Franklin Liquors-The Wonderful World of Wine

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

05-04-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Many Beers Are Equivalent To One Bottle Of Wine?

11 Essential Bottles of Japanese Whisky

Understanding the Wine Drinker of Today

 

 

 

The Definitive Ranking of Bloody Mary Garnishes

 So, we’ve rounded up and ranked common Bloody Mary garnishes, from cool yet composed to outright absurd.

https://vinepair.com/articles/bloody-mary-garnish-ranking/

 

 

Plenty of the choices facing the wine world are hard.

Making wines with “American” on the label 100% from US grapes shouldn’t be one of them

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/04/plenty-of-the-choices-facing-the-wine-world-are-hard-making-wines-with-american-on-the-label-100-from-us-grapes-shouldnt-be-one-of-them/

 

 

Cost of dating climbs, US consumers cut back

Dating is on the decline in the US as costs rise, according to a new study commissioned by Maison Louis Jadot, with consumers becoming more selective about how they spend on wine.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/cost-of-dating-climbs-us-consumers-cut-back/

 

 

What Does it Mean When a Spirit Is ‘Overproof’?

But what actually is an overproof spirit and can the label be applied across categories?

https://vinepair.com/articles/overproof-spirits-explained/

 

 

I Support Keeping American Wine Truly American and Improving Truth in Labeling

In the wine industry, we place great importance on origin and on the uniqueness of wine as an agricultural product tied to a specific place.

https://www.vinography.com/2026/04/i-support-keeping-american-wine-truly-american-and-improving-truth-in-labeling

 

 

The Wines That Changed How America Drinks, Decade by Decade

Walking into a wine shop in 2026 looks a lot different than it would have in the 1970s. Where shelves might have been lined then with jugs of Carlo Rossi California Chablis, shoppers might now find a buttery bottle of Rombauer or a niche Chardonnay from France’s Jura region.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wines-trends-changed-america-drinking-habits/

 

 

Top 50 beer companies in America revealed

The top 50 breweries in the US have been ranked by the Brewers Association in its annual report based on volume output for 2025. db looks into the findings.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/top-50-beer-companies-in-america-revealed/

 

 

Understanding the Wine Drinker of Today

For the first time, the survey asked respondents about AI and discovered that not only were a full 25% using AI for wine recommendations, but 40% of respondents were very happy with the recommendations, while 33% were somewhat happy. A mere 1% were dissatisfied.

https://www.meininger.de/en/insights/understanding-wine-drinker-today

 

 

Kentucky distiller charged with criminal loan deception

A grand jury has charged Darron Dillow, co-owner of Limestone Farms Distillery, with “theft by deception” for allegedly using a neighbour’s farm as collateral to secure a loan worth more than US$10,000, without their permission.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/kentucky-distiller-charged-with-criminal-loan-deception/

 

 

Conor McGregor settles lawsuit over Proper No. 12 whiskey but can’t resist one last jibe

The UFC champion and drinks entrepreneur Conor McGregor has settled a dispute with fellow fighter Artem Lobov, who claims he was entitled to 5% of the sale price of whiskey brand Proper No. 12.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/conor-mcgregor-settles-lawsuit-over-proper-no-12-whiskey-but-cant-help-one-last-jibe/

 

 

How a Baltimore Brewery Shaped New York’s Most Notorious Baseball Team

In 1885, Baltimore’s National Brewing Company produced its first batch of Natural Bohemian,

https://vinepair.com/articles/baltimore-national-brewing-company-shaped-1986-mets/

 

 

Consumers Want to Buy Wine. Why Are We Making It So Hard?

There’s a lot of conversation right now about softening demand in the wine industry. Traffic is down, consumers are more selective, and younger buyers don’t always engage in the same way the industry is used to.

https://winesalessymposium.com/consumers-want-to-buy-wine-why-are-we-making-it-so-hard/

 

 

Open White Wine Goes in the Fridge, but What About Red? I Asked a Sommolier

Here’s everything you need to know about storing open red, white and sparkling wine.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/open-white-wine-goes-in-the-fridge-but-what-about-red-i-asked-a-sommolier/

 

 

Americans Could Soon Be One Step Closer to Distilling Spirits at Home

The decision challenges a Reconstruction-era law originally intended to prevent Americans from evading federal liquor taxes.

https://www.foodandwine.com/federal-appeals-court-strikes-down-home-distilling-ban-11948831

 

 

Study links breathalyzer apps to shifts in drinking habits

New research suggests that repeated use of mobile breathalyzers is associated with changes in how people drink and assess intoxication. The findings add to a broader picture of consumers engaging more actively with tools that track health and alcohol intake.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/study-links-breathalyser-apps-to-shifts-in-drinking-habits/

 

 

4 North American Wine Regions to Visit Next in the West, From Oregon to Mexico

Venture beyond Napa and Sonoma to these alternative West Coast wine destinations with compelling wineries, restaurants, and hotels.

https://www.foodandwine.com/next-great-north-american-wine-regions-11941766

 

 

PBR & Grillo’s Team Up For A Beer That’s Kind Of A Big Dill

It’s tangy, dill-forward, and already doing numbers in the comment section.

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a71063866/pbr-grillos-pickle-beer-release/

 

 

The Best Beer To Kick Back With While Enjoying A Bowl Of Vanilla Ice Cream

Step aside meat and veggies –- we’re about to dive into the two best food groups in existence: beer and ice cream.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2148418/best-beer-pair-vanilla-ice-cream/

 

 

3 Types Of Beer That Are Always A Little Overpriced (And One That Isn’t)

Beer is, for the most part, a more or less affordable luxury, which is why the alcohol industry has typically held up well during troubled times.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2149063/why-these-beers-always-overpriced-explained/

 

 

Everything You Need to Know Before You BYOB

Whether you’re headed to a spot without a liquor license or want to indulge in a special bottle, there are many reasons to bring your own wine to a restaurant
https://vinepair.com/articles/byob-etiquette-guide-complete/

 

 

Host of the Italian Wine Podcast Receives Vinitaly Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Attilio Scienza, host of the Italian Wine Podcast show “Everybody Needs a Bit of Scienza”, has been awarded Vinitaly’s highly prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at a formal inauguration ceremony in Verona on Sunday 12 April 2026. Launched in 2025, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes figures who have made a fundamental contribution to the Italian wine sector.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/host-of-the-italian-wine-podcast-receives-vinitaly-lifetime-achievement-award-302746059.html

 

 

Why Alcohol Distribution Is Different — and Why That Matters

Alcohol distribution is treated differently because it must address unique economic and public interest risks. After Prohibition, states began adopting the three-tier system to rebuild the marketplace in a way that prevents any one supplier or retailer from dominating while ensuring safeguards around public health and safety. This system promotes transparency and ensures oversight

https://www.wswa.org/news/why-alcohol-distribution-different-and-why-matters

 

 

11 Essential Bottles of Japanese Whisky

The history of Japanese whisky isn’t quite as convoluted as other spirits categories. It’s just misunderstood.

https://vinepair.com/articles/essential-bottles-japanese-whisky-timeline-infographic/

 

 

Trump administration begins $166bn tariffs refund

The Trump administration has launched a platform to process US$166 billion worth of refunds on tariffs the US Supreme Court ruled unlawful in February.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/trump-administration-begins-166bn-tariffs-refund/

 

 

The Soil Story: Understanding Terroir Across Willamette Valley’s AVAs

 When wine lovers talk about Oregon Pinot Noir, they often mention “terroir,” that magical combination of soil, climate, and topography that gives each wine its unique character.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316829

 

 

I Was a Restaurant Sommelier for Years — Do These 4 Things to Get a Great Bottle

The best way to order wine at a restaurant when the list is huge.

https://www.foodandwine.com/navigating-enormous-wine-lists-11954081

 

 

Does Natural Wine Taste Different—and Why?

Flavors you might find in your glass of wild-fermented rosé, and how to describe

them

https://sangioveseandsediment.substack.com/p/does-natural-wine-taste-differentand?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=9260e1f32b5db049a612c6b8f5c802ba49f73d2d

 

 

This Nonalcoholic Drink Serves Up to 59% of a Key Mood-Boosting Vitamin

While it’s not considered nutrient-dense, study findings suggest the beverage may offer more than just flavor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/nonalcoholic-beer-vitamin-b6-study-11955059

 

 

Why Some of Milwaukee’s Iconic Beers Are Harder to Find Now

Pabst Brewing Co. has sunsetted Blatz bottles, Schlitz cans and other brands – and diehard fans have noticed.

https://www.milwaukeemag.com/blatz-bottles-are-gone/

 

 

Costco’s Kirkland Liquor Is Made by Major Distilleries

Here’s Who’s Behind Every Bottle.

https://vinepair.com/articles/major-distilleries-that-make-costco-kirkland-liquor/

 

 

More people are consulting AI to pick wine in a restaurant.

Where does that leave sommeliers?

https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/04/22/wine-sommeliers-ai

 

 

Maker’s Mark’s $100 Star Hill Farm Whisky Is Back — Now Made With 3 Wheat Varieties

Bottled at 116.4 proof, the 2026 release blends two mash bills and includes whiskies aged 7 to 8 years.

https://www.foodandwine.com/makers-mark-star-hill-farm-whisky-2026-11953632

 

 

‘Widespread devastation’: Frost damages grape buds across multiple Eastern states

Overnight temperatures dropped into the mid-20s from New York down to Virginia. What it means for a lot of wineries is far less fruit to harvest this fall.

https://wineclassroom.substack.com/p/widespread-devastation-frost-damages?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

Yellowstone Bourbon donates $25,000 to national parks

Kentucky’s Yellowstone Bourbon has donated US$25,000 to the National Parks Conservation Association after renewing its annual partnership.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/yellowstone-bourbon-donates-25000-to-national-parks/

 

 

Four Roses adds to Single Barrel Collection

Gallo-owned Four Roses Bourbon has launched the second annual installment of its Single Barrel Collection, dedicated to the distillery’s 10 unique recipes.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/four-roses-adds-to-single-barrel-collection/

 

 

Regenerative and Sustainable Wine: Beyond Organic Labels

This article clarifies those terms and explains why regenerative wine is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation.

https://winefolly.com/tips/beyond-organic-certified-sustainable-wine/

 

 

New Captain

• Diageo has extended Captain Morgan’s malt-based RTD offerings with the new Sliced Colada Style Drink Variety Pack. The new 12-packs of 12-ounce cans carry a suggested price of $19 and contain four Piña Colada-inspired flavors. The drinks are all at 5% abv and come in Piña Colada, Mango Colada, Passionfruit Colada, and Strawberry Colada. The new variety pack is now available in retailers across the U.S. 

 

 

How much does one hectare cost to buy around the world?

Vineyard sales are far from being in decline and for the investor “scarcity beats scale”,  reveals the new Wealth Report by real estate consultancy Knight Frank. But which regions are “trading up” in value terms? db reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/how-much-does-one-hectare-cost-to-buy-around-the-world/

 

 

Alto Adige Wines Shares Latest Developments on UGA Classification

Rising producer participation and new tools reinforce transparency and origin recognition in the region

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/316994

 

 

Committee Advances American Wine Truth in Labeling Legislation

AB 1585 would require that any wine labeled “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown wine grapes. This standard aligns the national designation with the same requirement California has long applied to wines labeled “California.”

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/04/23/committee-advances-american-wine-truth-in-labeling-legislation/

 

 

Could Glass Be Dethroned as Wine’s Top Packaging?

Researchers Unbox Consumer Perceptions of Wine Packaging

https://news.uark.edu/articles/81174/could-glass-be-dethroned-as-wine-s-top-packaging-researchers-unbox-consumer-perceptions-of-wine-packaging

 

 

How Many Beers Are Equivalent To One Bottle Of Wine?

It goes without saying that all types of alcohol are not created equal, especially when it comes to serving size and strength.

https://www.mashed.com/2152090/how-many-beers-equal-bottle-of-wine/

 

 

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

04-20-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

I Have Seen The Liquor Store Of The Future

The New Official Wine Consumption Guidelines

Who Really Pays for Tariffs?

 

 

 

How Technology Is Transforming No- and Low-Alcohol Wine

From non-traditional yeasts to nano-membrane filtration, a wave of innovation is helping winemakers rebuild what’s lost when alcohol is removed from wine

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/how-technology-is-transforming-no-and-low-alcohol-wine/

 

 

What to Know About Pechuga — the Mezcal Distilled With Poultry

Distilled with poultry, this celebratory spirit tells deeply personal stories of tradition and place.

https://www.foodandwine.com/what-is-pechuga-mezcal-11934660

 

 

The How of Wine
How to find an earth-friendly wine

https://www.idahopress.com/community/life/the-how-of-wine-how-to-find-an-earth-friendly-wine/article_00637f0e-1d08-45c7-b681-aabc89f862d3.html

 

 

Yes, You Can Drink Wine When You Fly — If You Know What to Order

Sommeliers share pro tips around alcohol content, food pairings, and hydration when enjoying wine before and during flights.

https://www.foodandwine.com/drinking-wine-when-you-fly-11936556

 

 

Scotch up as most spirits drop in control states

Sales of Scotch in US monopoly states rebounded last month, driven by New Hampshire, according to data from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/scotch-up-as-most-spirits-drop-in-control-states/

 

 

Jefferson’s Bourbon takes ocean aging to cruise ships

Pernod Ricard-owned Jefferson’s Bourbon has partnered with Holland America Line to age its whiskey on the high seas.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/jeffersons-bourbon-takes-ocean-ageing-to-cruise-ships/

 

 

Consumers Reject Expensive Restaurant Wines

High wine prices in US restaurants are turning off diners, and so are the types of wine on offer.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/consumers-reject-expensive-restaurant-wines

 

 

Kansas City is split on if mini liquor bottle ban would reduce crime.

What research says

https://www.swoknews.com/ap/national/kansas-city-is-split-on-if-mini-liquor-bottle-ban-would-reduce-crime-what-research/article_821f36bb-62df-5a30-a5b8-55ae430648cf.html

 

 

A Guide to Germany’s New Wine Classification System

Germany’s updated wine law—which is mandatory from the 2026 vintage—introduces PDOs, PGIs, and stricter regional control, but understanding the new hierarchy won’t necessarily be easier

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/a-guide-to-germanys-new-wine-classification-system/

 

 

Is Your Wine a Brand or a Label? Here’s One Way to Find Out For Yourself.

There are well over a million different wines on shelves and lists. Which would be missed if they disappeared? Artificial Intelligence could help to provide that answer.

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/is-your-wine-a-brand-or-a-label-heres?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

New Mikes

• Mark Anthony Brands has launched Mike’s Dirty Lemonade, a new non-carbonated offshoot of the Mike’s Hard Lemonade brand. The new malt-based drinks are inspired by the “dirty soda” trend—in which extra flavors are added to a soft drink—and come in at 4.5% abv in four flavors: Dirty Lemon Secret, Dirty Cherry Brew, Very Berry Grape, and Pineapple Haze. The new releases will be promoted with the “Made with Real Character” campaign featuring a trio of anthropomorphic lemons with attitude. Along with Mike’s, Mark Anthony Brands also markets malt-based heavyweights like White Claw and Cayman Jack, among others.

 

American Airlines cabin crew allegedly served fake fizz on flight

A flight attendant reportedly mixed still Chardonnay wine with carbonated water to “make” sparkling wine after the airline ran out of bottles of fizz.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/american-airlines-cabin-crew-allegedly-served-fake-fizz-on-flight/

 

 

MGP actions ‘poorly handled’ but not fraud, rules judge

A court has dismissed a lawsuit brought against MGP Ingredients by investors who claimed the company had misled them about the business’ health.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/mgp-actions-poorly-handled-but-not-fraud-rules-judge/

 

 

Pinot, Chardonnay, Voltis? Champagne Experiments with New Grape

The new grape variety is mildew resistant, meaning growers can dramatically reduce sprays

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/champagne-experiments-with-new-grape

 

 

Angel’s Envy Is Releasing Its First Age-Stated Rye — and a Cask-Strength Bourbon Built on a ‘Solera-Inspired Process’

Fewer than 1,500 bottles of the bourbon will be released internationally, while the rye will be available exclusively in the U.S.

https://www.foodandwine.com/angels-envy-10-year-cask-strength-rye-and-cask-strength-bourbon-2026-11937350

 

 

IS “ESTATE BOTTLED” AN INDICATOR OF QUALITY?

