Weekly Wine News Around the Web

The Ebbs and Flows of the Direct Shipping Battle in the U.S.: One of the more astute winery bloggers has posted an update on what has been a recent upturn in the fortunes of state direct shipping legislation in the U.S. Tablas Creek Vineyard, based in Paso Robles, Calif., reviewed recent developments in the direct shipping fight, with solid gains in Massachusetts and South Dakota, and progress in Indiana. Important news for consumers and producers alike (image at right courtesy of Free the Grapes!).
British Wine Theft: Bolney Wine Estate, located in southern England, lost 5,000 bottles of a wine as a result of burglary, according to this report in Decanter magazine. The theft represents a potential loss of nearly $125,000 in wine for the producer, known primarily for its sparkling varietals.
Chinese Approach to Fake Wine Sales Unclear: After appearing to clamp down on sales of counterfeit products, including wine, over the Internet, it remains unclear at just what stage Chinese government enforcement is at, according to this report. A state agency reportedly admonished some Chinese online commerce sites for their practices, but that warning was quickly retracted, leaving some to wonder just what to make of it.
California’s Suisun Valley Beckons Wineries: With both Napa and Sonoma Counties in California grappling with growth issues, some wineries are looking eastward to Suisun Valley to either start or expand their operations, according to this report in the Napa Valley Register. Wagner Family of Wine is among those placing bets on the emerging region, according to the report.