Appellation, AVA, Denominazione...

We want your thoughts on the best source by country/region to define the terroir. France has the "Appellation d’origine contrôlée" governed by INAO; and the USA has the "American Viticulture Areas" approved by the TTB. Is there a definitive list of appellations, AVAs, etc? Please post your replies as comments.

VitSmarter Coming Soon!

We are weeks away from the Beta launch of VitSmarter - the free and easiest way to manage grape growing online. Please contact us if you would like to participate in the Beta Program.

eSkye Sold!

Constellation Software Inc., a Canadian firm that provides software and services to a variety of industries, announced on October 1 that it has completed the acquisition of the business assets of California-based eSkye Software, LLC.

See the CSI press release here.

“The acquisition of eSkye’s winery software division provides CHS and Constellation the opportunity to enter a new vertical market and apply our proven operational models and strategies” said Bernard Anzarouth, VP, Business Development of Constellation. “While not a large platform acquisition by Constellation standards we are excited that we have been able to establish a toehold in yet another interesting vertical market."

No Match Program on Hold

A U.S. federal court judge today extended an order preventing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from launching their program to root out illegal immigrants in the nation's workforce.

Judge Charles Breyer of the U.S. District Court for Northern California, after a two-hour hearing, extended a temporary restraining order for 10 days while he prepares a decision on the legality of the department's efforts.

Breyer's order also blocked the Social Security Administration (SSA) from sending out 140,000 letters to employers with employees whose names don't match their Social Security numbers.

Full Reuters story here.