Yes. But not as much as people often assume.

https://foodandwineaesthetics.com/2026/03/31/is-estate-bottled-an-indicator-of-quality/

 

 

Trade war meets tradition: Canadian Jews confront a Manischewitz-free Passover

The ban on American booze, which came in response to the country’s tariffs, has “created a meaningful opening” for Israeli wineries in Canada, according to a wine executive.

https://www.jta.org/2026/03/31/global/trade-war-meets-tradition-canadian-jews-confront-a-manischewitz-free-passover

 

 

FACEBLOCK: META’S UNEXPECTED CRACKDOWN ON ALCOHOL CONTENT

In January 2026, hundreds of thousands of businesses received the un­welcome news that Facebook would no longer be recommending their pages

https://full-pour.com/facebook-alcohol-page-suspension/

 

 

US whiskey exports to EU plunge 35% in 2025

Exports of US spirits declined by 3.8% last year, driven by a double-digit drop for American whiskey in Europe, Canada and Japan

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/us-whiskey-exports-to-eu-plunge-35-in-2025/

 

 

The best (of the worst) industry April Fool’s jokes 2026

It’s the one day of the year when journalists everywhere read every press release twice – and still don’t trust it. To save you the guesswork, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best drinks industry pranks that have been doing the rounds this April Fool’s Day

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/the-best-of-the-worst-industry-april-fools-jokes-2026/

 

 

Green River cuts head distiller role

Aaron Harris, who was head distiller at Owensboro-based Green River Distilling, has left the Kentucky-based American whiskey company.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/green-river-cuts-head-distiller-role/

 

 

Goodbye cork taint – hello, halo taint

It’s not just corks that can make a wine smell musty. Newly minted MW Kathleen Van den Berghe explores haloanisoles in wine.

https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/goodbye-cork-taint-hello-halo-taint

 

 

The Surprisingly Heavy History of Easter Beer—Plus, 7 Styles to Try

For many of us, spring brings lighter and brighter flavors into our glasses and onto our plates.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/beer/easter-beer-traditions/

 

 

What to Drink Next If You Love Booker’s

If you love barrel-proof bourbon, there is a vast range of bottles to explore.

https://www.unicornauctions.com/unicorn-review/what-to-drink-next-bookers

 

 

New RTD

• Harvest Hill Beverage Company has extended spirits-based RTD SunnyD Vodka Seltzerwith a new “Purple” flavor. The 4.5% abv limited time offering is lightly carbonated and calls back to a pitcher of “purple stuff” seen in a 1990s SunnyD commercial. The release carries a suggested price of $10 a 4-pack and will be supported by social activations and influencer marketing asking “What does Purple taste like to you?”

 

Infographic: Who Really Pays for Tariffs?

These Scholars Tracked a Bottle of Wine To Find Out.

https://reason.com/2026/04/02/infographic-who-really-pays-for-tariffs-these-scholars-tracked-a-bottle-of-wine-to-find-out/

 

 

After the Craft Beer Gold Rush

Now that the release lines have died down and the hazy bros have moved on, craft beer culture in America is different—but that’s not such a bad thing.

https://punchdrink.com/articles/craft-beer-gold-rush-breweries-2026/

 

 

Michter’s Legacy Series 2026 Is Here — and It’s as Experimental as Ever

This year’s Shenk’s features caramel malted barley, while Bomberger’s draws on Chinquapin and Hungarian oak to shape its profile.

https://www.foodandwine.com/michters-legacy-series-shenks-bombergers-2026-11941655

 

 

Increased Wine Sales – with PET Bottles?

Practical packaging that is also sustainable is becoming an increas-ingly strong sales argument.

https://whattheythink.com/news/129841-increased-wine-sales-pet-bottles/

 

 

Who’s Afraid of 100% American Wine?

A simple standard is facing serious resistance. The real question is: who benefits from keeping it that way?

https://cawg.substack.com/p/whos-afraid-of-100-american-wine

 

 

Wine Filtering Wands And Stir Sticks

Are These Things Legitimate?

https://porchdrinking.com/wine-filtering-wands-and-stir-sticks-are-these-things-legitimate/

 

 

The Off-Dry Riesling Reboot No One Saw Coming

An array of factors contributes to off-dry Riesling’s contemporary reboot.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/grapes-101/off-dry-rieslings/

 

 

The Reason Americans Have Stopped Drinking Out

And what it signals for the restaurant trade elsewhere

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/the-reason-americans-have-stopped

 

 

Who benefits from wine shipping limits? Not states, not producers, not consumers.

Ninety years on, the rules states built beneath the 21st Amendment are costing them money, costing producers markets, and costing consumers choice. The authority to change them has always been there.

https://stevenunlimited.substack.com/p/who-benefits-from-wine-shipping-limits

 

 

Buffalo Trace Just Released 2 New Experimental Whiskeys — Including a 15-Year Bourbon for $47

The releases reflect two distinct approaches the distillery has explored in recent years.

https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-single-oak-rye-bourbon-and-buffalo-trace-experimental-collection-low-entry-proof-wheated-bourbon-11942950

 

 

So you chose the wine because of the cool label

Love! Do this next.

https://cellarnotes.substack.com/p/so-you-chose-the-wine-because-of?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

The New Official Wine Consumption Guidelines

Ten Recommendations Concerning Wine Consumption

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/the-new-official-wine-consumption-guidelines?utm_medium=newsletter

 

 

Maximalist Bars Are Offering Guests a Much-Needed Escape from Reality

A Bold Rebuke of Minimalism

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/maximalist-bar-interiors/

 

 

Tannins from oak barrels that flavor wine are ‘fingerprinted’ by researchers

Complex tastes in wine come from both grape skins and wood during aging; new study uses AI to identify compounds responsible for flavors and mouthfeel

https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/tannins-oak-barrels-flavor-wine-are-fingerprinted-researchers

 

 

What makes a great site for Trentino Pinot Grigio?

Even in Italy, Pinot Grigio is far from homogenous. In the best sites of Trentino, producers like Mezzacorona are showing how the variety can match easy-drinking charm with “elegant sapidity”.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/what-makes-a-great-site-for-trentino-pinot-grigio/

 

 

MGP halts production at Kentucky distilleries

US firm MGP Ingredients will pause operations at Kentucky distilleries Limestone Branch and Lux Row Distillers as whiskey demand drops, impacting 33 jobs.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/mgp-halts-production-at-kentucky-distilleries/

 

 

Deep Eddy Vodka to shut brand home

Heaven Hill Brands will close its Deep Eddy Vodka visitor centre in Dripping Springs, Texas, this summer after investing millions into its expansion.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/deep-eddy-vodka-to-shut-second-distillery-and-tasting-room/

 

 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail hits 2.7m visits in 2025

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail matched its visitation numbers from 2024 after welcoming 2.7 million whiskey fans last year

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/kentucky-bourbon-trail-hits-2-7m-visits-in-2025/

 

 

The 30 Best Red Blends for 2026

Red blends aren’t a new concept — they’ve existed in regions like Bordeaux and the Southern Rhône for centuries — but it’s certainly a category that continues to evolve.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-red-blends-2026/

 

 

How Dogfish Head Finally Found Growth Again — With the Grateful Dead

Dogfish Head became a top-20 craft brewery in America in 2010, but in 2019, sales growth stopped and started trending downward the following year due to heightened competition in an increasingly localized, IPA-crazed market.

https://vinepair.com/articles/dogfish-head-grateful-dead-growth/

 

 

Scientists Call for Urgent Action on Glyphosate, Citing Strong Links to Cancer

Newer research is now “so strong that no additional delays in regulation of glyphosate can be justified.” Guest article by Carey Gillam of The New Lede, reprinted with permission. .

https://organicwineuncorked.substack.com/p/scientists-call-for-urgent-action

 

 

Does Your Drink Choice Matter? A New Study Finds Moderate Wine Drinkers Live Longer

Researchers found that light-to-moderate wine drinkers had lower mortality rates than both abstainers and beer and spirits drinkers

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/new-study-finds-moderate-wine-drinkers-live-longer

 

 

What’s Next for the Wine Importer Who Took Down the Trump Tariffs at the Supreme Court?

The tariffs were deemed illegal: the billions of dollars that were collected now have to be returned

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/wine-enthusiast-podcast/victor-schwartz-supreme-court/

 

 

I Have Seen The Liquor Store Of The Future

The first thing you see is that there is no product on shelves, except for one example of each item

https://www.thechalkreport.com/post/i-have-seen-the-liquor-store-of-the-future

 

 

Sazerac to debut its first Tennessee whiskey

Nearly a decade after buying its first Tennessee site, Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has revealed the name of the distillery, which is set to launch its first whiskey this summer.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/04/sazerac-to-debut-its-first-tennessee-whiskey/

 

 

New JD and Coke

• Brown-Forman has released a new Zero Sugar variety 6-pack for its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola spirits-based RTD. The new pack contains two cans each of Jack & Coca-Cola Zero, Jack & Coca-Cola Cherry Zero, and Jack & Coca-Cola Vanilla Zero, all at 5% abv and 100 calories per can. The new variety pack is now available nationwide for a suggested price of $17 a 6-pack. Last year, Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola was up 6% to 739,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston Launch Dos Hombres Tequila, Starting With a $40 Blanco and $50 Reposado

Produced in Amatitán, Jalisco, the tequilas are the work of maestro tequilero Julio Cova at Tequilera Tap Distillery.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dos-hombres-tequila-blanco-reposado-11945782

 

 

This Popular Airline Will Soon Let You Ship a Case of Wine for Free

Passengers flying out of wine country on the airline will be able to check a case of wine for free starting April 24

https://people.com/southwest-airlines-will-soon-let-you-ship-a-case-of-wine-for-free-11945510

 

 

US Wine – Don’t Look Now

With the US wine trade being battered, California wine legend Randall Grahm shares some thoughts on the current state of play.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/04/us-wine-dont-look-now

 

 

US wineries lose USD 357 million after Canada banned American wine

One year after Canadian provinces began removing US wines from store shelves in retaliation for Mr Trump’s tariffs, new data underline how the bans and “Buy Canadian” campaigns triggered a collapse in US wine exports. Full-year 2025 trade data from the Wine Institute shows that exports to Canada fell 78 percent year-on-year, driving a USD 357 million decline in value.

https://brauwelt.com/en/international-report/the-americas/649212-us-wineries-lose-usd-357-million-after-canada-banned-american-wine

 

 

More than a quarter of beer sommeliers are women

The number of female beer sommeliers has grown, with more than 25% of accredited beer sommeliers now being women. Could the sector be showing signs of diversifying? db finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/04/more-than-a-quarter-of-beer-sommeliers-are-women/

 

 

US appeals court declares 158-year-old home distilling ban unconstitutional

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of ‌Appeals in New Orleans ruled in favor of the nonprofit Hobby Distillers Association and four of its 1,300 members

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-appeals-court-declares-158-year-old-home-distilling-ban-unconstitutional-2026-04-10/

 

 

Boston Beer Facing $175.5M Judgment for Breach of Contract Claims

Boston Beer may have to pay $175.5 million to Ardagh Metal Packaging for claims that it failed to fulfill the terms of a beer-can purchase contract.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/boston-beer-facing-175-5m-judgment-for-breach-of-contract-claims-09622a15

 

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

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On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

04-06-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Prohibitionists Still Going after Wine

Wine drinkers might live longer

Is Guinness really ‘good for you’?

 

 

If A Brewery Makes This Beer Pouring Mistake Don’t Ignore It

We’re all familiar with at least some restaurant red flags you shouldn’t ignore, but many aren’t aware that breweries can likewise commit offenses that should give people pause.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2119832/brewery-beer-pour-mistake-dont-ignore/

 

 

What GLP-1s mean for hospitality

As medicines like GLP‑1s move into the mainstream, they’re reshaping the way people eat, drink and experience hospitality. These treatments are influencing everything from the dishes guests gravitate toward to the way they approach alcohol and indulgence. And while habits are evolving, one thing hasn’t changed: people still want to go out, socialise and enjoy great food and drink

https://nielseniq.com/global/en/insights/analysis/2026/what-glp-1s-mean-for-hospitality/

 

Brewers hit ‘structural stagnation’ with beer ‘no longer a growth or margin-expansion story’

Global brewers have gone from growth to “stagnation” as developed market volumes enter structural decline, according to new data.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/brewers-hit-structural-stagnation-with-beer-no-longer-a-growth-or-margin-expansion-story/

 

 

US craft beer sector’s migration from bottles to cans slows

The shift from beer being packaged in cans instead of bottles is “levelling off in the US, according to new research from the Brewers Association (BA). Could this have been impacted by tariffs on aluminium? db finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/us-craft-beer-sectors-migration-from-bottles-to-cans-slows/

 

 

Is the ‘Ozempic era’ an opportunity for no-and-low?

With growing research to suggest GLP-1 drugs reduce the desire to drink alcohol, Eloise Feilden asks whether the ‘Ozempic era’ offers opportunities for the no- and low-ABV sector to thrive.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/is-the-ozempic-era-an-opportunity-for-no-and-low/

 

 

The 16 Most Important Irish Whiskeys of the 21st Century So Far

In some ways, sales only tell half the story. Whiskey itself paints a more colorful picture.

https://vinepair.com/articles/21st-century-most-imporant-irish-whiskey/

 

 

Retailers turn to digital rebates as alcohol sales slump

Grocers and C-stores are turning to digital alcohol rebates to try to boost alcohol sales and digital engagement.

https://www.modernretail.co/technology/retailers-turn-to-digital-rebates-as-alcohol-sales-slump/

 

 

Why Unions Are Fighting to Keep Wine Out of New York Grocery Stores

The opposition comes as large grocery chains seek to expand their market power into wine sales, a move that could redirect millions of dollars in revenue away from the current system of licensed wine and liquor stores

https://www.altitudesmagazine.com/unions-fighting-wine-new-york-grocery-stores/

 

 

What’s The Best-Selling Whiskey Brand In The US?

Whiskey, or whisky depending on the origins of a particular bottle, is one of the most popular liquors in the world, and for good reason.

https://www.mashed.com/2120839/best-selling-whiskey-brand/

 

 

Tequila’s price rebalancing act

The Tequila sector is changing its stance in line with consumers wanting to enjoy quality liquid at wallet-friendly prices.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/tequilas-price-rebalancing-act/

 

 

The Future of Wine

How AI Is Transforming Employment in the Wine Industry

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/17/the-future-of-wine-how-ai-is-transforming-employment-in-the-wine-industry/

 

 

New Bookers

Suntory Global Spirits has released the first 2026 bottling of Booker’s Bourbon, “Big Easy” Batch. The seven-year-old whiskey is bottled at 64.55% and blended from whiskies matured in five different rick houses. The release takes its name from Booker Noe’s love of New Orleans, according to the company. It carries a suggested price of $100 a bottle and is available in limited quantities across the U.S. Typically, Suntory releases multiple batches of Booker’s every year, with each bottling named in celebration of Booker Noe’s legacy

 

 

Are Americans turning to homegrown wines as tariffs bite?

