeles last week have had devastating effects on one of the country’s best food and wine areas. In some good news, restaurants across Southern California are providing food and hospitality to a lot of people who need sustenance and comfort. Our deepest sympathies go out to our friends in Los Angeles, especially those who have lost loved ones or housing due to the wildfires.
* “A Running List of Los Angeles Restaurants Impacted by the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Wildfires” (Rebecca Roland/Eater Los Angeles)
Wine bottles now come in numerous new sizes! Effective as of January 10, wine may now be sold in the additional bottle sizes: 180ml, 300ml, 330ml, 360ml, 473 ml (16 oz.), 550 ml, 568 ml (19.2 oz), 600 ml, 620 ml, 700 ml, 720 ml, 1.8 L, and 2.25 L.
And finally, Dr. Anita Oberholster, a beloved Enology professor at UC Davis, has passed away from cancer. Dr. Oberholster contributed a lot of important research on wildfire impacts during the 2017, 2018, and 2020 harvests, for which she won many regional and national awards, including two years on Wine Business Monthly’s annual list of the Top 50 most influential people in the U.S. wine industry.
That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!
Become a subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.
We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!
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