(Flickr: Neil Moralee)

A Slovenian winemaker has made the world’s first sparkling wine made and sold in complete darkness. “What makes [Untouched by Night] unique is its production process. The UBL harvest, bottle rotation and packing require the use of night vision goggles. The wine is left to age for two to three years in Gornja Radgona cave in Slovenia, where it is untouched by the outside world, completely lightproof. In the jargon of Radgonske gorice this is known as the Crafted by Darkness method. Once out of the cave, the wine is protected in a 99% black glass bottle, packed in a vacuum-sealed bag blocking any additional light or air contact.”

After more than a decade at The Wine Advocate, Lisa Perrotti-Brown has taken the plunge and gone out on her own, launching the Wine Independent. In Wine-Searcher, Don Kavanagh talks to her about the new venture.

Christy Frank explores the growing category of no- and low-alcohol wines in SevenFifty Daily. “Consumer interest in the NOLO category isn’t likely to dry up soon, so retailers should look forward to seeing—and selling—an increasing number of options.”

In Wine Enthusiast, John Holl looks at the growing trend of breweries that make wine now, too.

At the start of a new year, do you resolve to expand your vinous horizons or to delve even deeper into what you already know and love? Alice Lascelles ponders the dilemma in Club Oenologique.

Michael Alberty profiles winemaker James Rahn, who takes a “no nonsense” approach to Willamette Valley winemaking, in the Oregonian.

In the Drop, Chasity Cooper explores why Oregon’s cool climate is the perfect place to showcase Pinot Gris.