Liquor Industry News
The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)
By: Mark C Lenzi
CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*
11-17-2025
Liquor Industry Week In Review
The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)
This Weeks Highlights:
New Products
How Much Wine Should I Buy?
Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?
How Tito’s Vodka Gets Away With It
Hungarian Vineyards Face Catastrophe
The famous vineyards of Hungary are under threat from a huge invasion of vine disease.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/10/hungarian-vineyards-face-catastrophe
The Gen Z Beer Trend That Has Some People Freaking Out
It’s no secret that Gen Z loves a food trend.
https://www.thetakeout.com/2001951/gen-z-beer-on-ice-trend-response/
Study of wine tariffs shows consumers will pick up part of Trump’s tab
A study from Duke’s Department of Economics found that consumers ultimately paid more than the tariff cost on European wines during a 2019–21 trade dispute, a finding that could have significant implications for U.S. consumers as a fresh wave of tariffs around the globe affects prices.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_4a94e161-02df-48f6-8fde-293f72e61f9f.html
Lodi winemakers face challenges as low sugar levels impact grape harvest
Lodi winemakers are struggling with low sugar levels in grapes, affecting demand and profits as cheap imports flood the market.
https://www.kcra.com/article/lodi-winemakers-challenges-sugar-level-harvest/69151480
Recent trends in declining US wine consumption
We have all read warnings about declining wine consumption over recent years, especially in the USA.
http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/10/recent-trends-in-declining-us-wine.html
P&O wine expert Olly Smith reveals his fail-safe wine tips & new book
Ever wondered how a wine expert orders in a restaurant or what he drinks at Christmas? Olly Smith spills his top tips and the one wine he wouldn’t touch
https://www.cruiseandtravel.co.uk/news-advice/cruise-lines/olly-smith-new-book-wine/
Whiskey glut weighs on MGP as Q3 sales fall 19%
As US whiskey production slows and inventories remain high, MGP Ingredients’ third-quarter (Q3) sales slid 19% with distilling revenue nearly halved.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/whiskey-glut-weighs-on-mgp-as-q3-sales-fall-19/
How Lees Aging Is Transforming Albariño Into Spain’s Most Surprising White Wine
Lees aging — long a Burgundy technique — unlocks rich layers and unexpected depth in the zesty white wine. Here are 9 to try right now
https://www.foodandwine.com/lees-aged-albarinos-11809140
Wine tourism now accounts for a quarter of global winery revenue
A new international study has found that wine tourism remains a profitable and expanding part of the global wine industry, with 65% of wineries reporting positive returns and more than half planning to invest further.
Diageo rejects ‘flat earth’ Tequila purity claims
Diageo has moved to dismiss a Florida class action alleging its Don Julio and Casamigos Tequilas contain non-agave alcohol. In its filing, the company likened the plaintiffs’ testing theory to “someone claiming the earth is flat because he saw a test result somewhere that says his neighbour’s backyard is level.”
An Agave plant in front of a bright red wall
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/diageo-rejects-flat-earth-tequila-purity-claims/
Moderate wine consumption: beneficial effects on blood clotting markers in coronary heart disease
A Greek intervention study investigated the question whether moderate wine consumption with meals can offer blood clotting benefits in patients with existing coronary artery disease.
‘Falanghina del Sannio will soon become a DOCG’
THE CAMPANIA DENOMINATION IS MOVING TOWARD A REFORM PACKAGE THAT ALSO INCLUDES THE INTRODUCTION OF DISEASE-RESISTANT GRAPE VARIETIES. MEANWHILE, THE WINERY LED BY DOMIZIO PIGNA IS EXPERIMENTING WITH ITS FIRST NON-ALCOHOLIC SPARKLING WINE.
https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/falanghina-del-sannio-will-soon-become-a-docg/
Short term health effects of de-alcoholised red wine
The results showed that de-alcoholised red wine was associated with increased serum/plasma antioxidant capacity and microbiome diversity compared to water but had less effect on microbiome diversity compared to red wine.
