DAOU Winery in Paso Robles, Calif., has gained cultlike status among critics and wine fans, Elva Ramirez writes. Cabernet sauvignons, chardonnays and pinot noirs from the mountaintop winery have accrued more than 300 scores of 90 or higher from critics, and most of its bottles go to members of its 4,000-member wine club, who get first access to new releases.

Palencia Winery in Washington state's Tri-Cities region is offering a vertical tasting -- in which different vintages of the same wine type and from the same winery are tasted -- of three years of its Casa Amarilla red blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre, commonly found in France's Rhone Valley. A vertical testing offers tasters a unique opportunity to "experience the differences in vintages, including how a wine ages and how weather can play a factor in a wine's development," write Andy Perdue and Eric Degerman.

Known for its river and mountain scenery, Washington's Snoqualmie Valley is also home to a burgeoning but unpretentious wine scene steered by a number of pioneering vintners, Lesley Balla writes. Most produce just 600 to 6,000 cases per year, and "[t]he vibe is ultra laid-back, with the winemakers themselves pouring wine, each red, white and rose oozing as much personality as its maker," she adds.

New York-based Make it Nice hospitality group, known for its comprehensive wine lists, is opening a London partner for its Eleven Madison Park restaurant, winner of the Wine Spectator Grand Award. Located in the Mayfair neighborhood in the Claridge's hotel, the new Davies and Brook restaurant will launch with a roughly 1,800-selection wine list, says the restaurant's wine director Gabriel Di Bella.

Starbucks' new coffee-centric cocktail lounge in Chicago, Arriviamo Bar, claimed a spot among November's hottest bar openings, as curated by The Spirits Business. Subterranean Melbourne, Australia, bar Dessous was also included on the list, along with four new London bars.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has signed off on about $1.2 million in grants to help grow the state's beer industry. The funds will be allocated to 18 projects intended to increase production and enhance marketing of Pennsylvania-produced craft beer.

Wine closure solutions company Vinventions plans to roll out an environmentally friendly stopper made with grape pomace next year, according to the firm's research and development team. Dubbed Grappe Line, the stopper will make its first public appearance at the Vinitech Sifel Bordeaux trade show in December 2020.

Join us March 1-3 at The CIA at Copia for the CIA Summit for Sommeliers and Beverage Professionals, an annual enrichment program focused on mentorship, management, hospitality and leadership. Experience immersive educational seminars, coaching sessions and exciting tasting exercises that will give you new knowledge and inspiration to help advance your career. Register before January 1, 2020, to take advantage of special early-bird pricing!