Liquor Industry News

Liquor Industry News 06-02-25

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*

06-02-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

A History of Winery Consolidation in America

Challenging the WHO “no safe level” dogma

How to Pick the Right Wine With Your Meal

The Industry Is Struggling, but Regional Vintners Think Wine Can Still Win

How lower demand, generational shifts in alcohol and potential Trump tariffs are affecting winemakers

https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/industry-struggling-regional-vintners-think-wine-can-still-win

Has Champagne become too expensive?

When considering the reasons for the declining demand for Champagne over the past two years, some blame price increases. So has this high-end fizz become too expensive?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/has-champagne-become-too-expensive/

Why You May See Kirkland Signature Products On Local Liquor Store Shelves

This unusual circumstance stems from alcohol monopolies. If you’ve seen a rogue Kirkland scotch on the shelves, chances are you live in a control state.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1852266/why-kirkland-products-liquor-stores/

What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Mezcal is more than just a smoky version of tequila.

https://www.foodandwine.com/tequila-vs-mezcal-differences-11731197

Whoopi Goldberg Is Launching Her Namesake Prosecco

The wine is a DOCG-certified, 100% organic Prosecco made from organic Glera grapes

https://www.marketwatchmag.com/whoopi-goldberg-is-launching-her-namesake-prosecco/

Here’s Why XXL Wine Is So Popular

XXL Wines are making waves across the wine world.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1851595/why-is-xxl-wine-popular/

New Wine

Wente Family Vineyards is debuting a permanent addition to the winery’s core portfolio, the 2024 Pacific Mist Pinot Grigio. Retailing at $18 a bottle, Pacific Mist is sourced from sustainable vineyards on California’s Central Coast, and follows other recent additions to the Wente range like Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend and the Baily Hill Pinot Noir (both $20). Wente notes that super-premium California Pinot Grigio is up 21.7% in the last 52 weeks at retail, according to scan data from Circana.

Hail destroys large portion of vineyards in Jumilla

On the 10th of May, a massive hailstorm ripped through the Jumilla wine region, a ‘super autonomous’ denomination of origin in Spain spanning both Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia.

https://www.hudin.com/hail-destroys-large-portion-of-vineyards-in-jumilla/

R.H. Drexel: Kelli White Has Entered the Chat

Now, a decade later, White has re-entered the wine book firmament with a much more down-to-earth offering. Her latest, Wine Confident, finds White’s voice relaxed, purposeful, focused.

https://jebdunnuck.com/2025/05/r-h-drexel-kelli-white-has-entered-the-chat/

Tequila’s purity problem under scrutiny

As a legal case challenges what “100% agave” really means, producers and regulators face growing calls for greater transparency. Industry veteran Brent Hocking weighs in on the standards, semantics and future of premium tequila.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/tequilas-purity-problem-under-scrutiny/

The Rise And Fall Of The Nostalgic Boone’s Farm Drink

Boone’s Farm was lower in alcohol at around 5% to 7.5% ABV, and it was only $2 a bottle.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1858040/nostalgic-boones-farm-drink-history/

Craving A Great Wine On A Budget? Here’s What To Look For On The Label

You’re looking for a delicious wine. You walk into the store and head straight for the sections for countries that you know will have a terrific selection.

https://www.chowhound.com/1860343/portugal-wine-cheaper-same-quality/

What to Serve with Red Wine

But if you want to make the most of it, knowing what to serve with red wine can make all the difference. The right food pairing doesn’t just taste better – it lifts the wine too.

https://london-post.co.uk/perfect-pairings-what-to-serve-with-red-wine/

9 of the best wine-tasting holidays in France

Want to glug a glass of perfectly pink rosé in Provence or stockpile bottles of shiraz in the Rhône Valley? These are the country’s best spots for a sip or two

https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/france/best-wine-tasting-holidays-in-france-g3q7r79t0