US wine consumption is falling, but shifting trade policy and pricing pressures are reshaping buying habits. As tariffs disrupt imports, producers and buyers are reassessing the balance between domestic and international bottles. Kathleen Willcox reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/are-americans-turning-to-homegrown-wines-as-tariffs-bite/

 

 

Italy about to start making domestically dealcoholised wine

Following a decree passed in late 2025 to reverse the clamp-down on dealcoholised wine, Italian producers are expecting to be able to start officially dealcoholising wines inside the country “any day now”. Sarah Neish reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/italy-to-lift-ban-on-making-dealcoholised-wines/

 

 

How Ozempic Changed the Way I Taste Wine

GLP-1s don’t merely curb one’s desire to eat; research suggests that they target pleasure centers in the brain, reducing urges to partake in a variety of vices, including gambling, compulsive shopping, and, yes, drinking. There’s even speculation that GLP-1s could one day be used as a treatment for alcohol use disorder.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/drinking-on-ozempic/

 

 

Wine Isn’t Risk-Free — but It May Not Be the Biggest Health Threat on Your Table

Headlines say “no amount of alcohol is safe,” but a closer look at the science — and how risk statistics are reported — tells a more nuanced story.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-consumption-health-risk-11927690

 

 

Decades-old Missouri cooperage is home to some of the most skilled wine barrel-makers

The Oak Cooperage in Higbee has been making wine barrels since 1972 and is all about turning good wines into great wines.

https://www.komu.com/news/showmemissouri/decades-old-missouri-cooperage-is-home-to-some-of-the-most-skilled-wine-barrel-makers/article_0db465dd-fb63-42d3-931d-7eb35276efca.html

 

 

A New Era for Oregon Bubbles

Method Oregon Launches Nonprofit Organization and First Official Standard for Oregon Sparkling Wine

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/17/method-oregon-launches-nonprofit-organization-and-first-official-standard-for-oregon-sparkling-wine/

 

 

The Best Wine Pairings for Disney’s Most Iconic Snacks

Disney’s top sommeliers to offer their wine pairings for the park’s most famous bites.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-pair/disney-snacks-wine-pairings/

 

 

Marlborough winegrowers brace for challenging years ahead

New Zealand’s largest wine region is bracing for a prolonged downturn, with growers cutting production and facing mounting financial pressure. Some industry leaders warn the road back to profitability will be slow, despite signs of global demand.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/marlborough-winegrowers-brace-for-challenging-years-ahead/

 

 

Moldova’s quiet wine revolution

With a long winemaking history, distinctive grape varieties and a developing wine tourism sector, Moldova is perfectly placed to win over new consumers.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/moldovas-quiet-wine-revolution/

 

 

Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Collaborates with Larceny Bourbon on a Limited Release Napa Valley Red Blend

It’s a Red Blend finished in Larceny Bourbon Barrels – a Wine designed for the Whiskey Lover

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260319763768/en/Cooper-Thief-Cellarmasters-Collaborates-with-Larceny-Bourbon-on-a-Limited-Release-Napa-Valley-Red-Blend

 

 

Is Guinness really ‘good for you’?

Guinness, like other Irish stouts, enjoys a seasonal popularity every St. Patrick’s Day. It has also been touted as being “good for you,” at least by its own advertising posters decades ago.

https://www.kcra.com/article/guinness-health-benefits-risks-2026/70766805

 

 

We Ranked 8 Classic IPAs (and 1 Pale Ale) You’ll Find at Any Store — One Clearly Stood Out

Think you can pick your favorite beer from a lineup? We put it to the test with some of America’s most popular pale ales.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pale-ale-taste-test-11929168

 

 

7 Things You Should Know About Old Overholt

The Oldest Continuously Operating Whiskey Brand in the U.S.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-old-overholt/

 

 

Gen Z and Millennials expect more from alcohol-free beer

Attitudes to alcohol consumption are changing among adult-age Gen Z and Millennials, who are increasingly expecting more from the alcohol-free beer category, according to a new report.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/gen-z-and-millennials-expect-more-from-alcohol-free-beer/

 

 

New Dalmore

• Single malt Scotch whisky The Dalmore, handled in the U.S. by Spirit of Gallo, is introducing Select Editions 2007 and 2010, 18-year-old and 15-year-old vintage whiskies, respectively. Both were matured in rare Sherry barrels from Gonzalez Byass, including Matusalem, Apostoles, and Amoroso. The Dalmore Select Edition 2007 is at 46.7% abv and retails at $550 a bottle, while Select Edition 2010 is at 49.1% abv and retails at $250. Both luxury malts are rolling out to select retail and fine dining establishments in the U.S.

 

A New Wine Label Promotes Workers’ Rights

Hardly anyone in the natural wine world is talking about environmental justice for those who pick the grapes, labor advocates say. The Guardian Vital label aims to change that.

https://insideclimatenews.org/news/18032026/california-wine-label-promotes-workers-rights/

 

 

New Rumple

Diageo is extending its Rumple Minze brand with Cinnamint Whiskey, a 100-proof flavored whiskey that combines cinnamon with Rumple Minze’s signature peppermint flavor. Diageo says the extension is inspired by the trend toward “fire and ice” shots in bars. Rumple Minze Cinnamint Whiskey will roll out nationally starting this month in 750-ml. bottles priced at $20, along with 375-ml., 50-ml., and 1-liter sizes.

 

 

As Americans drink much less wine, kosher demand stays strong

Across the United States and globally, wine consumption is declining.

https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/jta/as-americans-drink-much-less-wine-kosher-demand-stays-strong/article_0f575dc5-219e-5997-bf4d-f30993483212.html

 

 

The Top-Selling Tequilas in the US Right Now, According to Total Wine & More

Tequilas rooted in traditional methods are seeing rapid growth as consumers become more focused on production and provenance.

https://www.foodandwine.com/top-selling-tequilas-in-america-total-wine-data-2026-11931903

 

 

How Michter’s Celebration Sour Mash Became an American Whiskey Unicorn

When it comes to the most sought-after American whiskeys, Kentucky-based Michter’s has at least a few bottles in contention.

https://vinepair.com/articles/michters-celebration-sour-mash-unique-american-whiskey/

 

 

Wine drinkers show lower heart risk than other alcohol consumers, study finds

A study of 340,000 adults suggests not all alcohol carries the same risk – even at low to moderate levels, beer, cider and spirits were linked to higher mortality, while wine was associated with a lower risk.

https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/03/21/wine-drinkers-show-lower-heart-risk-than-other-alcohol-consumers-study-finds

 

 

This New England IPA Has a Cult Following — and It’s at Trader Joe’s

Brewed in Maine with Amarillo, Centennial, and Simcoe hops, the citrusy IPA has become a sought-after find at the chain.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trader-joes-craft-beer-maine-beer-company-lunch-ipa-11929893

 

 

Who Is George Clooney’s New Non-Alcoholic Beer Even For?

For months, trade insiders have chewed on rumors that this day would come.

https://vinepair.com/articles/who-will-drink-george-clooney-new-non-alcoholic-beer/

 

 

New LUX Row

Kentucky’s Lux Row Distillers has released the 12th edition of Blood Oath whiskey, a Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in Montepulciano and Sangiovese casks. The whiskey, like all Blood Oath releases, is bottled at 49.3% abv (98.6 proof), with this batch limited to 17,000 3-pack cases. The Bourbon itself is a blend of 9-year-old and 12-year-old Bourbons with a 7-year-old Bourbon finished in the two types of wine casks. Blood Oath Pact 12 carries a suggested price of $130 a bottle. While the overall release totals 51,000 bottles, 1,400 will be reserved for a future Trilogy offering, in which the brand re-releases three of its library whiskies at once. Lux Row is part of Luxco, the branded arm of MGP Ingredients.

 

 

Buffalo Trace creates second Daniel Weller whiskey

Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery has released the second edition of its experimental Daniel Weller series, crafted from spelt wheat.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/buffalo-trace-creates-second-daniel-weller-whiskey/

 

 

Are Dirty Martinis becoming too dirty?

In an era where ‘more’ is often mistaken for ‘better’, the Dirty Martini has become a case study in taking things too far. Extra dirty, filthy, and sometimes downright swampy – today’s orders show signs of a cocktail pushed well past its original intent. And consumers are into it.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-dirty-martinis-becoming-too-dirty/

 

 

New laws for Georgian vineyards spark corruption fears

Under new laws, Georgian winemakers will have to seek state approval before setting up commercial vineyards from May. The regulations are intended to boost vineyard quality, but winemakers warn they’ll penalise small businesses, and worry the risk of corruption runs high.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/new-laws-for-georgian-vineyards-spark-corruption-fears/

 

 

What Does Single Pot Still Mean in Whiskey?

It’s a question that, across culture, politics, and religion, the Irish have been asking themselves for decades: How can we set Ireland apart from our counterparts in the U.K.?

https://vinepair.com/articles/ask-a-distiller-what-does-single-pot-still-mean-in-whiskey/

 

 

Consorzio Asti DOCG Unveils New Rosé Sparkling Wine

The new product (which may be bottled starting thirty days after publication) will be a blend composed of Moscato grapes intended for Asti DOCG (70% to 90%) and Brachetto grapes intended for Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG (10% to 30%). It may be offered in all styles, from sweet to extra brut, thus giving producers the flexibility to adjust residual sugar according to their stylistic choices and the needs of different markets potentially interested in this new category.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/24/consorzio-asti-docg-unveils-new-rose-sparkling-wine/

 

 

Prohibitionists Still Going after Wine

A shadowy international organization is trying to put warning labels on your favorite Cabernet and Chardonnay.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/prohibitionists-still-going-after-wine

 

 

Can Beer Really Upgrade Your Lawn? Natural Light Is Betting on It

Backed by studies on brewing byproducts, the new product hints at a different approach to lawn care.

https://www.foodandwine.com/natural-light-lawn-brew-fertilizer-11933024

 

 

Wine producers celebrate Prosecco naming ‘win’, as EU trade deal to boost prospects for Aussie exporters

Through the Wine Agreement, Australian wine exporters will see additional benefits. Importantly, the new agreement includes protections for Australian wine exporters that will allow all other existing grape variety names to be used indefinitely, even if they become an EU GI in the future.

https://winetitles.com.au/wine-producers-celebrate-prosecco-naming-win-as-eu-trade-deal-to-boost-prospects-for-aussie-exporters/

 

 

New JD

Brown-Forman has introduced the latest releases in Jack Daniel’sseries of age-stated whiskies: 14-Year-Old Tennessee Whiskey Batch 2, 12-Year-Old Batch 4, and 10-Year-Old Batch 5. All three are made from Jack Daniel’s mash of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The 14-year-old is bottled at 58.8% abv, the 12-year-old at 53.5% abv, and the 10-year-old at 48.5% abv. Jack Daniel’s 14-, 12-, and 10-Year-Old Tennessee whiskeys will be available in limited quantities across the U.S., retailing at $150, $100, and $90, respectively. Excluding flavors and RTDs, Jack Daniel’s was at just below 4.5 million cases in the U.S. in 2025, according to Impact Databank.

 

 

This Distiller Debunks The Widespread Myth of the Neck Pour

Heaven Hill’s Conor O’Driscoll says there’s no science to support it

https://whiskyadvocate.com/Whiskey-Neck-Pours

 

 

Arizona is growing nearly 80 types of wine grapes, new report finds

Until now, no data existed to show exactly what was being grown, where, or how much it was worth.

https://www.12news.com/article/money/economy/arizona-wine-growers-new-study/75-3b22af3b-0efa-429a-922b-8c9de9685714

 

 

Long Island Spirits sues LIV Golf

US-based Long Island Spirits, which makes LiV Vodka, has filed a lawsuit against the Saudi Arabian-backed golf league alleging trademark infringement.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/long-island-spirits-sues-liv-golf/

 

 

The States That Tax Beer the Most (2026)

In the U.S., taxes account for a higher percentage of the cost of beer than ingredients, labor, and other materials combined.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/states-highest-beer-taxes-2026/

 

 

What Does ‘Dram’ Actually Mean in Whiskey?

Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a bit of whiskey.

https://vinepair.com/articles/dram-whiskey-term-explained/

 

 

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman explore merger

Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman have confirmed early-stage talks about a potential business combination that could create one of the world’s largest spirits groups. The proposed merger would unite major global brands and two founding family dynasties at the heart of the drinks industry.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/pernod-ricard-and-brown-forman-explore-merger/

 

 

Study: Wine drinkers might live longer

Here’s a reason why you might want to get a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon on your next trip to the store to have with dinner.

https://www.audacy.com/national/news/is-red-wine-good-for-health#

 

 

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

03-23-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine

The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning

Our society has an alcohol problem

 

 

Think You Know Where Your Whiskey Comes From? You Might Be Wrong

It’s possible that your favorite whiskey was distilled somewhere you would never expect.

https://www.foodandwine.com/sourced-vs-contracted-whiskey-11915388

 

 

EU Rides to Wine’s Rescue

The European Union has announced a major bail-out package for wine producers

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/eu-rides-to-wines-rescue

 

 

‘We were right’: He took Trump’s tariffs to the Supreme Court and won

Victor Owen Schwartz never imagined he would one day find himself challenging a president in the highest court in the land.

https://libertyjusticecenter.org/newsroom/we-were-right-he-took-trumps-tariffs-to-the-supreme-court-and-won/

 

 

Bulleit Debuts a Mesquite-Smoked Malt Bourbon With Zero Rye

The release uses a mashbill centered on mesquite-smoked malted barley and was aged for more than six years before bottling.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bulleit-mesquite-smoked-malt-kentucky-straight-bourbon-11914619

 

 

Diageo Debuts Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Expression

Diageo is introducing Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-time release made with an experimental mashbill that includes 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley. During the malting process, a portion of the malted barley is smoked over mesquite wood to impart a smoky aroma.

Bottled at 46.5% abv, the new entry is positioned at $50 a 750-ml. and is rolling out in limited quantities nationwide. According to Impact Databank, Bulleit slipped an estimated 3.6% to 1.6 million cases in the U.S. market last year.

 

 

PEOPLE ARE DRINKING LESS THAN EVER. WHAT’S COUNTRY MUSIC TO DO?

In Nashville, some are wondering how a decline in drinking may affect artists’ own liquor brands and the songs they sing. “There are more weed songs for sure,” says one songwriter

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/drinking-songs-country-music-decline-1235521023/

 

 

5 Places You Should Never Keep a Bottle of Wine, According to Experts

If your wine rack is anywhere near your oven, it’s time you find it a new home.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/5-places-you-should-never-store-a-bottle-of-wine-according-to-experts/

 

 

Did tariffs on imported wines help American wineries? If so it’s hard to see.

American wineries faced headwinds in 2025 that included demographic shifts, reduced tourism, and higher input costs. You might think that tariffs on imported wines would have helped. They didn’t.

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/03/did-tariffs-on-imported-wines-help-american-wineries-if-so-its-hard-to-see-how/

 

 

Red blotch a worldwide vineyard threat

Grapevine red blotch virus is a growing problem.

https://goodfruit.com/red-blotch-a-worldwide-vineyard-threat/

 

 

Wine Diplomacy Paves the Way

Wine producers in the US look to maintain goodwill during these challenging times.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-diplomacy-paves-the-way

 

 

Yes, Japan Makes Wine—Here’s Why You Should Be Paying Attention

Defined by restraint, freshness, and food-first balance, Japanese wine is quietly booming—driven by indigenous grapes, precise craftsmanship, and a philosophy that favors harmony over power.

https://www.foodandwine.com/japanese-wine-11893591

 

 

Is Phylloxera Still a Threat to the Global Wine Industry?

Genetic adaptation, leaf-feeding populations, and global movement are reshaping the modern phylloxera threat

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/is-phylloxera-still-a-threat-to-the-global-wine-industry/

 

 

Michter’s Bet Early on an Annual 10-Year Bourbon — and the 2026 Release Shows Why That Call Endured

Relying on sensory evaluation instead of calendar deadlines, Michter’s releases its 10-year bourbon only when barrels meet its standards — a practice that has defined its consistency since 2000.

https://www.foodandwine.com/michters-10-year-bourbon-2026-11916630

 

 

What is Sea Aged Sparkling Wine?

You may have seen, during your searches for new wines, some which are stated to have been aged in / under the sea. So, ‘why are wines aged in the sea’ and ‘are they really worth the money’?

https://glassofbubbly.com/what-is-sea-aged-sparkling-wine/

 

 

The Wildest Beer Collab of the Year Involves Bear Poop

This light lager from Columbia Sportswear and Breakside Brewery features notes of berries and honey.

https://www.foodandwine.com/nature-calls-columbia-beer-with-bear-scat-11915970

 

 

15 of the Weirdest Liquor Laws in the U.S.

Some of these mandates come from research and years of developing common sense — for example, don’t drink and drive or operate heavy machinery. Others are based on religious tendencies like dry counties in the South and limitations in Utah. And plenty are just plain weird.

