Wine Business Monthly 2020 Wine Industry Leaders

Every year, Wine Business Monthly sets out to honor those who shape the way the wine industry operates or how people drink wine. With this leaders list, we’re showcasing men and women who are making a difference. It’s full of movers and shakers, and there are more than a few who are dissatisfied with the status quo.

Some of the influential people on this list are known to virtually anyone who follows the wine industry, while others are influential yet fly “under the radar.” All of them are leaders in the North American wine business.

Local winery fears the biggest impact from COVID-19 is still to come

CALDWELL, Idaho — It’s that time of year again–grape harvesting season for Idaho’s wineries.

Great Northwest Wine - Williamson Vineyards young Albariño rises to top of 2020 Idaho Wine Competition

The Williamson family has been looking for a distinctively different dry white wine to pour in their tasting room on Idaho’s historic Sunnyslope in the Snake River Valley.

Judges at the 2020 Idaho Wine Competition believe the Williamsons made a delicious decision when they planted the brilliant Spanish white grape Albariño. The Williamson Vineyards 2019 Albariño was voted as best of show, topping a field of 160 entries.

Great Northwest Wine - 5 Idaho wineries to pour at drive-in theater

On Thursday, Aug. 27, five Idaho wineries will meet at the historic Parma Motor-Vu Drive-In northwest of Boise and pour for 90 minutes ahead of sunset. At nightfall, the Motor-Vu will begin showing Sideways – the 2004 dram-com that championed Pinot Noir, did a disservice to Merlot and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2005.