Marketplace reporter Vivien Lou Chen wrote that “average Americans are paying as much as $100 to $200 for a single concert ticket, $90 for a bottle of wine, and $5 a gallon for gas.” Criticism, of course, ensued. (The original tweet has now been deleted.)

In Meininger’s, Robert Joseph reflects on the news that the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas has expelled six members for sexual misconduct. Does this mark the end of a chapter? Or the beginning of the end for the Court?

In the Guardian, Caitlin Cassidy reports on how winemakers in Australia’s Hunter Valley are fighting a proposed coalmining operation in the region. “The Hunter Valley Protection Alliance launched its #NoMinesInOurVines campaign this month, arguing any future coalmines would destroy the $550m industry.” 

“Oregon wine has managed quite a feat over the past five years – it has grown its footprint in the marketplace while simultaneously becoming harder to find in international markets,” says Don Kavanagh in Wine-Searcher. “It’s quite a trick to grow and shrink all at the same time, but Oregon wineries have clearly decided to focus on the US market, which is, admittedly, the largest in the world and right on Oregon’s doorstep.”

Emily Monaco considers the rise, fall, and rise again of Beaujolais Nouveau in the Drop.

In the Washington Post, Dave McIntyre offers a holiday gift guide for wine lovers.

In Vinous, Joaquín Hidalgo explores the diversity of Argentina wine.