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-liquor-laws-united-states/

 

 

Wine Market Council and Quini Partner

New Research to Decode Consumer Barriers to Wine Flavor

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/314863

 

 

Coravin Celebrates Milestone Sale of Their Two Millionth Wine By-the-Glass System

Coravin, the global leader in wine by-the-glass technology, is excited to announce the sale of its two millionth system, marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey to transform how wine is discovered and enjoyed around the world.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/coravin-celebrates-milestone-sale-of-their-two-millionth-wine-by-the-glass-system/

 

 

Heaven Hill Bottles Final Pours From a Historic Kentucky Rickhouse Before It Goes Dark

The release carries a suggested retail price of $199.99 and marks the first in a planned series of commemorative releases tied to the Deatsville campus, with additional expressions and events scheduled through 2027.

https://thedailypour.com/whiskey/bourbon/heaven-hill-bottles-final-pours-from-a-historic-kentucky-rickhouse-before-it-goes-dark/

 

 

NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen launches Bourbon

Former American football player Jared Allen shares his journey into the spirits industry with Full Ryde Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/nfl-hall-of-famer-jared-allen-launches-bourbon/

 

 

10 Things The Bible Actually Says About Alcohol And Drinking

Whether you’re skipping drinks this month or savoring a glass with dinner, the Bible’s take on alcohol is probably more reasonable than you expect.

https://www.thequeenzone.com/10-things-the-bible-actually-says-about-alcohol-and-drinking/

 

 

Bogle Family Vineyards Introduces Chenin Blanc & Riesling Varietals to National Wine Portfolio

Bogle 2025 Chenin Blanc and the Bogle 2025 Riesling. Produced from Bogle’s estate vineyards in Northern California’s Clarksburg AVA, the inaugural national releases of the Chenin Blanc and Riesling will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning March 2026, each with a suggested retail price of $11.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/bogle-family-vineyards-introduces-chenin-blanc-riesling-varietals-to-national-wine-portfolio/

 

 

Wine Harks Back to the USSR

The current state of the wine industry displays some interesting parallels with late Soviet-era winemaking.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-harks-back-to-the-ussr

 

 

Santiago Marone Cinzano: ‘my generation wants wines that are ready to drink’

Generation Z want wines that are ready to drink now, rather than waiting for years, according to Santiago Marone Cinzano, the 10th generation member from the famous vermouth family who is forging his own way of making top quality Brunello di Montalcino. Arabella Mileham reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/santiago-marone-cinzano-my-generation-wants-wines-that-are-ready-to-drink/

 

 

Kansas City may ban tiny booze bottles to fight crime.

Businesses say those aren’t the problem

https://www.kcur.org/news/2026-03-03/kansas-city-tiny-bottle-ban-ordinance

 

 

7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome

Planning a wine country escape but can’t bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don’t have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/7-Pet-Friendly-Lodi-Wineries-Where-Your-Four-Legged-Friend-is-Always-Welcome

 

 

New Whiskey

• Grain & Barrel Spirits’ Chicken Cock Whiskey has revamped its core portfolio, adding a new wheated Bourbon, which replaces the brand’s Small Batch Bourbon. The new whiskey is bottled at 47% abv, aged for at least five years, and is distilled from a mash of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon is positioned at $55 a 750-ml. and is now rolling out across the U.S.

 

How to Open an Old Bottle of Wine, According to a Sommelier

Wine director Drew Brady likens a 30-year-old cork to a 30-year-old person. Bodies, like corks, can feel physically sound when suddenly a moment of fragility comes along.

https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-open-old-wine-bottle/

 

 

EU gives stamp of approval to Rioja’s viñedos singulares

The EU has approved Rioja’s new geographical indication of viñedos singulares, the smaller geographical units that highlight terroir, following changes introduced by the Consejo Regulador (DOCa) over the last few years.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/eu-gives-stamp-of-approval-to-riojas-vinedos-singulars/

 

 

Virginia’s Most Prominent Winery Sold

Barboursville to change ownership but maintain continuity

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/virginias-most-prominent-winery-sold

 

 

Introducing New ButterZero, Non-Alcoholic Wines by Butter

Butter Wines introduces a premium alcohol-removed wine, bringing its great-taste-first focus to the growing non-alcoholic wine category

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/03/introducing-new-butterzero-non-alcoholic-wines-by-butter/

 

 

The Most Wanted Bourbons of 2026

This year’s search for the most popular bottles in the world starts in Kentucky, where things are not as rosy they once were.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/the-most-wanted-bourbons-of-2026

 

 

The 10 Most Important Cocktails of the 21st Century

The first quarter of this century has seen the birth and rebirth of literally thousands of cocktails, more than any other period in history.

https://vinepair.com/articles/most-important-cocktails-21st-century/

 

 

Johnnie Walker introduces Black Cask

Diageo has debuted Black Cask, a permanent product innovation from Johnnie Walker that seeks to bridge the gap between Scotch and Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/johnnie-walker-introduces-black-cask/

 

 

Are RTDs a beacon of hope for the spirits industry?

While most drinks categories are suffering from downturns, RTDs are bucking the trend thanks to their convenience and experimentation.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-rtds-a-beacon-of-hope-for-the-spirits-industry/

 

 

Anatomy of Wine’s Triple Crisis

The identity of wine has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. No wonder the wine business has changed, too. Here’s that excerpt from Wine Wars II.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/03/triple-crisis/

 

 

Cava’s apex expands as five new Paraje Calificado wines approved

Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has ratified five additional single estate Cavas at the highest rung of the appellation’s hierarchy. The decision brings the total number of Paraje Calificado wines to 15 and confirms the category’s full organic status from the 2025 harvest.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/cavas-apex-expands-as-five-new-paraje-calificado-wines-approved/

 

 

Terroir Terror in the Loire

Bureaucrats are adding to the woes of Loire winemakers by banning the use of a treasured geographical indicator.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/terroir-terror-in-the-loire

 

 

11 Beers With Pretty Gross Origin Stories

One description rarely mentioned alongside America’s favorite brew is “gross.” Yet, here we are.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2115865/beers-with-gross-origin-stories/

 

New Makers

• Maker’s Mark, part of the Suntory Global Spirits range, is unveiling the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release. According to the company, the new entry was “inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the Bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.” The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series includes novel expressions made using a wood stave finishing technique that Suntory says amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the Bourbon. The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% abv, and the other at 56.65% abv. Both will retail at around $75. Maker’s Mark was roughly flat at 2.25 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

 

Huge Fake Wine Seizure in Italy

With exploitation, human trafficking and fraudulent wine, this week’s news roundup reads more like a police blotter.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/huge-fake-wine-seizure-in-italy

 

 

Russians destroy historic 19th-century Ukrainian winery

The winery was originally founded 130 years ago by a Russian prince and, while changing hands several times over the years (including being collectivized during the Soviet Era), it was actively producing wine up until the full Russian invasion of the country on 24 February, 2022.

https://www.hudin.com/russians-destroy-historic-19th-century-ukrainian-winery/

 

 

The Science Is In: What Really Causes Wine Headaches

Thanks to new research about quercetin, the list of culprits in wine falls into three primary categories: tannins, biogenic amines (BAs), and alcohol.

https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/what-really-causes-wine-headaches\\

 

 

Is it best to consume hot or cold water between alcoholic drinks?

The question of whether warm or cold water is better to drink has led to viral discussions online. In the era of zebra-striping, where chasing an alcoholic drink with a soft drink or water is becoming increasingly popular, whether temperature plays a vital role in progressive drinks trends is still up for debate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/is-it-best-to-consume-hot-or-cold-water-between-alcoholic-drinks/

 

 

US Doubles Down on Bordeaux

Despite fears of tariffs and trade wars, Bordeaux has strengthened its grip on US wine searches.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/us-doubles-down-on-bordeaux

 

 

Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay

Which White Wine Is Right for You?

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/sauvignon-blanc-vs-chardonnay-which-white-wine-is-right-for-you

 

 

AI Can’t Taste. Why Do People Let It Pick Their Wine?

Outsourcing your drink order to the robot in your phone has offline implications.

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/ai-sommelier-problem

 

 

What Will a Global Trade Meltdown Mean For Bourbon’s Protected Status?

No matter where you are in the world, if you ask for bourbon, you’re going to get a whiskey produced in the United States under specific rules.

https://vinepair.com/articles/international-trade-chaos-influence-on-bourbon/

 

 

Should you use Prosecco in cocktails?

Prosecco has become a vital ingredient in some of the world’s most popular cocktails, including the Aperol Spritz. But how do producers really feel about their sparkling wines being used in mixology? Sarah Neish finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/716838/

 

 

Shoppers willing to pay nearly 10% more for sustainable products

A global survey from PwC shows shoppers remain committed to sustainability, even as rising bills and inflation reshape spending habits

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/shoppers-will-pay-nearly-10-more-for-sustainable-products/

 

 

Uncle Nearest allegedly hid $20m loan provided by Jay-Z

Kentucky lender Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) has accused Uncle Nearest of fraud, alleging that the Tennessee whiskey maker hid a US$20 million loan given to the brand by media mogul Jay-Z.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/uncle-nearest-allegedly-hid-20m-loan-provided-by-jay-z/

 

 

Chicken Cock debuts wheated Bourbon

Grain & Barrel Spirits-owned whiskey brand Chicken Cock has replaced its small batch core range expression with a new wheated Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/chicken-cock-debuts-wheated-bourbon/

 

 

SIP Certified Unveils Brand Makeover

New Website to Help Consumers Find Sustainable Wines

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315029

 

 

U.S. Wine Industry by the Numbers

If it seems like the number of wines and wineries is always growing it is due in part to the fact that openings are so much more visible than closings. But new wineries enter the market and existing ones exit every year.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/10/numbers-2026/

 

 

Our society has an alcohol problem.

(But not the problem you might think…)

https://www.readbetweenthewines.com/news-updates/our-society-has-an-alcohol-problem-but-not-the-problem-you-might-think/

 

 

Samuel Adams Unveils “Our City. Our Beer.”

Variety Pack Crafted Alongside Derrick White, Garrett Crochet, Julian Edelman and Zdeno Chara

https://www.bostonbeer.com/news/2026/03/samuel-adams-unveils-our-city-our-beer-variety-pack

 

 

Just thinking about tequila, whiskey or wine shifts your mindset

New research

https://theconversation.com/just-thinking-about-tequila-whiskey-or-wine-shifts-your-mindset-new-research-277160

 

 

New Evan

• Heaven Hill has expanded the Evan Williams lineup with a new Blackberry flavored whiskey. The 32.5% abv extension is rolling out across the U.S. now and joins other flavored options from the brand like Honey, Apple, Peach, Cherry, and Fire (cinnamon). The new release carries a suggested price of $15 a 750-ml. Last year, Evan Williams was at approximately 2.9 million cases in the U.S. including flavors, according to Impact Databank.

 

Champagne sales unlikely to rebound in 2026

Following three years of declining shipments of Champagne, it’s hoped that the region will see a turnaround in 2026 – but that’s unlikely with production costs, exchange rates and market conditions as they currently are.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/champagne-sales-unlikely-to-rebound-in-2026/

 

 

World Atlas of Wine returns with ninth edition

The landmark wine reference first published in 1971 will appear in a newly revised ninth edition. Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW again collaborate with maps editor Julia Harding MW on the latest version of a book widely regarded as a cornerstone of wine literature.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/world-atlas-of-wine-returns-with-ninth-edition/

 

 

Are national drink days creating too much noise at the bar?

With more than 100 alcohol-themed awareness days now crowding the calendar, are these celebrations still worth toasting, or are they just marketing clutter?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-national-drink-days-creating-too-much-noise-at-the-bar/

 

 

Gallo Extends Fast-Growing Lucky One RTD Into Spiked Iced Tea

Spirit of Gallo’s Lucky One, which reached just under 1 million cases in its first full year on the market in 2025, according to Impact Databank, has extended into spiked iced tea, launching four new flavors across the U.S. The new releases are in Original (Sweet Tea), Half & Half, Peach, and Raspberry flavors and are made with vodka, with each 355-ml. can coming in at 100 calories. They join Lucky One’s original four varieties of lemonade in the brand range.

Lucky One’s Sweet Tea flavor is rolling out in 4-packs of 355-ml. for around $11 and the flavors can be found in the brand’s variety 8-pack, which carries a suggested price of $20. The brand is continuing its partnerships with Best Friends Animal Society and Lifeline Animal Project and in the last year has donated more than $1 million to help rescue dogs find homes.

 

 

The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning

When did everybody who’s good at something become a sommelier?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/is-everyone-a-somm-viewpoint/

 

 

If Gen Z Is Drinking Less, What Does Turning 21 Mean Now?

But with the media’s preoccupation with the idea that Gen Z isn’t drinking, does it really mean anything to turn 21 today?

https://vinepair.com/articles/if-gen-z-is-drinking-less-what-does-turning-21-mean-now/

 

 

Getting Into Biodynamic Wine

Biodynamic wine is a holistic approach to viticulture that goes beyond organic farming, focusing on vineyard ecology, natural cycles, and soil health. In this guide, we explore how biodynamic wines are made, what sets them apart, and how they taste.

https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/biodynamic-wine-guide/

 

 

Alcohol, Health and the New Puritans

A brush with medical professionals has left one wine lover unhappy at being pigeon-holed as an “alcohol user”.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/alcohol-health-and-the-new-puritans

 

 

Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine

A standard wine pour is 5 ounces. It sounds like a small detail, but that number quietly shapes how you host, how many bottles you need, and how guests experience the wine.

https://communitywineandspirits.com/blogs/news/understanding-the-standard-pour-of-wine

 

 

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

03-09-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Wine Tariffs Still Up in the Air

Is wine getting worse?

The 30 Best Bourbons for 2026

 

The Wine World Has a Snob Problem

When hierarchy masquerades as expertise and consumers quietly opt out

https://mollybossardt.substack.com/p/the-wine-world-has-a-snob-problem?utm_campaign=post&triedRedirect=true

 

 

Is it all over for alcohol in the US?

U.S. alcohol consumption has fallen sharply in recent years, which has market questioning if long period of growth has ended.

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/is-it-all-over-for-alcohol-in-the-us-4501134

 

 

Who Is America’s Most Wine-Savvy President?

One of America’s Fouding Fathers believed the United States could produce wines as good as European wines

https://www.vaildaily.com/news/who-is-americas-most-wine-savvy-president/

 

 

Suntory spirits sales fall in 2025 as demand drops

Japanese drinks group Suntory reported a 0.4% drop in alcohol sales last year due to a decline for spirits and a consumption slowdown in the US and Europe.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/suntory-spirits-sales-fall-in-2025-as-demand-drops/

 

 

English wine’s golden age faces a tiny villain

Spotted wing drosophila has gone from curiosity to complication across English and Welsh vineyards. Once the question was whether SWD had arrived; now it is about when it will bite and how quickly it might turn ripe fruit into a rot problem. James Bayley reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/english-wines-golden-age-faces-a-tiny-villain/

 

 

Why Champagne performed better in 2025 than the figures suggest

The year-end shipment figures for Champagne show a global decline in demand, but underlying consumption appears to have held up better than the headline numbers suggest.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/why-champagne-performed-better-in-2025-than-the-figures-suggest/

 

 

The Rise of New Old World Wine

Often under-represented, the wines of Central and Eastern Europe are the new kids on the old bloc.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/the-rise-of-new-old-world-wine

 

 

New Surfside

• Philadelphia’s Stateside Brands has expanded the Surfside RTD label with a new blueberry flavored lemonade. The new addition is at 4.5% abv and contains 100 calories per 12-ounce can. Surfside Blueberry Lemonade is available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans that carry a suggested price of $11. In addition, the company has put out a new variety 8-pack featuring Surfside’s Half and Half expressions. The pack retails for around $20 and contains two cans each of Half and Half, Raspberry Half and Half, Mango Half and Half, and Blackberry Half and Half. Last year Surfside was named “2025 Spirits Brand of the Year” by Market Watch Magazine and the brand grew to 10.5 million cases in the U.S.

 

Can Wine Appellation Systems Withstand Climate Change?

