What We're Reading --

Winemaker Stephen Singer bucks the trend

Stephen Singer does not make normal wines, but like the weird kid in high school who goes on to become an influential indie-movie director. . . (Napa Valley Register)

Beer is on pace to lose its leading share of the U.S. alcohol market as spirits surge

Beer sales are up, but it hasn’t been enough to counter the explosive rise of the spirits category.  Beer has been losing market share to spirits for the last 12 years in the U.S., according to a trade group. Spirits dominate the share on liquor delivery app Drizly, the company said. (CNBC)

How a church’s tiny vineyard launched one of Sonoma's most prized wine regions

The beefy, gnarly and 130-year-old vines of Cloverdale’s St. Peter’s Church Vineyard are the unsung heroes of the Rockpile region, an appellation known for producing intensely flavored Zinfandels that rank among the best in the world. (San Francisco Chronicle)

Wineries Embrace Worms in the Fight to Conserve Water

Worms factor deeply into the notable focus on sustainability at Ehlers Estate in Napa Valley, a 130-year-old, certified-organic, family-owned property. It all begins with water.  “We’re installing a new water treatment system that uses worms to process the wastewater, and I’m really excited about it,” Díaz Muñoz says. “It will allow us to treat all the wastewater we use in our facility without chemicals and produce water that’s clean enough to irrigate the vineyards and the landscaping.” (Beverage Industry Enthusiast)