Wines by the glass: How some restaurants do it right

A great selection of wines by the glass is in the long-term interests of the teetering restaurant and wine industries.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/wines-by-the-glass/

Italy approves major changes to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano rules with new “Pieve” designation and stricter production standards

Amendment highlights historical parishes, enhances labeling transparency, and reinforces traditional winemaking practices for Tuscany’s renowned wine

https://www.vinetur.com/en/2025051687684/italy-approves-major-changes-to-vino-nobile-di-montepulciano-rules-with-new-pieve-designation-and-stricter-production-standards.html

More Woe for US Wine Industry

Changes at some well-known California brands bode ill for the wine industry’s future.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/05/more-woe-for-us-wine-industry

Gallo Winery practices threaten Fresno drinking water, regulators say

Central Valley water regulators want the world’s largest winery to stop using its wastewater on local crops — a decades-old waste management practice — because it’s threatening Fresno’s drinking water supply.

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article306005076.html#storylink=cpy

How Many Bottles Of Champagne Do You Need For 100 Guests?

When it comes to planning a big party, there are a lot of details to figure out.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1855294/how-many-champagne-bottles-100-guests/

The Latest on the Tequila Industry and a Push for Additive-Free Transparency

We spoke with Grover Sanschagrin, one of the founders of Tequila Matchmaker

https://www.insidehook.com/spirits/additive-free-tequila-transparency

What Sets Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux Apart — and Why It’s Worth Knowing

Within the famed Bordeaux appellation, wines tend to fall into two categories: Left Bank and Right Bank. Here’s what the difference means to you.

https://www.foodandwine.com/left-vs-right-bank-bordeaux-11734271

What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon — this is what sets it apart.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bourbon-and-whiskey-differences-11734282

Is Red Or White Wine Healthier For You? Experts Weigh In

It all comes down to the skins.

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a64724038/red-vs-white-which-is-healthier/

Drinking Wine May Worsen GI Disorder Symptoms, New Study Says

Plus, how drinking may affect specific gastrointestinal disorders.

https://www.eatingwell.com/wine-gi-disorder-11734203

How to Pick the Right Wine With Your Meal

Grand Amari wine director Catherine Stratton Wenger has tips on sips.

https://www.wweek.com/drink/2025/05/13/how-to-pick-the-right-wine-with-your-meal/

The Difference Between Agave Spirits And Tequila

Tequila is undoubtedly the best known of the agave spirits

https://www.thetakeout.com/1854905/agave-spirits-vs-tequila-difference/

6 Signs Your Alcohol Has Gone Bad And Needs To Be Thrown Out

When it doubt, throw it out.

https://www.southernliving.com/when-to-throw-away-alcohol-11704939

Why Mexican Beer Is Traditionally Served With A Slice Of Lime

Order yourself a great-tasting Mexican lager (say, a crisp Dos Equis, Victoria, or Bohemia) and odds are it’ll arrive with a wedge of lime perched on the rim.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1855095/mexican-beer-lime-wedge/

What happens to wine as it ages?

Though the most dramatic changes wine undergoes occur during fermentation and élevage (the period between fermentation and bottling), wine remains dynamic until the moment of its consumption.

https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/what-happens-wine-it-ages

The “Napa Valley” Of Missouri Was The USA’s First Wine Region—So Why Haven’t You Heard Of It?

When we think of amazing US wine regions, we think of Napa Valley in California, the Columbia Valley in Oregon, or even the Napa Valley of the Rockies in Colorado. However, none of these is the original wine region of the US. In fact, that honor goes to a relatively unknown American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Missouri.

https://www.thetravel.com/napa-valley-of-missouri-augusta-first-wine-region-usa/

Wine, Beer or Cocktails: Which Is Healthiest?