Extreme weather is testing long-standing appellation rules on allowed grape varieties, vineyard locations, and more, intensifying the debate over the future relevance of geographical indications

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/can-wine-appellation-systems-withstand-climate-change/

 

 

From Olympic Powder to Alpine Pour: Inside Alto Adige Wine Country’s Mountain Terroir

Just miles from Cortina’s Olympic runs, Alto Adige’s winemakers harness snowmelt, soaring elevations, and tradition to craft Alpine wines built for endurance.

https://www.foodandwine.com/alto-adige-alpine-wine-11904805

 

 

‘I’m a sommelier – here’s my supermarket tip and why you’re really asked to taste the wine’

Sommelier Jo Radford tells the Money blog about dealing with tricky customers and the one part of the job that’s a little intimidating.

https://news.sky.com/story/im-a-sommelier-heres-my-supermarket-tip-and-why-youre-really-asked-to-taste-the-wine-13508117

 

 

New Woodford

• Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve has released Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Finish, the latest whiskey in the brand’s Distillery Series. The Bourbon is bottled at 45.2% abv and was finished in French oak barrels previously used to mature Cabernet Sauvignon. The release carries a suggested price of $65 for a 375-ml. bottle and is now available at the brand’s distillery and in select retailers across Kentucky. In addition, the whiskey can be shipped to consumers in Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. Woodford Reserve was at 1.5 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

 

Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola intros lower-ABV cans

Brown-Forman has upped the size and lowered the ABV for the latest SKU in its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola ready-to-drink (RTD) range in the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/jack-daniels-and-coca-cola-intro-lower-abv-cans/

 

 

Crémant de Limoux: France’s First Sparkling Wine Region

Why you should swap the Champagne for Crémant, France’s first sparkling wines, which were made long before the country’s most famous fizz took centre stage.

https://francetoday.com/food-drink/wine_and_spirits/cremant-de-limoux-frances-first-sparkling-wine-region/

 

 

Beer Is Your Ticket To Eating More Salad — Here’s How

Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go –- we’re not talking about some kind of sacrificial trade-off where you forgo drinking a beer until you’ve eaten a salad.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2100846/beer-upgrade-salad-dressing-flavor/

 

 

Somms Answer Wine’s New Questions

Younger generations are asking questions that, more than ever, suggest wine lovers want biodynamics over Burgundy.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/somms-answer-wines-new-questions

 

 

A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting

A Satirical Blend of Sommelier Savvy and Child-Rearing Challenges

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/02/17/a-wine-lovers-guide-to-parenting-a-satirical-blend/

 

 

People who switched to cannabis drinks cut their alcohol use nearly in half

Cannabis-infused drinks could help some people trade heavy drinking for a lighter buzz.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005806.htm

 

 

Bardstown Bourbon faces gender discrimination lawsuit

A former executive of Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the firm alleging gender discrimination and improper conduct.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/bardstown-bourbon-faces-gender-discrimination-lawsuit/

 

 

Proper No. Twelve unveils charred barrel Black Reserve

Proximo Spirits-owned Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey has introduced a blend finished in heavily charred American oak barrels.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/proper-no-twelve-unveils-charred-barrel-black-reserve/

 

 

5 Myths About Natural Wine

What’s True, What’s Not

https://www.raisin.digital/en/news/5-myths-about-natural-wine-whats-true-whats-not-1124/

 

 

Why Chile’s ‘forgotten’ ancestral grape is due a second renaissance

A decade ago, Miguel Torres sparked a País revival by proving Chile’s “forgotten” ancestral grape could make serious wine. Today, the producer predicts a second resurgence of the variety, thanks to its knack for withstanding climate change. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/why-chiles-forgotten-ancestral-grape-is-due-a-second-renaissance/

 

 

The first Masters of Wine of 2026 have been announced

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has revealed the names of four individuals who have passed all stages of the Master of Wine examination — a cohort that includes the first female MW to be based in Italy.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/the-first-masters-of-wine-of-2026-have-been-announced/

 

 

The 30 Best Bourbons for 2026

Whether you’re looking for screwtop economy bottles or high-priced allocated beauties, here are 30 of the best bourbons at every price point for 2026.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-bourbons-2026/

 

 

New On The Rocks

• Suntory Global Spirits has expanded cocktail brand On the Rocks with a new Whiskey Sour, made using Jim Beam Bourbon. The cocktail is bottled at 20% abv and is recommended to be served over ice with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry as garnishes. The Whiskey Sour is available in both 375- and 750-ml. bottles with the former retailing for around $13 and the latter for around $25. The new release is now available across the U.S. In 2025, On the Rocks was up 22% to 960,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Why Does The New York Times Keep Telling You Alcohol Will Kill You?

Why has the world’s paper of record decided to publish so many stories about how awful alcohol is — and when will it end?

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/why-does-the-new-york-times-keep

 

 

What Do Trees Really Do for Wine? More Than You Probably Think

From cooling vineyards to potentially shaping the notes in your glass, scientists and winemakers are just beginning to understand how forests influence flavor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trees-influence-wine-vineyards-11909290

 

2026 Flavor & Food Trends Wineries Can Use

Too many wineries cling to “the way we’ve always done it,” and it is obviously not working for many winery operations right now. Traditional winemaking has its place, but tradition alone won’t help you stand out among thousands of competing brands in today’s challenging market.

https://www.dgwinemaking.com/2026-flavor-food-trends-wineries-can-use/

 

 

Scaling up: Japan’s new wave of whisky distilleries

With new distilleries multiplying at home, Japanese whisky is entering a more competitive and regulated era – one that will test its biggest names and its newcomers.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/scaling-up-japans-new-wave-of-whisky-distilleries/

 

 

New Bourbon

• Luxco’s Penelope Bourbon has released Barrel Strength 7-Year, the latest cask strength whiskey from the company. This whiskey is distilled from a mash of 70% corn, 23% rye, 5% malted barley, and 2% malted rye and bottled at 57.6% abv. Barrel Strength 7-Year is rolling out now in select markets across the U.S. The whiskey carries a suggested price of $60 a bottle, with Penelope releasing 13,000 6-packs.

 

A Year of Scanning: What You’re Really Drinking

Label scanning can tell a lot about wine, according to our Head of Advanced Solutions John Buckwell – and it says even more about you.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/a-year-of-scanning-what-youre-really-drinking

 

 

A Historic Supreme Court Decision Just Ended Trump’s Tariffs — With Far-Reaching Effects on Wine and Food Imports

The ruling overturns the administration’s use of emergency powers and opens the door to refund battles over more than $150 billion in duties paid by U.S. importers.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trump-tariffs-us-supreme-court-ruling-11910767

 

 

‘Impossible to describe:’ Importer who challenged Trump tariffs hails Supreme Court win

With wines and spirits arriving from 16 countries, nearly every corner of Schwartz’s supply chain was touched by the new tariffs

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/wine-importer-who-challenged-trump-tariffs-celebrates-supreme-court-win

 

 

While corporate America stayed silent, a small wine importer risked his business to challenge Trump’s tariffs

Schwartz became the face of the fight to overturn Trump’s most sweeping tariffs — and he won, in a case that was decided by the Supreme Court on Friday.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/21/business/vos-selections-trump-tariffs-lawsuit-risk-takers

 

 

This $55 Whiskey Is America’s Best Rye, According to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards

The award rounded out a strong performance for Heaven Hill Distillery, whose Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye likewise received a Gold Medal.

https://www.foodandwine.com/elijah-craig-toasted-rye-best-rye-in-america-world-whiskies-awards-2026-11909643

 

 

Wine is good for your health if consumed in moderation and within the per diem expenses

Moderate wine consumption in people who closely follow the per diem expenses reduces mortality by up to 33%

https://biotech-spain.com/en/articles/wine-is-good-for-your-health-if-consumed-in-moderation-and-within-the-per-diem-expenses/

 

 

The global glut: vintners being paid to dispose of wine

Changing tastes, a fall in demand and overproduction of wine from the boom years have left vineyards with a problem

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/the-global-glut-vintners-being-paid-to-dispose-of-wine-633vq8kn9

 

 

Microplastics in my wine!?

Does the tiny plastic liner that secures a seal between the closure and the bottle afflict our wine with invisible yet scary microplastics?

http://wineloverspage.com/2026/02/microplastics-in-wine/

 

 

How do people under 40 find their way into fine wine?

The fine wine sector has been operating on a series of false assumptions about how and why people engage with the category and become wine collectors, a new report from fine wine think tank Areni Global has claimed.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/how-do-people-under-40-find-their-way-into-fine-wine/

 

 

New Whiskey

• Heaven Hill Brands is introducing BernheimOriginal Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition. Bernheim’s 20th Anniversary Limited Edition is made from a special selection of barrels aged 10 years and is bottled at 115 proof (57.5% abv). It was produced at the Bernheim distillery and aged in rickhouses in Bardstown, Kentucky. Rolling out in limited quantities nationwide, the special edition wheat whiskey retails at $85 a bottle.

 

EU Council backs new no-alcohol wine definitions and updated labeling

EU rules being updated means better access to information on wine bottles, including ingredients and new digital label options, which makes it easier for consumers to choose products based on taste, nutrition, or personal preferences.

https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/eu-wine-policy-labeling-reform.html

 

 

U.S. Census Report Shows Wine and Beer Exports Collapsed by $472 Million in 2025

Those exports fall under the Census Bureau’s “Wine, beer, and related products” sector, which includes sparkling and still wine, beer, vermouth, cider, alcohol-based ready-to-drink (RTD) products, and other fermented beverages. For wine alone, exports dropped by $428 million — a 33.5 percent loss from 2024, according to Robb Report.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/census-report-us-alcohol-imports-decline-by-millions/

 

 

‘Nearly a quarter in the drinks trade are thinking about leaving because of the culture’

Nearly a quarter of drinks professionals have considered leaving the industry because of harassment or discrimination, according to new data from Drinks United. Michelle Brampton, CEO of the WSET, and founding member of the Drinks United Programme Board, says the scale of the findings surprised even her and warns that junior staff are paying the highest price.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/nearly-a-quarter-in-the-drinks-trade-are-thinking-about-leaving-because-of-the-culture/

 

 

Rhode Island’s Wine Shipping Law: Why It Limits Consumer Choice

Other States Are Moving Forward, but the Ocean State Remains Behind

https://freethegrapes.org/rhode-island-wine-shipping-law/

 

 

Is wine getting worse?

Or at least much more limited in choice

https://fionabeckett.substack.com/p/is-wine-getting-worse

 

 

New Bourbon

Louisville, Kentucky-based Michter’s has announced the latest batch of its 10-year-old Bourbon. The limited edition release is bottled at 47.2% abv with the distillery noting that many of the whiskies used in the blend are aged beyond 10 years. Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon carries a suggested price of $195 and will be available in limited quantities across the U.S. In addition to the 10-year-old Bourbon, Michter’s also offers limited edition bottlings like Michter’s 10 Year Rye and, even more rarely, 20-year-old whiskies.

 

 

Wine Tariffs Still Up in the Air

Doubt is the only certainty a bewildered wine industry can rely on as President Trump looks for alternatives to tariffs.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/wine-tariffs-still-up-in-the-air

 

 

Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

Promoting women’s ownership in wineries can boost sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.

https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2026/02/25/women-more-likely-to-choose-wine-from-female-winemakers/

 

 

MGP’s FY whiskey sales sink 52%

Third-party producer MGP Ingredients saw sales drop by nearly a quarter last year as demand for its whiskey plunged.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/mgps-fy-whiskey-sales-sink-52/

 

 

No-Alcohol Wine Boom not so Boomy

No-alcohol wine is all the rage, if the hype is to be believed, but does it actually sell?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/no-alcohol-wine-boom-not-so-boomy

 

 

How the alcohol industry is rethinking R&D amid falling global consumption

The global alcohol industry is in structural retreat as global consumers continue to drink less. Producers are scrambling to reformulate beverage R&D and regain their falling profits.

https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/alcohol-decline-wine-spirits-beer-trends.html

 

 

Here’s the Secret Code on Your Wine Label That Changes Everything

From Pommard to Dijon, the tiny clone number attached to your favorite grape may matter more than where it’s grown.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-grapes-vines-clones-11913083

 

 

15 Reasons Cruising is Ideal for Serious Wine Fans

First, you need to choose the right cruise line. Different lines target different demographics. Some target young families. Others target people who like dressing up for dinner.

https://allthingscruise.com/15-reasons-cruising-is-ideal-for-serious-wine-fans/

 

 

Heaven Hill unveils commemorative Deatsville Bourbon

Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands has sourced a limited edition 13-year-old Bourbon from its Deatsville campus.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/heaven-hill-unveils-commemorative-deatsville-bourbon/

 

 

The Surprising Origin Story of the Jell-O Shot

Part of the Jell-O shot’s charm is its subversive nature. It’s a silly, sneaky booze delivery system cleverly wrapped up in a classic dessert that likely evokes a childhood memory or two

https://vinepair.com/articles/jell-o-shot-origin-story/

 

 

A book review of, “Greek Wine Explained 2026″

It’s no surprise to me as, Yiannis Karakasis has done it again with his latest work, the excellent, “Greek Wine Explained” that’s been published for 2026.

https://www.hudin.com/a-book-review-of-greek-wine-explained-2026/

 

 

Why Layoffs Are Spreading In California Wine Country

Experts are still debating the reasons for a fall in wine profits. But in the wine industry reset, workers pay the price with their jobs.

https://patch.com/california/healdsburg/why-layoffs-are-spreading-california-wine-country

 

 

 

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

02-23-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Curling Became the ‘Drinking Man’s Sport’

The Truth About Vegan Wine

Bourbon Loses its Charm Overseas

 

 

7 Alternatives to Chartreuse, the Perpetually Hard-to-Find Green Liqueur

With its signature bright green color and easy-to-read label, a bottle of Chartreuse isn’t hard to spot on liquor store shelves or bar racks.

https://vinepair.com/articles/green-chartreuse-herbal-liqueur-alternatives/

 

 

How to Choose the Perfect Sparkling Wine for Valentine’s Day 2026

Valentine’s Day calls for bubbles—there’s something undeniably romantic about the pop of a cork and the effervescence of sparkling wine.

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-sparkling-wine-for-valentines-day-2026

 

 

The Refined Shape of New Zealand Pinot Noir

That’s particularly impressive for a grape that very nearly disappeared from the country altogether in modern times.

https://www.vinography.com/2026/01/the-refined-shape-of-new-zealand-pinot-noir

 

 

Vinho Verde and the White Wine Resurgence

There are certainly many reasons for the “red shift” to white.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/02/03/new-white-wines/

 

 

Beyond Chianti: A Guide to the Best Red Wines for Italian Meat Dishes

When people think of Italian red wines, Chianti is often the first name that comes to mind. And for good reason: its bright acidity and deep connection to Tuscan cuisine make it a classic. Yet, focusing only on Chianti means missing the extraordinary diversity that defines Italy’s food and wine traditions.

https://villamosconi.com/italian-food-wine/best-italian-red-wine-pairing-meat/

 

 

Red Wine vs. White Wine: Which Is Better For Your Heart?

When deciding whether to open a bottle of red wine vs white wine, you may wonder which is the healthier choice. Red wine is known for its heart-healthy benefits, but white wine also contains beneficial antioxidants.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/red-wine-vs-white-wine-11881584

 

 

Can Non-Alcoholic Tequila Replicate the Real Thing?

The boom in tequila and non-alcoholic drinks have fueled an inevitable crossover, but recreating tequila’s flavor without alcohol isn’t easy

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/can-non-alcoholic-tequila-replicate-the-real-thing/

 

 

Bourbon brings more than $10bn to Kentucky

The Bourbon sector generates US$10.6 billion for Kentucky’s economy annually and supports nearly 24,000 jobs, a new report has revealed.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/bourbon-brings-more-than-10bn-to-kentucky/

 

 

The Wine Connoisseur: Don’t judge a wine by its screw cap

While screw capped wines might appear to be a modern trend, they were actually introduced in the United States by the E.&J. Gallo Winery during the 1950s and 1960s.

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/the-wine-connoisseur-dont-judge-a-wine-by-its-screw-cap/

 

 

RTD Cocktails Swallow US Drinks Market

Pre-mixed cocktails in a can are dominating the US drinks market, as consumers worry about the economy

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/rtd-cocktails-swallow-us-drinks-market

 

 

Explore Chile with These 8 Top-Rated Wine Values

New reviews of 90+ rated Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Sauvignon Blanc and more

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/new-chile-red-white-wine-reviews-cabernet-carmenere-sauvignon-blanc

 

 

Mexico arrests mayor of Tequila for extorting distillers in alleged cartel scheme

The case exposed the dangers firms face when operating in Mexico, particularly in the tourist and industrial hub that props up a multi-billion-dollar sector but is also plagued by cartel violence.

