Liquor Industry News

Liquor Industry News 06-30-25

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-30-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Smaller wineries lead economic turnaround in the US

Vintner vs. Cannabis Grower: Feuding Neighbors

Why You Should Never Keep Tequila In The Freezer

Devil’s Advocate: Nintendo’s Underappreciated Gift to the Wine Industry

The Japanese gaming giant, Nintendo, has just launched its new Switch 2 console. Fans across the world are eagerly lining up to buy it. Robert Joseph wonders whether the wine industry should be paying more attention.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/opinion/devils-advocate-nintendos-underappreciated-gift-wine-industry

Why You Might Not Want To Use Whiskey Stones In Your Drinks

While an ice-cold drink is always welcome, nobody likes the idea of watering down their favorite cocktail or expensive liquor with tons of melted ice.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1876264/avoid-whiskey-stones-chill-drinks/

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

California’s 5 Must-Visit Wine Regions, From North to South

More than 80 percent of all the wine made in the United States comes from California.

https://matadornetwork.com/read/california-wine-tour/

I Tried the Viral Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc Trend—And Now I’m Ready for a Hot Wine Summer

It turns out there’s even some science at work.

https://www.realsimple.com/jalapeno-sauvignon-blanc-trend-11749734

Why France is switching from red to white wine

Some French wine regions are prioritising plantings of white varieties over red in a bid to follow evolving consumer tastes. Louis Thomas reports

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/why-france-is-switching-from-red-to-white-wine/

Is It Healthy To Drink Non-Alcoholic Wine Every Day? Experts Weigh In

It’s complicated.

https://www.delish.com/food/a64958047/is-non-alcoholic-wine-healthy/

Tackling Wine’s Sexual Violence Problem

The wine industry isn’t all about magical experiences in the vineyard and winery – for some it is a nightmare

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/06/tackling-wines-sexual-violence-problem

New Tequila

Tequila Casa Azul has shifted production to a new distillery, La Roca, NOM 1646. The move, according to the company, is a step toward achieving the brand’s sustainability goals. La Roca distillery is operated by the Montes family, who also operate the Las Américas distillery, Casa Azul’s previous home. Production of Casa Azul has already begun at La Roca, with the first Tequilas produced there set to hit the market this summer. Casa Azul’s celebrity backers include the NFL’s Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, actress Eiza González, and golfers Michelle Wie West and Brooks Koepka, among others.

Bourbon Fans, Meet Your New Favorite Pour: Eagle Rare 12

More age, more punch, same layered complexity.

https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-eagle-rare-12-11750242

Confused About the Health Risks of Alcohol? So Are the Scientists

Two official reports, two opposite conclusions — and a decision that could reshape alcohol policy worldwide. Felicity Carter reports.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/confused-about-health-risks-alcohol-so-are-scientists

Liquor laws in Massachusetts are complicated. Will these bills simplify them?

Senate bills would legalize happy hour and let cities and towns — not the state — decide how many liquor licenses they’ll issue.

https://newbedfordlight.org/liquor-laws-in-massachusetts-are-complicated-will-these-bills-simplify-them/

Alcohol is killing more Americans today than 20 years ago

The increase was particularly pronounced during the Covid pandemic

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/alcohol-deaths-us-liver-disease-b2768870.html

How AVAs and vineyard designations on labels increase your enjoyment of wines

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area; a concept first established in 1980 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, to recognize places of origins of American wines, which appear on wine labels.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/Why-AVAs-and-vineyard-designations-on-labels-are-important

‘Prison island’ wine contract extended until 2050

A winegrowing project between Frescobaldi and the Penal Institute on Gorgona, an island in the Tuscan Archipelago, has been helping to rehabilitate inmates for more than a decade. db can exclusively reveal that the agreement has now been extended until 2050.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/latest-harvest-of-prison-island-wine-was-a-deeply-human-journey/

Tariff Threats Trouble Italian Producers

Uncertainty tariffs between Europe and the US is frustrating for Italian producers, but the reality would be a disaster.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/06/tariff-threats-trouble-italian-producers