Let’s be honest — many of us enjoy a drink now and then.

https://hartfordhospital.org/about-hh/news-center/news-detail?articleId=63900

Guess What? There’s Actually Good News for the Wine Industry

The wine industry has been plagued with capital-B Bad headlines as of late.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/bmo-wine-market-report/

A World of MAGA Liquor Is Exploding Online. But What If It’s Not Real?

A weird and winding investigation into the makers of Let’s Go Brandon Bourbon, Redneck Riviera, and 4547 Patriot Edition whiskey.

https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a64838651/maga-liquor-online-boom/

The Best Beers to Bring to a BBQ, According to 14 Pitmasters

The time has come to build your seasonal roster of excellent beers for picnics, barbecues, and other summertime gatherings, and to find out exactly which brews match up best with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and other BBQ favorites,

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-beers-for-summer-bbq/

Jose Cuervo: additive-free narrative ‘overstated’

The parent company of Jose Cuervo believes there is a “misconception” about the use of additives in the Tequila industry, claiming they are “not harmful”.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/05/jose-cuervo-additive-free-narrative-overstated/

What’s driving the RTD boom?

The ready-to-drink (RTD) sector is changing, but what is leading the charge: spirits and mixers, hard seltzers, or pre-mixed cocktails?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/05/whats-driving-the-rtd-boom/

Challenging the WHO “no safe level” dogma

A tale of weak associations and methodological issues.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/no-safe-level-alcohol-consumption

A trademark expert weighs in on recent Yellow Tail counterfeit operation

One of the targeted wine brands – and the one receiving the most media attention – is Yellow Tail. Casella Family Brands has since confirmed that the counterfeit issue was localised to independent stores and did not extend to any of the major UK supermarkets.

https://www.drinkstrade.com.au/news/a-trademark-expert-weighs-in-on-recent-yellow-tail-counterfeit-operation/?utm_source=AfternoonBrief&utm_medium=newsletter

From The Chair: Are We Trying Too Hard To Explain Wine?

Since wine is an experiential product, wine writers have latitude to use personal insights and observations to create pieces that are impressionistic, opinionated and characterful.

https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/from-the-chair-are-we-trying-too-hard-to-explain-wine/

Tequila Isn’t the Only Spirit to Use Additives. Why Aren’t We Talking About the Others?

Spirits additives have been in the news a lot lately, almost solely in relation to tequila.

https://vinepair.com/articles/examining-additives-in-spirits/

To Find The Best German Wine, Look For The Grape Eagle

It’s not always easy to decipher German wine labels, but when in doubt, just look for the eagle to guide your next glass choice.

https://www.foodandwine.com/german-wine-quality-vdp-11737282

Why popularity of big wine styles is the trade’s ‘elephant in the room’

The wine trade, led by wine writers, have been talking up lighter, fresher, low alcohol styles of wine in recent years – but is that what the public actually wants?

https://www.the-buyer.net/opinion/popularity-big-wine-styles-keay

A History of Winery Consolidation in America

Today, the top 100 companies control almost 90% of US production, according to Wine Business Monthly figures.

https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/jeff-siegel/posts/a-history-of-winery-consolidation-in-america

Barbera d’Asti gains trademark

The term ‘Barbera d’Asti’ has gained a collective trademark from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/barbera-dasti-gains-trademark/

Wine vending machines land in Provence, stirring debate among French producers

Vineyards in southern France are trialling roadside wine vending machines – but the move is proving controversial in a country where personal service and tradition are key to wine culture.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/wine-vending-machines-land-in-provence-stirring-debate-among-french-producers/

Why You Shouldn’t Store Whiskey Outside Of Its Original Bottle

We received this advice from Matt Klette, the head of advocacy for whiskey at Proximo Spirits,

https://www.thetakeout.com/1866336/whiskey-storage-mistake-keep-original-bottle/

The Supreme Court Said States Can’t Discriminate in Alcohol Sales. They’re Doing It Anyway.

Two decades after Granholm v. Heald was supposed to end protectionist shipping laws, states and lower courts continue to undermine the decision.