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/mexico-arrests-mayor-tequila-extorting-distillers-alleged-cartel-scheme-2026-02-05/

 

 

New Long Drink

• The Finnish Long Drink, which jumped 20% to 3.3 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank, is adding a raspberry flavor to its portfolio. The new entry is gluten-free and canned at 5%-5.5% abv. The flavor is also launching in a Raspberry Zero Sugar extension. Long Drink’s raspberry offshoots are debuting exclusively in new variety packs. The brand’s regular 8-pack includes Citrus, Pineapple, Peach, and Raspberry, with a Zero Sugar 12-pack featuring the same lineup.

 

Sober shift: the bartenders choosing sobriety

With Dry January now firmly in the rear-view mirror, one cohort of drinks industry professionals shares why they’ve chosen to abstain from alcohol for good – and how they navigate sobriety in a world filled with booze

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/sober-shift-the-bartenders-choosing-sobriety/

 

 

Spirits sales fall 2.2% in US in 2025

US spirits sales declined by 2.2% in value last year, with only ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in growth, according to a new report.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/spirits-sales-fall-2-2-in-us-in-2025/

 

 

Gallo to buy Four Roses from Kirin for $775m

Japan-based Kirin Holdings has agreed to sell Kentucky Bourbon distillery Four Roses to Gallo for up to approximately US$775 million.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/gallo-to-buy-four-roses-from-kirin-for-775m/

 

 

The Bell’s Beer Conundrum

When the beloved craft brewery was sold to a beverage giant, fans had grievances—and theories. The saga says a lot about the industry now.

https://slate.com/life/2026/02/beer-craft-alcohol-bells-brewery-two-hearted.html

 

 

Chinese Wine Is No Longer Imitating Europe — It’s Defining Itself

As Ningxia and its sister regions shed imitation and embrace terroir, a confident new generation of Chinese wines is earning its place on the global stage.

https://www.foodandwine.com/chinese-wine-quality-evolution-11893069

 

 

The NFL’s Drunkest Fans This Season, Ranked (2026)

Fans of the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers got the drunkest at National Football League (NFL) games this season,

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/nfl-drunkest-fans-2026/

 

 

Gen Z: anti-alcohol or anti-boring brands?

Are younger consumers really swerving the booze or are they simply avoiding boring brands?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/gen-z-anti-alcohol-or-anti-boring-brands/

 

 

Cellar Tracker: the ‘doom and gloom narrative’ of wine’s falling consumption is ‘a little overplayed’

According to Cellar Tracker’s CEO, the aptly named Eric LeVine, wine consumption is still in a healthy place, with dry January showing no inroads in the wine community. He talks to Arabella Mileham about the app’s insights and what it says about today’s collecting, buying and drinking habits.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/cellar-tracker-the-doom-and-gloom-narrative-of-wines-falling-consumption-is-a-little-overplayed/

 

 

Can Wine Save Our Broken Attention Spans?

The act of swirling, smelling, analyzing, and identifying the layered aromas in wine demands your undivided attention. It’s an offline, physically and mentally engaging practice.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/wine-attention-spans/

 

 

Dry January drives shift from alcohol to cannabis in the US

As more Americans cut back on alcohol, Dry January is increasingly becoming a moment of substitution rather than abstinence. Cannabis drinks and edibles are gaining ground as consumers rethink intoxication, ritual and wellbeing, writes Kathleen Willcox.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/dry-january-drives-shift-from-alcohol-to-cannabis-in-the-us/

 

 

Is 3.4% ABV ‘the new normal’ for beer?

Australian lager Foster’s, owned by Asahi Group Holdings but distributed in the United Kingdom by Heineken UK, will see its alcohol content lowered to 3.4% from this week. The brand joins a host of other best-selling beers who have joined the 3.4% gang.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/is-3-4-abv-the-new-normal-for-beer/

 

 

WE DON’T NEED ARTICLES LIKE THIS

During a time when the industry is having trouble selling wine, why would we want to “disappear” wines that people like.

https://foodandwineaesthetics.com/2026/02/03/we-dont-need-articles-like-this/

 

 

Why Publix Keeps Its Liquor In Completely Separate Stores

When it comes to alcohol sales, the United States is a pretty quirky place, as laws about where beer, wine, and liquor can be sold differ from one state to the next.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2090652/publix-liquor-separate-store/

 

 

The Supreme Court Is Poised To Remind States That the Constitution Doesn’t Stop at the Liquor Store

Lower courts keep inventing loopholes to uphold discriminatory booze regulations.

https://reason.com/2026/02/07/the-supreme-court-is-poised-to-remind-states-that-the-constitution-doesnt-stop-at-the-liquor-store/

 

 

Why Winter is the Perfect Season for White Wine: Breaking the Red Wine Myth

Ask most wine drinkers what they reach for in winter, and the answer is almost always the same: red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah—bold, warming reds that seem perfectly suited for cold weather.

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/why-winter-is-the-perfect-season-for-white-wine-breaking-the-red-wine-myth

 

 

Does Wine Actually Need To Breathe?

What’s better than enjoying a glass of your favorite type of wine at the end of the day?

https://www.mashed.com/2092324/does-wine-need-to-breathe/

 

 

Bourbon Loses its Charm Overseas

The sale of Four Roses Bourbon to Gallo suggests Japanese owners might be losing faith in American whiskey.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/bourbon-loses-its-charm-overseas

 

 

Redbreast Expands Its Iberian Series With Its First-Ever Moscatel Cask Release

Master blender David McCabe blended single pot still whiskey aged nine to 11 years, then finished it for 16 months in Moscatel-seasoned casks from Spain’s historic Bodegas Quitapenas.

https://www.foodandwine.com/redbreast-moscatel-wine-cask-edition-single-pot-still-irish-whiskey-11902072

 

 

How Four Roses’s Sale to a Wine Company Could Affect the Bourbon Distillery’s Future

The sale is not yet finalized, but this well-respected bourbon distillery could see some changes.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/four-roses-bourbon-sale-gallo-winery-1237560914/

 

 

What Doctors Want You To Know About the New Federal Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption

Gone are the old daily drink limits, as the update leans on broader guidance shaped by emerging science.

https://www.foodandwine.com/doctors-decode-federal-alcohol-consumption-guidelines-11902380

 

 

5 Jobs in Whiskey You’ve Never Heard Of

With hundreds of millions of bottles produced every year, the global whiskey industry is enormous, valued at approximately $28 billion

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-whiskey-jobs/

 

 

One in five Scotch distilleries in financial distress

Data from restructuring firm BTG has found that 19% of distilleries in Scotland are facing financial distress.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/one-in-five-scotch-distilleries-in-financial-distress/

 

 

They Say All Politics Is Local. So Is Wine Appreciation
As you’ve no doubt read ad nauseum the industry is shrinking.

https://paulgregutt.substack.com/p/they-say-all-politics-is-local-so

 

 

New Whiskey

• Sazerac has announced Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, the latest release from brand created by musician Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley. The whiskey takes the original Traveller blend and dials the abv up from 45% to 60.5%, a proof point chosen by Stapleton and his bandmates following a concert. The new release carries a suggested price of $40 a bottle and is now available across the U.S.

 

Tariffs drag Scotch exports to US down by 15%

Global Scotch whisky exports declined by 0.6% in value and 4.3% in volume in 2025, with a 15% drop in bottles shipped to the US since the 10% tariff was implemented, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA)

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/tariffs-drag-scotch-exports-to-us-down-by-15/

 

 

Champagne’s image tarnished by unpunished herbicide deviators

Breaking the law and skirting the cahier des charges remains unpunished. It does however chip away at Champagne’s image…

https://terroirchampagne.substack.com/p/champagnes-image-tarnished-by-unpunished

 

 

New Bourbon

• Lofted Spirits’ Green River Distilling Co. has added a new high-proof wheated Bourbon to its portfolio, beginning February 13. The whiskey is made from a mash of 70% corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley, with batches coming in between 54.5% and 58% abv. The first batch of Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon comes in at 54.65% abv and is aged between five and seven years. The new whiskey carries a suggested price of $50 a bottle and will launch in 25 markets across the U.S.

 

What Does the Latest Wine and Wellness Consumer Data Say About Organics?

A recent presentation from the Wine Market Council shows a growing portion of the market favors organically grown wines over sustainable. But are producers connecting with buyers?

https://organicwineuncorked.substack.com/p/what-does-the-latest-wine-and-wellness

 

 

The French appellation system, AOC, turns 90

The French system has since become a model for similar regulations in other countries (Italy, Spain, etc.). However, you could say that it turned 90 both last year and this year. The law was passed in 1935 and came into force in 1936.

https://www.bkwine.com/news/appellation-system-aoc-turns-90/

 

 

The Truth About Vegan Wine

Get ready for a shock if you thought you were drinking ethically

https://themorningclaret.com/p/the-truth-about-vegan-wine?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=e3aedc9f8cea8aab46eca9eac339e64e69929bf0

 

 

Heaven Hill challenges ‘100% agave’ lawsuit

Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands has filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit alleging that its Lunazul Tequila is falsely marketed as ‘100% agave’.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/heaven-hill-challenges-100-agave-lawsuit/

 

 

How Curling Became the ‘Drinking Man’s Sport’

This sport is based around camaraderie

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pop-culture/curling-beer-whiskey-history/

 

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

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Beer Sale Items

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Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

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Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

02-09-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Would you drink beer made with bear poop?

Do De-Alcoholized Wines Deliver?

California Awash with Unsold Wine

 

Is ‘additive-free’ rum about to boom?

As the Tequila sector cracks down on ‘additive-free’ claims, one producer is predicting rum will soon be under similar scrutiny.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/is-additive-free-rum-about-to-boom/

 

 

Investor group eyes Uncle Nearest purchase

NexGen 2780, a Georgia-registered investor group, has expressed interest in acquiring Uncle Nearest’s assets and settling the distiller’s US$108 million debt to Farm Credit Mid-America

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/investor-group-eyes-uncle-nearest-purchase/

 

 

POLL FINDS A RECORD NUMBER OF AMERICANS SEE MODERATE DRINKING AS A HEALTH RISK

Fewer Americans are reporting that they drink alcohol amid a growing belief that even moderate alcohol consumption is a health risk, according to a new Gallup poll released in August.

https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/newswire/poll-finds-record-number-americans-see-moderate-drinking-health-risk/

 

 

The 10 Most Overrated Liquor Brands

Being overrated doesn’t automatically mean a spirit is bad. Many of these brands are technically well-made and can be enjoyable in moderation or in cocktails.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2075551/most-overrated-alcohol-brands/

 

 

New Rebel

• Luxco’s Rebel Bourbon has announced the return of Rebel Root Beer to the brand’s portfolio. The 35% abv flavored whiskey is made with Rebel’s wheated Straight Bourbon whiskey and blended with the flavor of root beer before bottling. It carries a suggested price of $20 a 750-ml. and $0.99 per 50-ml. and is now available across the U.S. Rebel is part of Luxco, MGP’s branded arm, alongside brands like Ezra Brooks, Yellowstone, and Penelope, among others. 

 

What wine to pair with risotto?

Risotto, a nurturing Italian dish, treats us to a whole host of possible flavors. When choosing a wine to pair with it, focus on extenuating the main ingredient or flavor of the dish.

https://www.idealwine.info/what-wine-to-pair-with-risotto/

 

 

New Maker’s

• Suntory Global Spirits has launched new packaging for Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, with the new label featuring an age statement for the first time. The whisky is bottled between seven- and eight-years-old and at ABVs ranging from 53.5% to 57%. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength carries a suggested price of $50 a 750-ml. and the new packaging is now rolling out across the U.S. Last year, the Maker’s Mark brand was at an estimated 2.25 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Reconsidering a Dry January

Could Drinking Wine be Beneficial to Your Health?

https://winereviewonline.com/reconsidering-a-dry-january-could-drinking-wine-be-beneficial-to-your-health/

 

 

Calories, Sugar Fears, and ‘Eco’ Appeal Are Reshaping Wine Consumption

Consumers Cut Back on Alcohol for Health–But Still See Wine as the “Healthier” Choice

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/313114

 

 

7 Things You Should Know About Castle & Key, the Kentucky Distillery Housed in a Stunning Castle

Important figures in the drinks world often leave massive legacies behind their names — think Veuve Clicquot and Jack Daniel’s. But significant parts of their stories can easily go unnoticed, and reviving those lost details is largely the ethos behind Castle & Key.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-castle-and-key/

 

 

Chateau Ste. Michelle overhauls packaging following acquisition

The flagship brand of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has been given a fresh new look after being acquired by The Wyckoff Family in December. The update marks the first time its bottle design has been revamped in decades.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/chateau-ste-michelle-overhauls-packaging-following-acquisition/

 

 

Genetic study finds no overall cancer link for alcohol intake

A major genetic analysis reports no association between alcohol consumption and overall cancer risk, offering a more nuanced view than some headline health warnings. The findings arrive as global policy debates intensify over alcohol affordability and taxation.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/genetic-study-finds-no-overall-cancer-link-for-alcohol-intake/

 

 

An Intro to Champagne Wine Labelling

Champagne, the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, comes exclusively from the Champagne region in northeastern France

https://mywinepal.com/2026/01/21/an-intro-to-champagne-wine-labelling/

 

 

More Bourbon Distilleries Are Closing.

So What Happens to the Whiskey?

https://vinepair.com/articles/bourbon-boom-leftover-whiskey/

 

 

Global Champagne shipments fall by 2% in 2025

The number of bottles of Champagne shipped worldwide, including the domestic market, totalled 266m in 2025 ­– representing a decline of 5m bottles, or a drop of 2% on the previous year.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/global-champagne-shipments-fall-by-2-in-2025/

 

 

New documentary tells Old Forester’s story

The 156-year history of Old Forester Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky, is the subject of a new documentary.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/new-documentary-tells-old-foresters-story/

 

 

California prepares for record grape shortage

The 2025 California grape harvest is expected to be the lowest produced by the US state for nearly 50 years, down 24% on last year’s crop, writes Ron Emler.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/california-prepares-for-grape-shortage/

 

 

Rats Can Differentiate Between Two White Wine Varieties

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled that rats possess the remarkable ability to not only differentiate between two varieties of white wine but also to generalize their taste preferences across these two distinct classifications

https://scienmag.com/rats-can-differentiate-between-two-white-wine-varieties/#google_vignette

 

 

Exploring Champagne Through Iconic Film Scenes

Champagne lights up classic films as a sign of joy, wealth, and love.

https://glassofbubbly.com/exploring-champagne-through-iconic-film-scenes/

 

 

These 5 Wines Are Considered the “Healthiest” by Nutrition Experts

Ready to raise a glass? Here are the top RD-approved wine options.

https://www.realsimple.com/healthiest-wines-11888389

 

 

Does Storytelling Really Sell Wine?

Great storytelling can help illustrate a product, but it perhaps takes a little more to paint the whole picture.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/does-storytelling-really-sell-wine

 

 

Early warning for wine spoilage glows in the dark

Researchers built a living biosensor made of bacteria that lights up when it detects acetic acid, the main chemical signal that wine is starting to spoil.

https://phys.org/news/2026-01-early-wine-spoilage-dark.html#google_vignette

 

 

Spain’s Sparkling Wine Revolution

Will the vintners staging a sparkling rebellion in Spain spark a real revolution?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/spains-sparkling-wine-revolution

 

 

8 Worst Celebrity-Owned Liquor Brands

It’s easy to be a little snobby about celebrity-owned liquor brands.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2082789/worst-celebrity-liquors/

 

 

How Gen Z is influencing low-and-no

While the idea that Gen Z has turned its back on alcohol is misplaced, according to research, many drinkers across the board are mindful of what they consume. What does this mean for low-and-no brands?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/how-gen-z-are-influencing-low-and-no/

 

 

How smoothie beers are helping to boost sales

A polarizing beer trend is boosting beer sales in the US. But what is a smoothie beer and how can it help the brewing sector? db looks at how one niche beer style has taken off on a  global scale and is now reaping the success of consumer demand.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/how-smoothie-beers-are-helping-to-boost-sales/

 

 

The worst places to store wine at home

From the top of the fridge to the back of the garage, many homes unwittingly subject wine to conditions that hasten its decline. In the first of a two-part series, two experts explain to db where bottles suffer most and why good intentions so often end in disappointment.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/the-worst-places-to-store-wine-at-home/

 

 

New Grey Goose

Bacardi has launched Grey Goose Berry Rouge, the first new flavored addition to the vodka’s portfolio in 10 years. The 40% abv vodka is made with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries flavors and does not contain any added sugar. Grey Goose Berry Rouge is now available across the U.S., retailing at $26 a 750-ml. The new flavor sits alongside Grey Goose’s other flavored offerings, including Le Citron, La Poire, and L’Orange. Last year, Grey Goose was at 2.5 million cases in the U.S., down 2.2%, according to Impact Databank.

