Liquor Industry News
The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)
By: Mark C Lenzi
CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*
09-21-2026
Liquor Industry News
New Products
What Makes a Wine Vegan?
What’s the etiquette for serving Port?
Is your beer being ‘deceptive’ about where it is brewed?
How Grain Shapes Whisk(e)y
What makes barley, corn, and rye more than just starch sources? A close look at how grain chemistry and processing build whisky character.
https://thespiritjournal.substack.com/p/cereal-choices-how-grain-type-shapes
Lodi grape harvest begins weeks ahead of schedule as wine industry struggles continue
It is an unprecedented grape harvest, with some growers starting as early as late July. They say this is the earliest harvest they’ve ever seen in the Lodi wine region.
https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lodi-wine-grape-early-harvest
The Last Glass of Wine in the Bottle Can Be the Worst — Here’s When to Send It Back
You ordered a glass of wine, not the dregs. Here’s how to know when to send it back and what to say.
https://www.foodandwine.com/restaurant-glass-wine-bad-12071521
What Makes a Wine Vegan?
A Guide for Conscious Drinkers
https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/what-makes-a-wine-vegan
Climate change pushes French wine production north
Winemakers are establishing vineyards in Normandy and Brittany as rising temperatures alter the viability of wine production across France. But growers moving north in search of more favourable conditions warn that frost, drought and extreme rainfall are already demonstrating that emerging regions will not escape the volatility of a changing climate.
How to get Grenache noticed by the consumer
Despite being the seventh most planted grape variety across the world, Grenache is often goes unnoticed by consumers — even though they drink a lot of it. Now is your chance to make your wine stand out at the Global Grenache Masters competition.
Why apéritifs are still a solid bet
Apéritif producers have pushed their formerly low-key brands into the heart of drinking culture, and are now adapting to retain consumer interest.
Canadian whisky slumps in US control states
Sales of Canadian whisky in US control states saw the biggest drop of all spirits categories in July as Scotch and Tequila grew.
Non-alcoholic beer sees rise in quality and reputation
Non-alcoholic beer has transitioned from a niche compromise into a mainstream, premium category, driven by advancements in brewing technology and shifting social habits. Jessica Mason reports on how it has developed in terms of inclusivity and also offers everyone a right to their own privacy.
Why Bryan Cranston Talked Two Celebrities Out of the Tequila Business
Cranston and Aaron Paul of Dos Hombres say a famous name sells the first bottle, never the second.
This Is the No. 1 Beer in America, According to a New Report
Lagers claim four of the top five spots nationwide, with an Irish stout as the sole exception.
https://www.foodandwine.com/most-popular-beer-in-america-according-to-google-search-data-12071118
College Football’s Beer Boom Is About More Than Thirsty Fans
College stadiums resisted selling beer for decades. A major policy shift — and a new financial reality for college athletics — quickly changed that.
https://www.foodandwine.com/college-football-beer-sales-12075290
Basil Hayden’s First Cognac Cask-Finished Bourbon Is Here — and It’s Only $50
The French oak barrels previously held Cognac for 20 to 25 years, marking the brand’s first use of casks from a non-American spirit.
https://www.foodandwine.com/basil-hayden-cognac-cask-reserve-bourbon-12074691
How Champagne is sustaining sales in restaurants
Champagne is still a mainstay of the restaurant scene, but producers are having to work harder and smarter to keep their place on the list, reports Douglas Blyde.
Bordeaux fire myths debunked
Reputations are shaped as much by misinformation as by information. In the aftermath of the Bordeaux blazes, Sarah Neish brings you the facts about the fires – and what they really mean for the region’s 2026 vintage.
Wine Folly Launches Its First Mobile App
Putting 32 Interactive Wine Maps in Your Pocket
Your Tequila Might Have Been Bottled in Indiana. 7 Rules Explain Why.
The truth about tequila regulations and why they matter to you
https://www.tequilareport.com/p/7-rules-that-decide-what-can-be-called-tequila
Brown-Forman CEO: US whiskey demise ‘exaggerated’
The CEO of Brown-Forman has played down the demise of the American whiskey category, stating that “interest is very high” despite declining sales.
For Savory Pot Roast, Cook It In This Popular Wine
If you’re a regular Tasting Table reader, you know what a game-changer cooking with wine can be.
https://www.tastingtable.com/2247837/cook-savory-pot-roast-best-wine
Woodford Reserve explores ‘super seasoned’ oak
Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve has unveiled an experimental Bourbon aged in barrels made from staves exposed to the elements for five to seven years.
French wine yields drop to new historic low after searing summer heat
French wine production is expected to suffer its worst harvest in some 70 years with the agriculture ministry on Monday forecasting a 6 percent drop in output after a summer of scorching temperatures, heatwaves and drought. France last week announced more than €1 billion in emergency support for farmers.
