The Cork Report 2025 Editorial Calendar

More flexibility – for wineries and for me – in 2025

Dec 30, 2024

Before getting into the calendar itself, I want to let everyone know that I’m going to be a bit more flexible with it this year. The calendar below is just a framework — a way for me to keep myself somewhat organized, and help wineries know when to send me what wines when.

That said, if you have a pinot noir you’re excited about, you don’t have to wait until October to send it to me. Send it now. If you have a cool new red hybrid blend you’re releasing in May, you didn’t “miss your chance” because it wasn’t submitted by January 10. Send it now and I’ll taste it.

For 2025, each month’s editorial focus will be:

January: Red Hybrid & Native Varieties (Due January 10)
February: Bordeaux Variety Reds & Blends (Due January 31)
- Malbec, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and blends
March: White Hybrid & Native Varieties (Due February 28)
April: Cabernet Franc (Due March 31)
May: Rosé (Due April 30)
June: Riesling & Other Sparkling Wine (Due May 31)
- Pet-Nat, Charmat, etc.
July: Sauvignon Blanc (Due June 30)
August: Chardonnay & Other White Vinifera (Due July 31)
- Albarino, chenin blanc, gewurztraminer, etc.
September: Other Red Vinifera (Due August 31)
- Lagrein, Syrah, Teroldego, etc.
October: Pinot Noir (Due September 30)
November: Sparkling Wine (Champagne Method) (Due October 31)
December: Year-End Awards

To submit wines, please fill out my submission form.

Notes for 2025

Panel Tastings Are TBD
I plan to do at least one or two, but I haven’t decided which varieties/styles they’ll be or if they’ll be open submission or invitation-only. I like to try different things every year, so we’ll see.

I Can’t Extend Deadlines
One of the biggest challenges with my style/variety reports in previous years has been I was too lenient with submission deadlines. In my desire to be as inclusive and comprehensive as possible, I’ve always let people send wines late. I can’t do it anymore. It creates a cascading of delays and logistical challenges that are difficult to overcome.

Adding Annual Awards
A year from now, I’ll be focusing almost entirely on year-end awards and wrap-up stories. I’m still thinking through what awards I’ll include, but I’m thinking there will be a “Winery of the Year,” “Winemaker of the Year,” “Top X Wines of the Year” (not sure how deep to go on that,) as well as some other, less-common ideas.