While you won't hear too many pundits opine anymore that the wine business is recession-proof, it's hard not to feel a sneaking sense of optimism.

The burgeoning wine industry in Western Washington will find it easier to access a grape insurance program that has been used by growers in California and elsewhere for many years.

Farmers, businesses and residents fight over dwindling supply; climate change will only exacerbate the problem

There's general agreement among grapegrowers that the mid-October rains complicated this year's harvest, but it was well worth all the work. It seems, too, that rain will define the harvest - e.g., did the fruit come in before the rain or not?

A panel formed to study the state's alcohol control laws kicked off its work Wednesday, but members indicated they will be in no hurry to make changes - not even on the popular issue of permitting wine sales in grocery stores.

Napa Valley winery owners Shari and Garen Staglin have helped raise a staggering amount-$95 million-for mental-health research.

Extravagant praise for the 2009 Bordeaux vintage is pouring in - while merchants gear up for their annual battle over prices.

Years of ugly legal combat between Korbel champagne baron Gary Heck and his daughter have been settled for an undisclosed sum - believed to be in the millions - and mutual promises to leave each other alone for the rest of their lives.

First Quench, which owns Threshers and Wine Rack, has appointed KPMG as administrator.

The economy grew at a 3.5 percent pace in the third quarter, the best showing in two years, fueled by government-supported spending on cars and homes. It's the strongest signal yet that the economy has entered a new, though fragile, phase of recovery and that the worst recession since the 1930s has ended.

Three new wines christened ForeFront were released during harvest 2009 by the Crimson Wine Group, which consists of Pine Ridge Vineyards (Napa Valley), Chamisal Vineyards (Edna Valley) and Archery Summit (Willamette Valley).

To winemaker Brooks Painter, V. Sattui is about the 45 or so wines he makes - one for every taste, ranging from summer sparklers to big, hearty reserve cabernets.

Growers offer oenophiles wide variety of tastes to please the palate

The restaurant group is urging restaurants, fishermen and the public to call their members of Congress and the White House to get the FDA to rescind its plan