https://www.wineinformationcouncil.com/short-term-health-effects-of-de-alcoholised-red-wine/
Canada Ships 50 million Gallons of Fake Wine to the U.S. Annually
Legal Loophole/Tax-Avoidance Scheme Hurts California Growers
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309909
John Mulaney’s New Nonalcoholic Beer Collab Proves Sober Can Still Be Fun
Because cutting back shouldn’t mean missing out.
https://www.mensjournal.com/food/john-mulaney-non-alcoholic-years-beer
Can you buy liquor at the grocery store in Massachusetts?
Here’s what the law says
Do Different Alcohols Affect Us Differently?
Well, sort of
New Knob Creek
Suntory Global Spirits has announced the release of Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the latest expression bottled by the brand. The 50% abv Bourbon will be available for the holiday season as a limited time offering carrying a suggested price of $250. The barrels chosen for the whiskey aged in rackhouses across the James B. Beam Distillery’s campus and were hand selected by the company’s master distillers. Last year, Knob Creek was at 508,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Can fine wine and professional sport be a perfect pairing?
While it’s widely held that binge drinking is detrimental to a fitness regime, record-breaking former American football quarterback Drew Bledsoe believes that fine wine and professional sport form a perfect pairing.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/can-fine-wine-and-professional-sport-be-a-perfect-pairing/
The 10 Most Important American Single Malt Whiskeys Ever Released
American Single Malt Whisky is made in the U.S. from 100 percent malted barley, distilled entirely at one distillery, matured in oak casks up to 700 liters in capacity, bottled at 80 proof or more, and distilled to no more than 160 proof.
https://vinepair.com/articles/most-important-american-single-malt-whiskeys/
‘We couldn’t even tweet back’: How Josh Cellars turned a meme into a 7m-case sensation
When Josh Cellars went viral on X, its team couldn’t log in – but the internet did the work for them. This is the inside story of the wine brand’s accidental meme moment and the marketing rethink that followed.
Top 10 most valuable wine and spirits heists in history
Even as the Louvre jewel theft dominates headlines, the world of fine wine and spirits has its own rich history of high-value heists. From a forklift in Bethnal Green to a beauty queen in Cáceres, the cellar can be every bit as tempting as a gallery wall.
Bottle of red wine on a black table. Hand in reaches for a bottle of red wine. Copy space.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/top-10-most-valuable-wine-and-spirits-heists-in-history/
Here’s What You Don’t Know About Non-Alcoholic Beer
It is difficult to make good NA beer
https://washingtonbeerblog.com/heres-what-you-dont-know-about-non-alcoholic-beer/
Italian winemakers look to new technologies with old grape varieties to adapt to a changing climate
Producers introducing irrigation rotations to prevent water shortages
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/italian-wine-production-changing-climate-9.6958528
How to read a wine menu like a pro
Because I know you’re always confused.
The Science of Aging Wine Under Screw Cap
Can wines successfully age under screw cap? Long-term producer data and ample scientific research now offers a detailed answer
https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-aging-wine-under-screw-cap/
Study clearly shows protective effect
Moderate wine consumption can reduce the risk of strokes
New Rye
- Infinium Spirits’ Templeton Distillery has released a new single barrel rye whiskey. The limited edition release is bottled at cask strength and distilled from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Templeton’s new single barrels were distilled, aged, and bottled at the company’s distillery in Iowa. Templeton Single Barrel Rye is now available at select retailers across the U.S. for a suggested price of $50 a bottle. Last year, Templeton was at 37,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
How Tito’s Vodka Gets Away With It
America’s bestselling spirit has been the subject of prolific lawsuits. There’s a reason none of it has mattered.
https://slate.com/life/2025/11/titos-vodka-handmade-recipes-price-lalo-tequila.html
How Josh Cellars Grew to Dominate the U.S. Wine Category, Selling Over 7 Million Cases a Year
Founder Joe Carr wanted to honor his father and solve a cash flow issue. He wound up creating a bestselling label that made wine accessible and meme-worthy.
https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/the-leap/josh-cellars-growth-story
New Bourbon
- Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a new 9-year-old Bourbon. The whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery’s 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is distilled from the company’s traditional mash bill—78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye—with 30% of the blend aging in heavy char barrels. The Bourbon is bottled at 53.5% abv and was made from 204 barrels of whiskey. The limited release carries a suggested price of $125 and is now available across the U.S.
