revious articles in the Mobius Painter series are here: Part 1 and Part 2. A “WHITE KNIGHT” SUES FOR FRAUD, CONSPIRACY Robert W. Wyndelts’s involvement with Mobius Painter Winery and Cellars began in 2003 when Halvax brought him in as the centerpiece of a fraud settlement case. Described in several court filings as a “white […]
Flawed British Study & Factually Inaccurate Article Slam Women’s Moderate Consumption
A contextually and scientifically flawed British medical paper released on Feb. 24 could frighten women away from moderate alcohol consumption and — ironically — cause many of them to die prematurely of cardiovascular disease. The sensational article, based on the study “Even moderate drinking affects women’s cancer risks,” made global headlines by warning that: “Drinking […]
VIP Premium Content Begins Above
February 25, 2009
The next article will begin the VIP Premium Content. Articles below this one are the same as those on the free site as of this date. The free site continues to be updated and contains information which may be of interest to you.
Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards/Conti Estate Winery Files Chapt. 11
February 12, 2009
MC2 Wines, owned by Michael and Michelle Conti of El Dorado County, has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for its Charles B. Mitchell Vineyards/Conti Estate Winery located in California’s Fair Play AVA. Attorney David Foyil of Sutter Creek — who represents both MC2 and the Contis — said he expects to enter a separate personal […]
Mobius Painter, Part 2: Funds Missing; Buyers On Hold; Fraud & Conspiracy Charges Heat Up Sonoma Winery Battle
February 11, 2009
The long tangled litigation over the Sonoma Valley land and use permits belonging to the bankrupt Mobius Painter Winery & Cellars (see Part 1 here) has gotten hotter and messier with harsh accusations and legal filings in both Sonoma County Superior Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. The current flurry of activity includes: Robert W. […]
2008 Crush: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Crash; Chardonnay Off Slightly. Other Surprising Gains and Losses
February 10, 2009
UPDATE: Merlot drop added, 4:23 p.m. Tuesday. The 2008 California Crush Report shows some surprising losers and gainers with Merlot tonnage down 25.93 percent and Cabernet Sauvignon’s dropping 23.6-percent. Among the major varietals, only Carignane dropped more, with a 49.2-percent decline. Syrah, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel also declined. Chardonnay, the most popular white […]
2008 California Grape Crush= 3.054 Million Tons
California wineries crushed 3.054 million tons of grapes in 2008, according to the most recent Crush Report. The summary shows that while the crush is smaller than the astounding 2005 vintage, it remains larger than harvests in the mid- to late 19990s when supply and demand were more in balance and imports were about one-third […]
Soaring Sales? Wholesalers Say Not For Them.
February 9, 2009
EDITOR’S NOTE: We need more data points. Please email lperdue@wineindustryinsight, or post to the comments sections on this and the previous story. All confidences respected. WHOLESALERS NOT SEEING SALES BOOM The astounding retail sales for the four-week-period ending January 25, 2009 0ver the same period in 2008 (Wine Sales Skyrocket…) are not being seen by […]
Gallo Gets It Right
February 8, 2009
EDITORIAL Wine Industry Insight’s comments section has burned white hot over the manner in which Jackson Family Wines conducted its layoffs. And the fact that I covered that method at all. Those of you who remember my reporting in the Wine Business Insider and Monthly days know that I have repeatedly clashed with the Gallos. […]
Gallo Buys Las Rocas Brand from European Cellars
February 7, 2009
E. & J. Gallo Winery announced Friday that it has purchased the Las Rocas brand of Spanish wines from European Cellars. Las Rocas wines are produced by Bodegas San Alejandro in Miedes, Spain, and European Cellars’ founder, Eric Solomon, will continue to consult with the winemakers on the products. The Bodegas San Alejandro cooperative was […]