(Source: Tablas Creek Vineyard)

California’s storms are actually good for its vineyards, says Esther Mobley in the San Francisco Chronicle. “This is the best time of year for rain for vineyards. Grape vines are dormant during the winter. These months represent the plant’s moment to recharge between the fall’s harvest and the springs bud break…A wet winter is ideal for vines, replenishing the soils and filling up wells that will be used for irrigation later in the year. This burst of rain is a welcome reprieve from the dry, drought-ridden winters of recent memory.”

“After years of drought, much of California has been hammered with snow and rain since New Year’s Eve, including heavy precipitation from back-to-back strong “atmospheric rivers”, and reports of floods, fallen trees, high winds, power outages, evacuations, sink holes and mudslides. So far, 17 deaths have been attributed to the weather in the Golden State. While several wine regions have been impacted, it appears much of the wine industry is going to emerge unharmed.” MaryAnn Worobiec offers updates on the California storms in Wine Spectator.

In Wine-Searcher, David Allen catches up with winemaker Caroline Frey, who “manages three significant French wine estates that have been acquired by her family; as well as Château La Lagune in Bordeaux, there is Domaines Paul Jaboulet in the Rhône and Château Corton C (formerly Corton Andre) in Burgundy – controlling every aspect of viticulture and winemaking. She also owns a vineyard in Fully, in Switzerland.”

Robert Mondavi Winery plans to shift its visitor experience temporarily to downtown Napa this summer as it renovates its Oakville estate.

In Wine Enthusiast, Jennifer Price offers a drinker’s guide to Nelson County, Virginia featuring Veritas Winery, Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, and Flying Fox Vineyard and Winery.

In the Drinks Business, Dani Clarke looks at new research into red wine and its benefits for skin health.