Beer Can Be Saved from Pesticide Contamination.
Here’s What Companies and Consumers Need to Do.
This New $100 Bourbon Blends 3 of Kentucky’s Most Coveted Whiskeys in One Bottle
Created to honor longtime distiller Chris Morris’ 50-year career, Kentucky Boy will debut September 10 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.
Blue Nun is back with a vengeance
Wildly popular in the 1970s and ’80s, German wine Blue Nun graced the dinner table of many a bouffant-sporting host, with 3.5 million bottles sold per year in its heyday. Now, the brand’s owner Les Grands Chais de France is determined to restore the brand’s place in consumer affections.
9 California Chardonnays You Should Try if You Don’t Like Big, Oaky Wines
Chardonnay is a much-maligned grape
https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/non-oaky-california-chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
The Wild Chameleon Grape You Think You Know
https://verovino.com/vero-blog/sauvignon-blanc-friuli-italy-styria-austria-moravia-czech-republic
Single Malts, Kiwi-Style
New Zealand’s single malt distillers are making some great whiskies
https://whiskyadvocate.com/new-zealand-whisky-distilleries
Is your beer being ‘deceptive’ about where it is brewed?
A tool for people to uncover where the beer they buy from supermarkets has been brewed has been created to assist in consumers’ plight for product transparency. db reports.
California winery swaps Zinfandel for sunflowers
A Sonoma County winery has replaced an acre of Zinfandel vines with more than 3,000 sunflowers as California’s wine industry grapples with oversupply and changing consumer tastes. Chateau Diana says the move is designed to attract visitors and diversify its offering as vineyard removals accelerate across Wine Country.
Trump bans Canadian spirits imports
US President Donald Trump will impose a near-total ban on Canadian alcoholic beverage imports as the trade war between the two nations escalates.
Sarti Rosa makes US debut
Sarti Rosa’s arrival in the US is said to mark Campari Group’s largest investment behind an aperitivo launch.
Skrewball launches PB&J whiskey cans
Pernod Ricard-owned Skrewball has released cans of peanut butter and strawberry jelly-flavored whiskey in the US.
7 NFL Teams Whose Fans Have Iconic Game Day Drink Orders
From the Chicago Handshake to the Kansas City Ice Water
https://vinepair.com/articles/nfl-team-fans-specific-drink-ordes
14 Red Wines That Taste Better Chilled
Chilled red wine isn’t just for summer anymore.
https://www.foodandwine.com/best-red-wines-to-chill-12111943
Italian winery to send US organic farmers to Congress
Candoni Wines is raising funds this September for the Organic Farmers Association’s annual fly-in to Washington DC, which puts producers directly in front of policymakers.
Why alcohol-free drinks aren’t a ‘gateway’ to booze but a path to moderation
New research has confirmed that there is no evidence that alcohol-free drinks lead people towards alcohol, but growing evidence they support moderation. db reports.
Gen Z Is Drinking More. This Is What’s Winning Them Over, According to a New Report
A new Morning Consult report tracking more than 2,800 brands found a major shift in what younger adults are considering buying, with interest in one alcohol category roughly doubling in early 2026.
https://www.foodandwine.com/gen-z-canned-cocktail-trend-12111867
Tariffs Hurt the Wine Industry. Did the Refunds Stop the Bleeding?
After years of back-and-forth tariff headaches, billions of dollars are back in importer pockets. Are there more worries to come?
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/tariff-refunds
7 French Wines You Should Try at Least Once in Your Life
The bucket-list bottles every French wine lover should try.
https://www.foodandwine.com/french-wines-every-wine-lover-should-try-12113117
We Matched Every NFL Team With Its Fans’ Choice Tequila
32 teams, 32 bottles. A hometown brand, a stadium sponsor, or a player’s own pick.
https://www.tequilareport.com/p/we-matched-every-nfl-team-with-its-fans-choice-tequila
Heat of 2026 Champagne harvest forces rule-change for region
Such was the extreme heat and dryness in Champagne this year that winemakers risked breaking the rules of the region – which is why they have been changed. Patrick Schmitt MW finds out what has been happening.
What’s the etiquette for serving Port?
From passing the decanter to choosing the right glass, Port comes with more traditions than most drinks. Gabriel Stone explains which serving rules still matter, which can safely be ignored and why enjoying Port need not be a formal affair
7 US Wineries With New Tasting Rooms to Visit Next
Discover new wine destinations from California to North Carolina this fall.
https://www.foodandwine.com/new-winery-tasting-rooms-12105792
How did ancient Israelites make wine?
Scientists are stomping grapes to find out
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