The US is witnessing a slight increase in sales but for cheaper wines thanks to the economic downturn. Gomberg-Fredrikson research undertaken on behalf of the Wine Institute of California shows that the US Wine Market was worth $30 billion in 2008 or 1.3% less than 2007. American consumers are buying more cheaper wines but not enough to compensate for the value of the more expensive wines they have purchased in the past. Restaurant volume is down a full 10%. Are you drinking cheaper wines because of the recession?

March 2009 saw the launch of chef Manish Mehrotra's new summer menu along with renowned wine consultant, Charles Metcalfe's first wine list for the glamorous pan-Asian restaurant, Tamarai, in Covent Garden, which opened in September 2006. Tamarai's summer 2009 menu introduces new dishes such as a tangy mango and green papaya salad with banana blossom and pandana dressing, as well as dishes which were created for its recently opened sibling in Delhi, Indian Accent. See previous blog post and read the review of the Delhi restaurant in SI May/June 2009.

With the En Primeur week just ending, Bordeaux 2008 has turned out to be a surprisingly stronger vintage than most thought it would be. Many wine experts believe that the Right Bank has been especially strong with good structure and tannins suggesting a lot of potential for aging. Shiv Singh comments on the En Primeur.

It gives us great pleasure to announce that Michele Shah was named Best International Journalist at Vinitaly a few days ago. "I had a very moving experience yesterday, being awarded the Best International Journalist prize by Italy's Grand Cru committee, with a really warm standing ovation from the 130 producers! I think it was one of the highlights of my working career!" writes Michele.

In a landmark decision the latest State of New York budget does not allow for grocery stores and supermarkets. The Albany agreement eliminated a proposal to allow the sale of wine in supermarkets and other stores, a measure intended to help close the mounting state deficit. Shiv Singh reports from New York on what this means for consumers. Pictured is a petition hanging in the window of a NY wine store. Click on the image to view it enlarged.

The winemaker dinner hosted by the Leela and Paula De Martino and her son Sebastian De Martino from the Maipo valley was a gastronomically delightful and memorable affair thanks to the craftsmanship of Italian Chef Maximiliano Cotilli, writes Suneeta Sodhi Kanga.

Barokes has achieved a gold medal for wine in a can, something that has never been done in the history of wine judging! Following Barokes' significant win at the European Patent Office in mid February where its European patent for wine in a can was confirmed, this innovative Australian wine producer has now been awarded a Gold Medal for its Cabernet Shiraz Merlot.

The horrible Australian bushfires has resulted in destruction in the Yarra Valley wine region near Melbourne. More than 130 people have been left death across the state of Victoria. The Roundstone winery and restaurant were burned to the ground and other Yarra wineries including Domaine Chandon, Lance Family Vineyards and Punt Road were partially damaged.

Keep that wine flowing! Here's yet more good news on the health front. Marinading meat in red wine before grilling or frying it could reduce the risk of cancer say Scientists from the University of Porto in Portugal. Chemicals produced when you fry or grill meat have been thought to cause cancer.The ill effects of this can be avoided however, by marinading raw meat for six hours in red wine and then proceeding to cook it. Happy feasting.

A new board has been appointed to oversee strategic investment in research and development for the Australian grape and wine industry. Agriculture Minister Tony Burke has appointed five new board members and reappointed two existing members to the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation.

"The board brings together a range of people with extensive experience in the Australian viticulture and viniculture industries, including in scientific research, marketing, financial planning, training and academia," Burke says.

Wine lists can be notoriously complex as an '82 Bordeaux. Even for a seasoned drinker like me, the occasional wine menu can appear intimidating or worse still Greek.