 

 

Can you pair Champagne & Chocolate?

What might have been a confrontational question several years back within the industry, one to spark a heated debate, today the subject is very approachable.

https://glassofbubbly.com/can-you-pair-champagne-chocolate/

 

 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has added 10 new distillery experiences and satellite tasting room locations, bringing the total to 68 stops.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/kentucky-bourbon-trail-adds-10-new-stops/

 

 

Average price of a bottle of US wine hits $56.78

The price of American wine sold DTC shot up 11% last year to more than $50 per bottle, reveals numbers crunched by Sovos ShipCompliant. But which regions saw the highest leaps? Sarah Neish investigates.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/average-price-of-a-bottle-of-us-wine-hits-56-78/

 

 

That Drinks Business headline claiming the average price of a bottle of US wine hit $56.78 in 2025 is… just not true

One of the UK’s most important beverage trade journals shared a shocking statistic: that the average price of a bottle of American wine had risen 11% in 2025, to $56.78. The only problem? It wasn’t true.

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/01/that-drinks-business-headline-claiming-the-average-price-of-a-bottle-of-us-wine-hit-56-78-in-2025-is-just-not-true/

 

 

How To Market Wine Like Taylor Swift

You, too, can be cool, subtle, relevant. Believe.

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/how-to-market-wine-like-taylor-swift

 

 

What does sustainability in spirits mean today?

Despite ‘sustainability’ being a nebulous phrase, many spirits brands are determined to demonstrate their commitment to doing better by the environment.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/what-does-sustainability-in-spirits-mean-today/

 

 

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Unveils Luxury Kosher Champagne

Isiah Thomas, owner-operator of Cheurlin Champagne, is redefining the luxury kosher wine category with the launch of his premium kosher Champagne collection, created in collaboration with the historic Cheurlin Champagne House.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/01/28/nba-hall-of-famer-isiah-thomas-unveils-luxury-kosher-champagne/

 

 

Is Wine Really Healthy? Experts Summarize the Research

The Answer Isn’t Simple and May Depend on a Variety of Factors

https://www.ucdavis.edu/magazine/wine-really-healthy-experts-summarize-research

 

 

California Awash with Unsold Wine

A small harvest this year likely won’t be enough to reduce the huge oversupply facing the California wine industry.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/california-awash-with-unsold-wine

 

 

Do De-Alcoholized Wines Deliver?

As new nonalcoholic options enter the market, we blind-tasted 50 bottles to test which—if any—can stand in for the real thing

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/best-nonalcoholic-dealcoholized-wine-2026-blind-tasting-na

 

 

Would you drink beer made with bear poop?

This Oregon brewery is betting you will

https://www.oregonlive.com/trending/2026/01/beer-collab-from-two-portland-companies-that-will-be-served-outside-the-super-bowl-uses-actual-bear-poop.html

 

 

Tabasco maker sues Stoli ahead of Absolut launch

McIlhenny Company has filed a trademark lawsuit against Stoli Group’s new jalapeño vodka as the Tabasco maker announces a spicy vodka collaboration with Absolut.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/tabasco-maker-sues-stoli-ahead-of-absolut-launch/

 

 

Survival of the smallest: limited-production wineries fare best

Bigger players producing more than 500,000 cases per year saw the largest slump in sales during 2025, reveals shipping company Sovos, while smaller producers were more shielded from the downturn. However, while sales of lower-priced wines plummeted, this “shouldn’t be labelled as premiumisation”, the report cautioned. Here’s why…

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/survival-of-the-smallest-small-us-wineries-fare-best/

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

01-26-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

The Curse Of Low And No Alcohol Wine

Is the Worst Almost Over?

Rocky Road Ahead for US Wine

Major Argentinian Winery Faces “Mega Bankruptcy”

In the first news round-up of 2026, we take a deep-dive into the various troubles facing Argentina’s Bodega Norton.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/major-argentinian-winery-faces-mega-bankruptcy

A defense of wine writing

Does an object of beauty deserve to be written about beautifully?

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/a-defense-of-wine-writing

Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark

While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start with Kim and Mark introducing themselves and their background in the wine industry.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/exploring-wonderful-world-of-wine.html

The trade is ‘cleansing’ but lemonade won’t replace wine

A well-publicised surplus in the global wine trade is causing a ‘cleansing’ of the sector – but consumers won’t ever mark major celebrations with soft drinks, believes industry veteran and Joseph Phelps CEO David Pearson.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/the-trade-is-cleansing-but-lemonade-wont-replace-wine/

The 20 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2026

In the past decade, the non-alcoholic (NA) drinks category has exploded — and NA beer is leading the charge. According to NielsenIQ, the U.S. market for non-alcoholic beverages is valued at approximately $1 billion, with NA beer accounting for over 80 percent of all sales. With the influx of innovation, there’s never been a better time to dip your toe into the category.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-non-alcoholic-beers-2026/

Introducing New Michelob ULTRA Zero Lime

A Refreshing Alcohol-Free Brew With A Citrus Twist

https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom/MichelobULTRAZeroLime

Why I’m skipping Dry January

As a public health scientist, I weighed the evidence

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/01/dry-january-moderate-drinking-research/

Washington Brewers Federal Lawsuit Challenges Rules on Labeling Cider, Mead & Fruit Wine

Federal Lawsuit Challenges TTB Rule Blocking Vintage Labels on Cider, Mead, and Fruit Wine

https://newschoolbeer.com/home/2026/1/washington-brewers-challenge-ttb-rule-blocking-vintage-labels-on-cider-mead-and-fruit-wine

Canadian Whisky Gets Political

In reaction to Diageo’s latest moves, Ontario takes Crown Royal off province shelves.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/canadian-whisky-gets-political

France expands the range of wines to which saccharose may be added

Federmosti to Italian wine producers: make a clear choice for purity and highlight it on the label, or open up to the use of exogenous ingredients that are cheaper than Rectified Concentrated Grape Must?

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/312435

7 Things You Should Know About BeatBox, the Colorful RTD Brand Popular With Gen Z

In the alcohol industry’s current climate, few brands have experienced success quite like BeatBox. Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages have experienced rapid growth, but according to a report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the wine-based sector is one of the least represented sectors in the category. That’s the BeatBox sweet spot.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-beatbox/

Sazerac wins partial victory in LIV Golf trademark dispute

The European Union’s IP office has partially upheld American spirits company Sazerac’s trademark complaints against the LIV Golf tour.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/sazerac-wins-partial-victory-in-liv-golf-trademark-dispute/

Did Ancient Greeks Cheat the Romans With Knock-Off Wine?

An article published in The Conversation suggests that the ancient Greeks on Crete may have cheated the Romans by exporting “knock-off” versions of their highly prized raisin wine.

https://greekreporter.com/2026/01/07/ancient-greeks-crete-cheat-romans-wine/

Elton John breaks into drinks sector with 0% blanc de blancs

Legendary British singer-songwriter Elton John has entered the drinks category with the launch of a 0% ‘blanc de blancs’ bearing his name – and db is the first to learn about it.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/elton-john-breaks-into-drinks-sector-with-0-blanc-de-blancs/

US health department drops daily alcohol limits

In its new five-year dietary guidance report, the US Department of Health has removed recommendations that Americans limit alcohol consumption to two drinks a day.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/us-health-department-drops-daily-alcohol-limits/

Mexico’s whisky market could grow 62% by 2034

According to a new study by IMARC Group, the whisky market in Mexico is projected to grow from US$905.2 million in 2025 to US$1.47 billion by 2034.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/mexicos-whisky-market-poised-for-62-growth/

Irish whiskey exports fall 5% in 2025

Exports of Irish whiskey declined by 5% in value last year after the US hindered the category’s performance.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/irish-whiskey-exports-fall-5-in-2025/

Wine Shipping Might Get Another Court Date

Another interstate shipping case could be the tipping point needed for a Supreme Court decision on the thorny issue.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/wine-shipping-might-get-another-court-date

Why Wine Education Needs to Leave the Screen

Wine teams don’t need more information. They need physical, fast, reusable tools that work in the chaos of service, not just in quiet moments behind a screen.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/01/07/expert-editorial-why-wine-education-needs-to-leave-the-screen/

The 12 Best Non-Alcoholic Wines for 2026

Beer is the darling of the low-and-no movement, and booze-free cocktail programs continue to innovate, but non-alcoholic (NA) wine still has some catching up to do. Yet, the options available in this category continue to expand each year as brands tinker with new techniques to replicate the nuanced flavors of wine in an alcohol-free format.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-non-alcoholic-wines-2026/

Taylor Swift cameo sparks US sell-out for Sancerre

Swifties have driven a rapid sell-out of a Loire white after spotting a bottle in the pop star’s latest documentary, underlining the power of celebrity exposure for French wine.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/taylor-swift-cameo-sparks-us-sell-out-for-sancerre/

The very long and very short history of barrel-aged wine

From storing wine to shaping its style, Rod Phillips traces the evolving role of the wine barrel.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/wine-barrel-history

Virginia Wine Becomes First to Rank on U.S. Top 50 List

The wine is one of only two named to the list from outside the Pacific coast.

https://northernvirginiamag.com/food-and-drink/2026/01/06/this-virginia-wine-made-the-u-s-top-50-list/

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026)

Within the vast world of cocktails, there are a few all-time favorites that land in the “greatest hits” category.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-cocktail-to-order-more-2026/

EU distilleries push for rye whisky resolution

Europe’s rye whisky makers have lobbied for renegotiation over the use of the term ‘rye whisky’, which they were prohibited from using last year.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/eu-distilleries-push-for-rye-whisky-resolution/

English and Welsh 2025 wine harvest delivers ‘ripest fruit ever’

After the driest summer on record, English and Welsh vineyards have delivered one of the earliest and most promising harvests seen to date. WineGB says the 2025 vintage combines ripe fruit, strong volumes and a sense of long-earned confidence across the sector.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/english-and-welsh-2025-wine-harvest-delivers-ripest-fruit-ever/

Espresso Martini

The buzzy cocktail that kicks off a night, and caps late ones

https://www.foodandwine.com/espresso-martini-cocktail-recipe-11882941

Why This Once-Popular ’70s Beer Is Now Only Found In Canada

When a beer has attracted a cult following — think Kurt Cobain wearing a shirt with an image of the can, iron-on designs, apparel like shirts and caps, antiques, and even a motion light, you know there’s a fan base that would be disappointed if the product disappeared.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2069167/olympia-beer-only-found-canada/

Wine Gourd data-blog final post, and my farewell

I had my first official taste of wine in 1975 (at age 17) in Australia.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2026/01/wine-gourd-data-blog-final-post-and-my.html

Boston Beer battle puts unusual provision in Massachusetts’ noncompete law to the test

The venture capital industry fought for years to persuade state lawmakers to impose strict restrictions on noncompete agreements.

https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2026/01/12/boston-beer-battle-puts-unusual-provision-in-massachusetts-noncompete-law-to-the-test/

Meta changes sow confusion, concern in wine industry

Changes also appear to have impacted beer, spirits, and some non-alcohol related businesses

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2026/01/meta-changes-sow-confusion-concern-in-wine-industry.html

Anheuser-Busch Is Selling Cutwater Like Crazy — and Keeping Quiet About the Viral #Challenge

For the uninitiated, the “challenge,” such as it is, is trying to drink an entire Cutwater 4-pack, and filming the results.

https://vinepair.com/articles/hop-take-abi-keeps-quiet-on-cutwater-success/

EU warns of decade-long wine downturn

Younger consumers drinking less alcohol and a wider shift towards moderation are set to drive a structural decline in EU wine consumption and output, according to Brussels’ latest outlook.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/eu-warns-of-decade-long-wine-downturn/

Why Under-the-Radar Wine Regions Are Primed for Success in a Tough Market

Wine sales are tanking, and producers are shutting their doors. Why are some regional powerhouses (like Carboy Winery in Colorado) thriving?

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/why-under-the-radar-wine-regions

Is the Worst Almost Over?

The worst is almost over, if waiting a couple of years more for the U.S. wine slump to reach bottom counts as almost.

https://www.meininger.de/en/meiningers-international/insights/worst-almost-over-0

Rocky Road Ahead for US Wine

There are rough seas to be navigated for US wineries and not all are going to make it, according to a new report.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/rocky-road-ahead-for-us-wine

This Boston Pizzeria Infuses Its Pepperoni Pies Into a Negroni

The Negroni has ranked among the world’s most popular cocktails for decades now, claiming the No. 1 spot the past four years in a row

https://vinepair.com/articles/boston-restaurant-pepperoni-pizza-negroni/

Top 6 findings from the SVB Wine Report

Silicon Valley Bank’s 2026 wine industry report, which analyses the state of the US market, suggests we are entering a chapter “defined as much by challenge as by opportunity” but cautions producers that “this is not a cycle you can wait out”. Sarah Neish reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/top-5-findings-from-the-svb-wine-report/

The Science of Vanilla Flavor in Whiskey

Nearly every aspect of the whiskey-making process impacts the level of vanilla flavor, from the choice of wood to the climatic conditions—and it’s up to the distiller to successfully dial it in

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-vanilla-flavor-in-whiskey/

New Knob

• Suntory Global Spirits has announced the 2026 edition of Eli Manning’s Bold Pick, the collaboration between the retired NFL star and Knob Creek. This year’s release will be available across the U.S. and carries a suggested price of $70 a bottle. All of the whiskies selected for Manning’s Bold Pick are single barrels bottled at cask strength, with the bottlings ranging from 56.1% to 60.8% abv. Knob Creek Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is now rolling out across the U.S. and will be available for a limited time. In recent years, Knob Creek has hovered around 500,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Legislation Introduced to Strengthen “American” Wine Labeling

Current federal standards allow up to 25 percent of wine labeled “American” to be sourced from imported bulk wine produced outside the United States.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/01/14/legislation-introduced-to-strengthen-american-wine-labeling/

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OAKED AND UNOAKED WINE?

But what do they actually mean, and how much does it matter once the wine is in your glass?

https://greenskinwine.com/whats-the-difference-between-oaked-and-unoaked-wine/

The Curse Of Low And No Alcohol Wine

NoLo drinks backed by celebs aren’t just tedious. Even if it isn’t their intention or commercial purpose, they’re functionally part of an international neo-prohibitionist campaign against wine.

https://timatkin.com/the-curse-of-low-and-no-alcohol-wine/

How Pappy Van Winkle Became the Ultimate Cult Bourbon

To understand how Pappy came to be the unicorn it is today, you have to trace things all the way back to the late 1800s when a 19-year-old Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. started traveling across the state of Kentucky, selling whiskey for W.L. Weller.

https://vinepair.com/articles/pappy-van-winkle-cult-bourbon-story/

The Greatest Scotch Whiskies of All Time, According to 8 Whisky Pros

It’s tough to narrow down the best Scotches in a given year.

https://vinepair.com/articles/all-time-greatest-scotch-according-to-pros/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

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Listen On i Tunes

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Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

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Wine Explorers wanted!

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http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

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Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

01-12-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

What Is a ‘Still-Strength’ Spirit?

Is there any holiday cheer in the wine world?

Live Free or Dry?

8 Bloody Mary Riffs That Take the Classic in Delicious New Directions

From Caesars to Micheladas, these savory brunch favorites are the ultimate eye opener.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-bloody-mary-variations-11874408

How Long Open Boxed Wine lasts — Our Week-by-Week Test Has Answers

We tasted the same box of wine every week to learn exactly when its flavor fades — and how long you can really keep it open.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-long-boxed-wine-lasts-11875041

Should You Store Wine Glasses Up Or Upside Down?

There’s a 50-50 chance you’re storing your wine glasses the way the pros suggest.

https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-store-wine-glasses-11874192

Portugal wine production down 14%

Wine production in Portugal fell by 14% in the 2025/2026 season, to 5.9 million hectolitres, according to data from the Institute of Vine and Wine (IVV).