Why Are Corks So Important for Wine Storage?
Thinking about building a wine cellar or buying a wine fridge to store your wine?
https://yeegolife.com/blogs/news/cork-vs-screw-cap-for-wine-aging
13 Wine Songs
There’re many songs where wine, whisky, Champagne, and other beverages are in the lyrics. So I wondered myself: what ‘bout songs with the word ‘Wine’, ‘Whisky’ or similar in the title?
https://wineroland.medium.com/13-wine-songs-856f7c1d9399
Scientists in Japan create a new wine grape with a wild twist
A team led by Professor Takuji Hoshino at Okayama University of Science has created a new wine grape, Muscat Shiragai, blending the endangered Shiraga grape native to Okayama with Muscat of Alexandria
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093014.htm
Garda DOC Consortium: Low Alcohol And Crémant, Approved Changes to The Production Regulations
New types and production updates for an evolving designation
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310108
High-end spirits plunge 28% in China
Luxury spirits saw nearly US$1 billion wiped off their sales value last year, while the US overtook China as the segment’s second-biggest market.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/high-end-spirits-plunge-28-in-china/
How To Make a Cheap Bottle of Wine Taste Better
Not every bottle needs to cost half your paycheck to be enjoyable.
https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/budget-wine-upgrade-tips/
About 70 new wineries appear in Ukraine during war years
About 70 new wineries appeared in Ukraine during the war years, the prerequisite for which was a significant improvement in legislation, said Volodymyr Pechko, head of the Association of Gardeners, Grape Growers and Winemakers of Ukraine.
https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/1117675.html
US government shutdown puts spirits sector on ice
The US government’s shutdown has wreaked havoc on the country’s spirits industry because the TTB is one of the hardest-hit agencies.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/us-government-shutdown-puts-spirits-sector-on-ice/
Sporting tenacity ensures growth for Washington winery
Such is the competitive spirit of record-breaking former pro sportsman Drew Bledsoe, his Washington winery has seen sales increase during the downturn in the drinks market.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/sporting-tenacity-ensures-growth-for-washington-winery/
This Massive Chart Shows Which Companies Own America’s Top Wine Brands
It’s no secret that there’s a massive amount of wine available in America
https://vinepair.com/booze-news/biggest-wine-brands-in-usa-and-who-owns-them-chart/
Are ‘forest-blend’ barrels the secret to Spanish fine wine?
Vintners are missing a trick if they are not speaking to their coopers about ‘forest blending’, which can elevate your final product, one high-end Priorat producer tells Sarah Neish.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/are-forest-blend-barrels-the-secret-to-fine-wine/
What Do Consumers Ask Winemakers Most Often?
Chimney Rock Has Some Answers
Brassfield Estate Winery Celebrates Successful 2025 Harvest Season
Brassfield Estate Winery was born out of a vision to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines
https://www.streetinsider.com/dr/news.php?id=25559091
Is Red Wine Bad for Acne?
The Expert Weighs In
https://necolebitchie.com/is-red-wine-bad-for-acne/
This celebrated San Francisco restaurateur has quietly been building a wine brand
With six restaurants, three books, two kids, one husband – and a James Beard Award to boot – Shelley Lindgren isn’t resting on her laurels.
