For the better part of her career, Michaela Rodeno has been hell-bent on “creating a bigger place in American life for wine.”

On June 1, St. Supéry’s first and only CEO Michaela Rodeno will hand over her title and job to president Emma Swain, who joined the winery in March as part of a succession plan.

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Napa Valley Vintners host the ninth annual Afternoon in the Vineyards Saturday, May 2, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Yountville chefs and winemakers join together for “Sense Yountville,” a new epicurean event, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Groezinger House at Vintage Estate, 6525 Washington Ave.

“Whether you are a visitor or a native seeking the ultimate chalice of nectar from grapes, navigating California’s wine country can be intimidating.”

Heibel Ranch Vineyards has released its first vintage, 2006 Lappa’s, Napa Valley Red Wine, a proprietary Napa Valley blend of 55 percent cabernet sauvignon, 30 percent zinfandel and 15 percent petite syrah.

Sadly for many in the wine industry, the worldwide weakness in the economy is having a calamitous impact. Consequently, smart consumers are cashing in. Or should that be caching?

Big Brother may soon have something to say about the wine reviews you see on the Internet.

An event spotlighting some of the best and brightest talents in wine cellars today, last weekend’s “atelier” at Acme Fine Wines in St. Helena surpassed even the organizers’ goals.