North Coast grape growers scramble in rain aftermath to protect against rot →
The recent thunderstorm brought 0.23 inches of rain to Santa Rosa over about two hours, according to the National Weather Service, sending growers out in the aftermath to take action against mold that could lead to mildew and botrytis, or fruit rot. They are especially concerned about Chardonnay.
Silver Oak owners buy Oregon vineyard →
The Duncan family, who owns Napa Valley’s Silver Oak, has purchased Prince Hill Vineyard, located in the Dundee Hills appellation of Oregon’s Willamette Valley, from Oregon pioneer Dick Erath. They plan to use the nearly 40-acre vineyard as a source of Pinot Noir for their Twomey brand. The deal closed today; the sale price was not disclosed.
Brown-Forman invests in $45 million modernization →
Brown-Forman’s bourbon barrel cooperage announced that it will invest $45 million in modernizing the Louisville facility—and in the process eliminate 70 of its nearly 300 jobs. The project will include the purchase of new equipment that will reduce operational costs and improve efficiency. The facility will remain open during the construction phase with an expected completion date of early 2019.
New Jersey lawsuit: Man suffered horrific burns after drinking 'caustic' beer →
Richard Washart of Seaville, New Jersey, is suing the restaurant, McCormick & Schmick’s which is located at the Harrah’s casino, claiming he was served beer tainted by a caustic agent used to clean beer tap lines. A New Jersey jury got the case Thursday, left to deliberate whether the restaurant and Kramer Beverage Co. of Hammonton, New Jersey, a company it hired to clean its beer lines, were responsible for Washart’s injuries.