Tina Caputo

California

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Multimedia journalist. Wine, food and travel writer. Humorist. ASJA member. Wiener dog enthusiast. @winebroad.bsky.social

Articles

New wine industry reporter highlights silver linings amid challenges

3 weeks ago | norcalpublicmedia.org | Tina Caputo |Greta Mart

It’s no secret that the U.S. wine industry has been in a slump for the last few years. The main culprits, industry analysts say, are competition from other beverages, anti-alcohol messaging, and the industry’s failure to attract younger consumers. Whatever the drivers, sales are down and there’s currently an oversupply of wine in the U.S. market. The good news, according to a new report from BMO Bank’s wine division, is that it’s probably not going to get any worse.
How tariffs on Chinese imports are impacting local businesses

1 month ago | norcalpublicmedia.org | Tina Caputo |Greta Mart

This year, President Trump imposed new tariffs of 145 percent on all Chinese goods coming into the United States. While it may seem like the tariffs mainly affect huge global companies like Amazon, local retailers say tariffs are also having a big impact on small local businesses that rely on Chinese imports. Asia Mart in Santa Rosa is one of them. Owner Philip Ma points out that many of the grocery store’s items, from rice to condiments to Sichuan peppercorns, come from China.
The Plight of California’s Grape Growers

1 month ago | daily.sevenfifty.com | Tina Caputo

It’s become an all-too-familiar sight in California’s Lodi wine region. Among the scenic vineyards and almond orchards lie heaps of grape vines that have been pulled from the ground. It’s not that the vines are diseased; no one wants to buy the grapes. The U.S. wine industry remains in oversupply following a couple of tough years, and according to Silicon Valley Bank’s latest report on the state of the U.S. wine industry, the situation isn’t likely to improve in 2025.
Storage Tips

2 months ago | clclt.com | Tina Caputo

According to many high-falutin' wine experts, storing wine in anything but a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled cellar is nothing short of wine abuse. These misguided folks claim wine is so very delicate that, if you so much as hiccough while holding the bottle in your hand, the wine will be forever ruined by the sudden vibration.
Petaluma’s Cider Circus Shines a Light on Local Apple Community

2 months ago | sonomamag.com | Tina Caputo |Maci Martell

The circus is coming to town — but instead of trapeze artists and animal acts, this show features local craft ciders alongside big top-style entertainment, from circus-themed kids’ activities to a roller-skating clown. Set for Saturday, April 26, at Steamer Landing, Cider Circus is a spinoff of the fast-growing natural wine gathering Big West Wine Fest. “We love that cider is such an important and unique local product,” said Emily Weber, who co-founded the event with Nina Kravetz.
The North Coast Wine Challenge shines a spotlight on local wines

2 months ago | norcalpublicmedia.org | Tina Caputo

At the Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge last week, 33 judges gathered at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds to taste and evaluate more than 1,100 wines. Judges included local winemakers, retail and restaurant wine buyers, and wine journalists.
U.S. wine businesses are bracing for tariffs — and even domestic wineries are affected

2 months ago | marketplace.org | Tina Caputo

Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on all wines coming from the European Union. After a tense few weeks, the president changed course last week to levy a 20% tariff on all EU goods, including wine. Though it’s much lower than the high percentage initially proposed, many in the U.S. wine sector are bracing for a financial hit. That includes Damien Carney, the owner of Avinage wine shop in Petaluma, California.
Tina Caputo, Author at Marketplace

2 months ago | marketplace.org | Tina Caputo

U.S. wine businesses are bracing for tariffs — and even domestic wineries are affectedAdditional taxes on European wines and winemaking supplies will challenge American businesses that sell EU wines — and domestic wineries that buy bottles or barrels from abroad.
How US wineries and wine shops are bracing for tariffs

2 months ago | marketplace.org | Tina Caputo |Amanda Peacher

Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to impose 200% tariffs on all wines coming from the European Union. After a tense few weeks, the president changed course last week to levy a 20% tariff on all EU goods, including wine. Though it’s much lower than the high percentage initially proposed, many in the U.S. wine sector are bracing for a financial hit. That includes Damien Carney, the owner of Avinage wine shop in Petaluma, California.
Bohème Wines Is an Unassuming Gem in Occidental - Sonoma Magazine

2 months ago | sonomamag.com | Tina Caputo |Maci Martell

Named for the Bohemian Highway that twists and turns its way through Sonoma’s majestic Northern Coast Range of redwoods, Bohème Wines is an unexpected find in laid-back downtown Occidental. The winery specializes in fresh and focused Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, inspired by cool-climate Sonoma Coast vineyard sites. The storyKurt Beitler founded Bohème Wines in 2004, but his winemaking origin story begins decades earlier.