California vintage guide

California winemaker sued over failed 'cult' wine

The owner of Napa Valley's VGS Chateau Potelle is seeking at least $1.6m in compensation from a consultant winemaker who he blames for allowing a potential $200 wine to turn to 'vinegar'.

California Chenin Blanc vineyard listed as heritage site

One of California's oldest Chenin Blanc vineyards has been listed by the state's Historic Vineyard Society, as part of efforts to preserve the region's winemaking heritage.

Obituary: California wine veteran Bob Sessions dies

Bob Sessions, regarded as one of California's pioneer winemakers for his work at Hanzell Vineyards and his role in setting Stag's Leap Cellars on the track to Judgement of Paris fame, has died aged 82.

Gallo acquires 90-hectare premium vineyard in California

E & J Gallo Winery has added to its California wine empire by acquiring Ledgewood Creek winery and vineyard in Solano County.

California seeing a wine 'revolution', says Bonne

A new wave of producers in California can no longer be dismissed as a 'sideshow', says Decanter columnist Jon Bonne, who pinpoints important changes taking place in the US sunshine state.

Pernod Ricard to buy California winery Kenwood

Jacob's Creek owner Pernod Ricard has signed a deal to acquire Kenwood Vineyards in California as it looks to premium wine to help it achieve 'critical mass' in the US.

Man charged with $400,000 wine theft in California

A 31-year-old warehouse worker suspected of stealing more than $400,000-worth of California wine has been arrested and charged by police.

US wine exports set record as California drought persists

Exports of wine from the US jumped by 16% last year, show official figures that offer a boost to California's winemakers facing their worst drought in memory.

Avatar director James Cameron buys Canadian winery

Veteran Hollywood director and producer James Cameron has moved into wine production in his native Canada.

Moscato surplus looms after record California harvest

There are concerns about a future excess supply of Moscato in the US after California reports its biggest wine grape harvest on record for 2013.

Krug, Opus One, Staglin and Lafarge top Naples wine auction

Buyers refound their confidence at this year's Naples Winter Wine Festival in the US, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on Opus One, a collection of Krug Champagne and magnums of Napa's Staglin and Burgundy's Michel Lafarge.

California winemakers face worst drought in decades

One of the worst droughts to hit California in recent decades is causing concern for winemakers across the state.

Bumper California harvests won't mean oversupply, says Constellation

The chief executive of Constellation Brands has rejected a suggestion that consecutive large harvests in California will lead to an outpouring of cheaper wine from the US region.

Video interview with Kathleen Heitz Myers, Cathy Corison and Philip Ross at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2013

Watch our exclusive video interview with Kathleen Heitz Myers, Cathy Corison and Philip Ross after their masterclass on Napa Valley Cabernet – Library Wines at the 2013 Decanter Fine Wine Encounter in London.

California targets China's young professionals

California wineries are looking to make up for lost time in China by targeting young professionals who are serious about their wine but willing to branch out from an older generation that has eyes only for France.

Top California restaurants

The Golden State offers a wealth of eating choices, from humble, family-friendly bistros to Michelin starred restaurants. Matt Stamp MS reports.

Jackson Family's Banke keen for more deals

Jackson Family Wines' chairman, Barbara Banke, is still keen to add vineyards to her haul of the past two years, with owners across Oregon and California more willing to consider offers than in the past.

Ex-Screaming Eagle co-owner acquires California Syrah specialist

The former owner of Screaming Eagle, Charles Banks, has continued on the acquisitions trail in 2013 by agreeing to take control of California's Qupe winery.

The Decanter Interview: Paul Draper

With only three years’ experience of winemaking behind him, back in 1969 Paul Draper took on a small, historical vineyard in California, turning it into a legend and himself into an icon in the winemaking world. Jeannie Cho Lee MW meets the reigning Winemakers’ Winemaker

Napa Valley enjoys 'ideal' harvest conditions

Napa Valley winemakers are basking in 'ideal' conditions for the 2013 harvest, reflecting an upbeat mood across California as a whole.

Video: Barbara Banke launches La Jota in UK

Watch Decanter's interview with Barabara Banke, owner of Jackson Family Wines. who was in the UK last week for the launch of La Jota Winery.