This historic US winery can legally call its wine champagne

Dive into the 150-year old history of this unique south jersey spot

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/renault-winery-tour/

One Risk Of White Wine You’ve Never Heard Of, Research Reveals

Many people believe wine is the “healthier” choice thanks to its antioxidant content, but a new study suggests that when it comes to cancer risk, neither red nor white wine gets a pass. And surprisingly, white wine may actually increase the risk of skin cancer, especially in women.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/research-reveals-the-link-between-white-wine-and-cancer

NA Wine & the Second Glass Test: Bolle Bubbles, LVMH’s Bet, South African Spritz

LVMH’s investment in French Bloom provides evidence, if any is needed, that NA wine is a thing.

https://wineeconomist.com/2024/11/19/na_wine/

Is this the next Tequila?

While Tequila continues to be the choice of many across the world, a lesser known spirit is stepping out of obscurity and onto the global stage.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/06/is-this-the-next-tequila/

Why Mexican hops could soon take off

Mexico, one of the world’s biggest beer producing countries, has always imported hops. But times are changing. db finds out more

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/why-mexican-hops-could-soon-take-off/

10 of the Most Absurd Drinking Gadgets Throughout History

Here, we’ll break down 10 accessories that each fall into one of those camps — or in some cases, all three.

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-drinking-accessories/

Tablas Creek Vineyard Becomes First U.S. Winery to Bottle All 14 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grapes as Single-Varietal Wines

Tablas Creek Vineyard has announced the completion of a decades-long project: bottling all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties from the Château de Beaucastel collection as single-varietal wines.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/304081

Beer Aficionados Named the ‘Worst’ Beer in the World

The offending beer was called ‘thin, flavorless, and odd smelling.’

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/beer-aficionados-named-the-worst-beer-in-the-world

Blue Moon, the orange-flavored beer, is being turned into a lip balm

The vibrant burst of orange flavor emanating from a Blue Moon is so lip-smacking good that it’s being turned into a lip balm.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/food/blue-moon-lip-balm

Nine words the wine industry has beaten to death

The wine industry loves to use certain words and phrases to describe vineyards, wines, wineries, and other things.

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2025/06/nine-words-the-wine-industry-has-beaten-to-death.html

Is organic wine really better for you? Here’s what the experts say

Organic wine may sound like the healthier choice, but does it live up to the hype? Industry experts weigh in on additives, sulphites, and whether it’s worth making the switch.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/is-organic-wine-really-better-for-you-heres-what-the-experts-say/

What do you look for in a wine?

Straightforward question, difficult to answer

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/what-do-you-look-for-in-a-wine?utm_medium=newsletter

Treasury Wine Estates opens new low- and no-alcohol wine facility

Sarah Parkes, general manager of sales and marketing for TWE’s global premium division, said the technology at the site “has helped us solve the flavor puzzle”.

https://www.just-drinks.com/news/treasury-wine-estate-australia-facility/

8 Things You Should Know About Ridge Vineyards, the Winery Behind California’s Iconic Monte Bello Bottle

From Monte Bello to Geyserville and Lytton Springs, Ridge Vineyards works with some of the most iconic vineyard sites in the history of American wine.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-ridge-vineyards/

Virginia’s Largest Winery Is Owned By A President’s Son

In Charlottesville, Virginia, Trump Winery spans a substantial 1,300 acres and sits beautifully at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1881420/largest-winery-virginia-local/

Sobering up with the latest wine trends

The global wine industry is evolving rapidly in response to growing health-conscious and moderation-driven drinking trends

https://www.foodprocessing.com.au/content/processing/news/sobering-up-with-the-latest-wine-trends-969676916

Hidden chemistry of wine: What actually shapes its texture?

The new Condensed Tannin Fragmentation Fingerprinting method tags every tannin fragment as it shatters inside a high‑resolution mass spectrometer.

https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chemistry-of-wine-what-actually-shapes-its-texture/

Why You Should Never Keep Tequila In The Freezer

Freezing tequila can mute its aromas and flavors

https://www.chowhound.com/1882692/should-you-keep-tequila-freezer/

Ever Mixed Red Wine And Cola? Spain Did – It Is Called Kalimotxo

Think red wine has only one kind of charm? A bold Spanish twist might just change how you see your next pour.