Chianti Now Also as Rosé
The Tuscan regional government has approved the introduction of “Chianti DOP Rosé.” This marks a new direction for the Chianti consortium and responds to the declining prices and sales problems of recent years.
https://magazine.wein.plus/news/chianti-now-also-as-rose-consortium-responds-to-declining-demand
Champagne: Why the disgorgement date matters
Champagne is unlike any other wine
https://www.idealwine.info/champagne-why-the-disgorgement-date-matters/
Should Somms Show Off the Bottles They Sell on Social Media?
More and more sommeliers are opting to highlight their work by sharing posts like this on social media.
https://vinepair.com/articles/should-somms-show-off-bottle-sales-on-social-media/
American whiskey exports generate $1.3bn’
The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has urged the US government to eliminate key trade barriers for the sector, revealing exports generated US$1.3 billion for the country in 2024.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/american-whiskey-exports-generate-us1-3bn/
How Music Shapes the Perfect Wine Bar Atmosphere
A great wine bar experience isn’t just about the wine.
https://txwinelover.com/2025/11/how-music-shapes-the-perfect-wine-bar-atmosphere/
Supreme Court Looks Like Rejecting Tariffs
Despite being notoriously inscrutable, it looks like the US Supreme Court could find against President Trump’s tariffs
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/supreme-court-looks-like-rejecting-tariffs
Why Grapes are the Secret to Ageless Skin
Filled with nutrients and fiber, grapes are well-known for their health benefits—which include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, supporting digestion,
https://www.vogue.com/article/grape-skin-benefits
Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?
Colonial-era blue laws still apply
From ‘Shark Tank’ Pitch to Music Festival Favorite
BeatBox Is the RTD of the Year
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wine-star-awards/rtd-2025/
What wine to serve alongside black truffles?
Black truffle is not something that we eat every day. A delicacy, we need equally special wines to pair with dishes that contain this wonderful fungus.
https://www.idealwine.info/what-wine-to-serve-alongside-black-truffles/
What Is Sherry? Your Guide to Spain’s Most Versatile Wine
Sherry is produced in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry D.O.P. in Andalucía, Spain – specifically within the “sherry triangle”
https://www.reservewines.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-sherry-your-guide-to-spain-s-most-versatile-wine
6 Things You Should Know About Carpano Antica Formula, Italy’s Historic Sweet Vermouth
If you like stirred and boozy classics like Negronis and Manhattans, chances are you’ve had Carpano Antica Formula
https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-carpano-antica-formula/
New Modelo
- Constellation Brands’ Modelo has announced Noche Especial, a new limited edition amber lager celebrating Christmas Eve traditions in hispanic communities around the world. The beer is at 5.7% abv and, according to the company, has “a toasted, caramel malt flavor.” The limited edition is now available across the U.S. in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles. Modelo Especial is the second-largest beer in the U.S. market n volume terms after Bud Light at 15.2 million barrels, according to Impact Databank.
Pascaline Lepeltier Is the Master Sommelier Who Wants You to Rethink How You Taste Wine
At Chambers in New York City, Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier is reframing wine tasting through mindfulness and developing a new path for global wine education.
https://www.foodandwine.com/pascaline-lepeltier-drinks-visionaries-2025-11841646
The World’s Best Proseccos of 2025
Champagne may inspire all the cheesy quotes, but it’s Prosecco that consistently delivers on value.
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/the-worlds-best-proseccos-of-2025
13 Alcoholic Drinks Nutritionists Say You Can Enjoy Without Guilt
It can be tough to find alcoholic drinks that fit a healthier lifestyle, but nutritionists say it’s absolutely possible
Beer yeast leftovers spun into a promising sustainable yarn 50% stronger than wool
Yeast waste from breweries have been spun into textile fibres at a cost that could be affordable for clothing. A group in the US has reported that the fermented yeast proteins can be extracted and spun into a fibre stronger than wool.
The Coravin Guide: Where and how to find wine by the glass
The company behind the innovative wine preservation system is now publishing a digital guide to the world’s wine-by-the-glass programs.
https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/the-coravin-guide
How Much Wine Should I Buy?
Guide to Ordering Wine
https://mawby.wine/news/how-much-wine-should-i-buy
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