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/ever-mixed-red-wine-and-cola-spain-did-it-is-called-kalimotxo-8667116

Can you pick a wine based on the animal on the label?

These days, it’s hard to find a bottle of wine that hasn’t been given five stars by someone or placed in some sort of awards category. But could the winemaker’s choice of animal picture tell us anything about the wine’s quality, value, or both?

https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/food/can-you-pick-a-wine-based-on-the-animal-on-the-label

3 Tips That Will Instantly Level Up Your Sparkling Wine Game

It’s not all about Champagne.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-to-buy-better-sparkling-wine-11753903

The No. 1 Wine Varietal of the Summer, According to Sommeliers

Plus, five other styles to sip this season, including a varietal “full of personality” and perfect for picnics and potlucks.

https://www.bhg.com/best-summer-wine-varietal-2025-11746540

Some Federal Agencies Are Actually Getting More Efficient

Downsizing pushed the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to adopt tech solutions that it could have tried years ago.

https://reason.com/2025/06/14/some-federal-agencies-are-actually-getting-more-efficient/

Glass bottles found to contain more microplastics than plastic bottles

Drinks including water, soda, beer and wine sold in glass bottles contain more microplastics than those in plastic bottles,

https://phys.org/news/2025-06-glass-bottles-microplastics-plastic.html

Brown Rice in Your Whiskey? Jim Beam’s Latest Whiskey Breaks All the Rules

A once-obscure experiment is now the backbone of a top-shelf release.

https://www.foodandwine.com/little-book-whiskey-chapter-9-none-for-granted-11756481

Debunking wine myths

Jack Costa Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association for The News-Review

https://www.nrtoday.com/a_and_e/debunking-wine-myths/article_f02639bc-dfd4-413f-bba6-0d54e19d28af.html

Vintner vs. Cannabis Grower: Feuding Neighbors in Wine Country

A Buellton-area winemaker is asking the courts to allow his class-action lawsuit over the “strong stench” of pot to proceed to trial.

https://www.edhat.com/news/vintner-vs-cannabis-grower-feuding-neighbors-in-wine-country/

The ‘Olympics of Beer’ Just Crowned Its Champions — and These Trends Are Clear

The World Beer Cup featured 8,375 entries from breweries across 37 countries, highlighting key trends in style, strength, and the growing role of cider.

https://www.foodandwine.com/beer-and-cider-trends-world-beer-cup-2025-11756649

The plummeting demand for wine has many in the industry worried. But is the situation so dire?

According to the Silicon Valley Bank’s annual wine industry report, revenues for U.S. brands tumbled by 3.4 percent in 2024

https://www.montereycountynow.com/news/cover/the-plummeting-demand-for-wine-has-many-in-the-industry-worried-but-is-the-situation/article_6915dc31-35d6-4768-8732-a154590092b2.html

Smaller wineries lead economic turnaround in the US

According to the 2025 Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) direct to consumer shipping report, small wineries are helping the US wine industry to bounce back. Roger Morris reports

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/smaller-wineries-lead-economic-turnaround-in-the-us/

Josh Cellars Announces National Launch of Non-Alcoholic Sparkling

Josh Cellars, the #1 selling premium wine brand in the U.S., today announced the national rollout of its first-ever non-alcoholic offering,

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/17/josh-cellars-announces-national-launch-of-non-alcoholic-sparkling/

Natural Wine Democratized ‘Winespeak.’ But Does It Make Any Sense?

Natural wine has exploded in recent years, with sales continuing to rise even as the global wine industry slumps.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/drinks-terms-defined/natural-wine-language-approachable/

Light Beer Continues To Reign In The US. Why Is It So Darn Popular?

There is no single reason that light beers have such a dominant hold on the American palate — at least not one that can be easily quantitatively pinned down.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1884239/why-light-beer-so-popular/

Fizzled out: French winemaker risks prison over champagne fraud

Prosecutors in eastern France on Wednesday requested a winemaker accused of producing and selling fake champagne in an elaborate scam be sentenced to four years in prison, with three years of the term suspended.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250611-fizzled-out-french-winemaker-risks-prison-over-champagne-fraud