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-12-24/portugal-wine-production-down-14/935212

Tariffs have American whiskey distillers on the rocks

Jim Beam is the latest brand to feel the pain

https://theweek.com/business/economy-whiskey-tariffs-american-distillers

What’s the Difference Between a $15 and $150 Bottle of Wine?

Answer: A lot more than $135. A look inside the numerous variables that contribute to a wine’s final price.

https://www.foodandwine.com/what-makes-wine-expensive-11874162

Live Free or Dry?

Falling Alcohol Use Threatens NH Revenue Stream

https://nhjournal.com/live-free-or-dry-falling-alcohol-use-threatens-nh-revenue-stream/

A Newly Discovered Reaction Between Ethanol And Sugars in Beer

Michael Hellwig, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany, discusses his recent study showing that ethanol reacts with sugar-derived compounds in beer to form a new ethoxy dicarbonyl, revealing a non-enzymatic pathway that may contribute to beer aging and flavor changes.

https://www.chemistryviews.org/a-newly-discovered-reaction-between-ethanol-and-sugars-in-beer/

Is there any holiday cheer in the wine world?

From Trump’s tariffs to declining consumption, a tough year comes to a close

https://thehub.ca/2025/12/20/is-there-any-holiday-cheer-in-the-wine-world/

Iconic 230-year-old whiskey brand stops distilling for a year

Trump’s tariffs and slowing exports are hitting U.S. spirits, leading the historic Kentucky distillery to pause production.

https://www.thestreet.com/retail/iconic-230-year-old-whiskey-brand-jim-beam-pauses-distilling-for-a-year

Can a Tiny Fee on Every Bottle Save California’s Wine Countries?

Employing a relatively new concept called a “wine improvement district,” appellations like Temecula, Livermore, Santa Barbara, and Amador County are now tacking on an extra 1 to 2% fee on every bottle sold in their regions to enhance the coffers of their vintners associations. Lodi and Santa Cruz Mountains just enacted their own, while regions like Paso Robles to Sonoma have flirted with the notion as well.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wine-improvement-district-fee-california/

The Whiskey Trends That Defined 2025, From Ultra-Aged Bourbon to Smaller Formats

Industry insiders say tighter economics, a surplus of well-aged barrels, and shifting drinking habits quietly shaped what whiskey drinkers saw on shelves last year.

https://www.foodandwine.com/whiskey-trends-2025-11873560

Sustainable Labels Resist Slumping Sales

As overall wine sales continue to fall, success often now lies in the idealogy behind the product.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/sustainable-labels-resist-slumping-sales

The Future of Champagne May Be Written in the Soil

As climate pressures mount, biodynamic growers in Épernay, the Côte des Bar, and beyond argue that healthier vineyards lead to more precise, vibrant wines.

https://www.foodandwine.com/biodynamic-champagne-wine-pioneer-11874163

Viña Santa Sofía: beyond the score, wine is defined in the glass.

With so many wines in Chile, ratings help guide consumers, but they don’t tell the whole story. For Fernando Bustos Latorre, manager of Santa Sofía Chile, “numbers serve as a reference, but the true measure is in the glass: in how each wine is enjoyed, shared, and experienced.”

https://www.marcachile.cl/en/noticia-socio-mbc/que-significan-los-premios-y-puntajes-del-vino/

These 11 Booze-Free Sparkling Wines Deliver Real Champagne Energy

These non-alcoholic sparkling wines deliver the near-real deal, with bright bubbles, brisk acidity, and plenty of reasons to pop a cork anytime.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-nonalcoholic-sparkling-wine-11875104

The One Nonalcoholic Sparkling Wine Brand We Regretted Buying

The brand’s website describes its Italy-made Non-Alcoholic Sparkling wine as “refreshingly vibrant,” made from Glera grapes with notes of “pear, citrus, and green apple” and a “bright hint of acidity.”

https://www.tastingtable.com/2057237/worst-non-alcoholic-sparkling-wine-josh-cellars/

Here’s What Actually Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Drink Alcohol

Plus, if red wine is good for heart health.

https://parade.com/health/what-happens-to-blood-pressure-when-you-drink-alcohol

A French Winemaking Family Keeps the Bubbles Popping in New Mexico

Based in Albuquerque, by the turn of the 21st century and after having been in business since 1985, Gruet had sold more than one million bottles of wine — and was just getting started. Over the ensuing years, the accolades were many and continue to this day

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/pasatiempo/a-french-winemaking-family-keeps-the-bubbles-popping-in-new-mexico/article_766b0156-f0fd-4d9f-92a1-26ea7b0ee0a3.html

If You Love Pinot Noir, Meet Your New Favorite Wine Region

Bright, juicy, and easy to drink, Alsatian Pinot Noir belongs on your radar.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pinot-noir-alsace-11869790

The Beer Style Expected to Dominate 2026

Lagers are back and expected to become an even bigger part of the American beer scene in 2026

https://www.mensjournal.com/drink/the-beer-style-expected-to-dominate-2026

The Oldest Liquor Store In The US Has Been Serving Customers For Over 300 Years

Places like the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston witnessed pro-Revolution meetings, and George Washington celebrated victory over the British Empire at New York’s Fraunces.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2058226/oldest-liquor-store-in-the-us-serving-customers-300-years/

Did Your Liquor License Just Get Devalued?

Most Massachusetts’ municipalities, including Boston, are limited to how many so-called “Pouring Licenses” and “Package Store Licenses” they can have issued at any one time depending upon their population, as determined by the last United States Census.

https://ucdlaw.com/blog/

What you need to know about Italy’s new decree on dealcoholised wine

IT HAS BEEN SIGNED AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING AND PRESSURE FROM TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, WHICH HAD BEEN CALLING FOR CLEAR RULES ON EXCISE DUTIES, AUTHORISATIONS AND PRODUCTION.

https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-italys-new-decree-on-dealcoholised-wine/

What Is a ‘Still-Strength’ Spirit?

Curious drinkers love to dive deep into the intricacies of their favorite spirits.

https://vinepair.com/articles/still-strength-spirits-explained/

Tired of Orange Wine?

Try These Styles Instead

https://www.vogue.com/article/orange-wine-alternatives

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

12-29-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

NOW IS THE TIME FOR WINERIES TO ADVERTISE

Don’t Freeze Champagne This New Year’s Eve. Here’s Why

Douse Your Cheese with Champagne

Wine in supermarkets? Maybe, but let’s be honest about the impact

Despite what we’re told, all big policy changes come with pluses and minuses, and allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores would not be an exception

https://www.timesunion.com/churchill/article/churchill-wine-supermarkets-maybe-honest-impact-21225338.php

You’ve Heard of Orange Wine, but Do You Know Yellow Wine?

In the world of wine, reds and whites may dominate, but the spectrum of colors is far more kaleidoscopic: whimsical salmon-pink rosés, bright magenta co-ferments, and the now ubiquitous skin-contact orange wines.

https://vinepair.com/articles/yellow-wine-explained/

13 Things That Might Surprise You About Prohibition

Upon Repeal, who famously said, “What America needs now is a drink”?

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/10-things-that-might-surprise-you-about-prohibition

Flip That Cheap Beer’s Flavor On Its Head With A Few Dashes Of This Liquid

The additive in question is none other than bitters, a popular ingredient to add to many popular cocktails that can arguably be at its most useful when added to whatever less-than-stellar beer you have on hand.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2041393/add-bitter-cheap-beer-flavor-upgrade/

Americans still call sparkling wine Champagne, and France is over it

Champagne makers in France say many Americans still use the word “champagne” for almost any sparkling wine.

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/americans-still-call-sparkling-wine-champagne-and-france-is-over-it/

Don’t Freeze Champagne This New Year’s Eve. Here’s Why

New Year’s Eve tends to turn even the most organized hosts into last-minute chillers, which is how so many bottles of bubbly end up wedged between frozen peas

https://www.thedailymeal.com/2042219/dont-freeze-champagne-new-years-eve/

New Gin

Milestone Brands’ Empress 1908 gin has entered the non-alcoholic spirits market with 0.0 Indigo. The spirit alternative is inspired by Empress’s flagship gin and made with a variety of botanicals including juniper, grapefruit, and butterfly pea flower, among others, plus filtered water and cane sugar. Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo is now available across the U.S. carrying a suggested price of $40 a bottle. Last year, Empress 1908 was at 148,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Lofted Spirits to triple bottling output with site expansion

Kentucky-based Lofted Spirits will expand its main facility in Bardstown next year, nearly doubling its footprint while also tripling bottle capacity.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/lofted-spirits-to-triple-bottling-output-with-site-expansion/

Talk About Magnum Bottles

One of the most compelling reasons wine professionals reach for magnums is their ability to age wine more gracefully. 

https://mywinepal.com/2025/12/10/talk-about-magnum-bottles/

Misguided USDA Guidelines Regarding Alcohol Need to be Fixed

Focusing on what’s in the glass instead of what’s in the blood explains why the current U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines regarding alcohol consumption – two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women is considered safe – get it wrong.

https://winereviewonline.com/misguided-usda-guidelines-regarding-alcohol-need-to-be-fixed/

Fowles Wine’s BatNav system could save millions

Fowles Wine has received a $500,000 Coles Nurture Fund grant, which is being put towards developing its ‘BatNav’ system, which has the potential to reduce reliance on pesticides  in vineyards and save Australia’s wine industry $50m per annum.

https://theshout.com.au/fowles-wine-excited-about-batnav-system/

The effect of alcohol consumption on medical strokes

The effect of wine on our medical condition is not all bad, in spite of what you may hear these days.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-effect-of-alcohol-consumption-on.html

Biggest celebrity drinks launches of 2025

Last year the tranche of celebs entering the drinks world included Beyonce, Kylie Jenner and Jamie Foxx. Which famous faces joined the fray in 2025? Sarah Neish reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/biggest-celebrity-drinks-launches-of-2025/

RoboDrop: can driverless cars rescue US booze sales?

The drinks trade need not fret about the present malaise of the American appetite for alcohol. The Seventh Cavalry is riding over the hill to rescue it – in a fleet of robotaxis, says Ron Emler.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/robodrop-can-driverless-cars-rescue-us-booze-sales/

American Whiskey Production Has Plummeted to a New Low

This is more bad news for an industry that is already struggling.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/american-whiskey-production-lowest-level-1237409814/

‘Sud de France’ label to be discontinued

In a decision dated December 3, the French Council of State banned the labeling of wines with the ‘Sud de France’ brand. 

https://www.meininger.de/en/meiningers-international/news/sud-de-france-label-be-discontinued

Anheuser-Busch Announces It Will Close Two Breweries and Sell Another

The shutterings will lower the beverage conglomerate’s brewery count to nine. ABI cited updates to production at other facilities as the reason for the consolidation.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/abi-to-close-three-breweries/

The Best Single Malts of 2025

We’re getting into the big guns now in our search for the world’s best bottles.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/the-best-single-malts-of-2025

I Tried the Viral Red Wine Ice Cream Trend, and I’m Officially Converted

After weeks of seeing red wine poured over vanilla ice cream on social media, I finally tried the viral dessert trend for myself.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/red-wine-ice-cream-trend/

Could mini-liquor bottles be banned in Connecticut?

State data shows in the past 12 months, ending September 30, there were more than 93 million mini-liquor bottles sold in our state.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/could-mini-liquor-bottles-be-banned-in-connecticut/3674541/

Banshee Releases New Pinot Noir In Partnership With Avril Lavigne

The Foley Family Wines & Spirits label is named for the singer’s hit song.

https://www.marketwatchmag.com/banshee-releases-new-pinot-noir-in-partnership-with-avril-lavigne/

‘The role of Ozempic isn’t just about reduced consumption, it’s about a shift in values’

Weight loss medications are quietly reshaping how and why people drink, pushing alcohol towards a more selective and health-aware future. James Bayley asks whether health can be pursued without losing autonomy.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/the-role-of-ozempic-isnt-just-about-reduced-consumption-its-about-a-shift-in-values/

Is XXL Wine Exactly What the Industry Needs Right Now?

Supersize the booze, lose the propriety, infuse the night with unsubtle, youthful fun

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/is-xxl-wine-exactly-what-the-industry

6 Drinks Trends to Leave Behind in 2025

2025 was a whirlwind year for the drinks business.

https://vinepair.com/articles/drinks-trends-leave-behind-2025/

Russian Questions for US Wine Competition

How did Russian wines make it to a San Francisco wine competition, despite being banned by US law?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/russian-questions-for-us-wine-competition

Don’t pour this Christmas drink down the sink, plumbers caution

Plumbers are warning of the dangers of tipping one festive drink down the plughole, unless you want to invite an emergency call-out bill. But which one is it, and why?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/dont-pour-this-christmas-drink-down-the-sink-plumbers-caution/

When ‘green’ means drinking differently: Laura Catena on Domaine As the wine industry wrestles with what sustainability really means,

Dr Laura Catena is reframing the debate — not around carbon alone, but around moderation. Her science-led Domaine EdeM project positions low- and no-alcohol wines as a vital part of a more sustainable drinking culture.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/when-green-means-drinking-differently-laura-catena-on-domaine-edem/

Take a Cue from the French: Douse Your Cheese with Champagne

Pairing cheese with Champagne or sparkling wine is hardly a new holiday tradition, but the French, unsurprisingly, take it a step further.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/langres-champagne-cheese/

Reposado is Tequila’s New Black

Anejo Tequila might be the one with the heavy price tag, but reposado is where all the fun is at

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/reposado-is-tequilas-new-black\

How Gen Z Is Quietly Rewriting the Rules of Wine

Data shows Gen Z’s rising engagement with wine is driven by lighter styles, values-focused buying habits, and tasting rooms that emphasize connection and transparency over traditional cues.

https://www.foodandwine.com/gen-z-wine-trends-2025-11868702

NOW IS THE TIME FOR WINERIES TO ADVERTISE

A Way to Get the Industry Out of the Morass

https://alangoldfarb2424.substack.com/p/now-is-the-time-for-wineries-to-advertise

Here’s How Hormone Changes Can Affect Alcohol Metabolism

So that’s why that glass of wine hits differently during your luteal phase.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a69710282/period-impact-how-you-metabolize-alcohol/

We Asked 13 Bartenders: What’s the Best Scotch for Beginners? (2025)

There are plenty of misconceptions around Scotch that may intimidate people from jumping into the category: They’re all smoke bombs.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-best-scotch-for-beginners-2025/

Stoli Halapeño Pepper turns up the heat

Stoli Group has introduced a new flavoured vodka, Stoli Halapeño Pepper, designed for Bloody Mary cocktails.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/stoli-turns-up-the-heat-with-spicy-vodka-for-bloody-marys/

Fruit-forward and aromatic wines win over modern drinkers

Consumers are increasingly choosing wines that are expressive, approachable and flavour-led rather than classic heavyweight styles. From Sauvignon Blanc to RTD wine cocktails, data shows fun and aromatic profiles are reshaping the market. Kathleen Willcox reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/fruit-forward-and-aromatic-wines-win-over-modern-drinkers/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

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Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

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Wine Sale Items

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Beer Sale Items

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Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

12-15-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

No, Vodka Is Not a ‘Neutral Spirit’

Top 10 festive drinks in the US

The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025

This $150 Bourbon From Indiana Is the Best in the World, According to Top Shelf 2025

The winning bottle emerged from an elite field of Double Gold medalists judged by experts behind the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-bourbon-starlight-japanese-mizunara-reserve-top-shelf-awards-2025-11854986

The US states selling the most Tequila and American whiskey

California was the leading market for American whiskey and Tequila volume sales in the US last year, but which states round out the top 10?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/the-us-states-selling-the-most-tequila-and-american-whiskey/

Did the Catholic Church invent terroir?

From medieval monastic labour to papal vineyards, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in shaping how we understand wine, land and terroir, writes Kathleen Willcox. Today’s winemakers are the inheritors of that legacy, but who will protect it as monastic influence fades?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/did-the-catholic-church-invent-terroir/

The 2025 Ultimate Gift Guide for The Wine Lover Who Has Everything

You’ll notice two conspicuous omissions from this guide, and that’s entirely deliberate

https://www.vinography.com/2025/11/the-2025-ultimate-gift-guide-for-the-wine-lover-who-has-everything

Portugal leading world wine consumption

After all, Portugal has a long tradition of drinking wine

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/11/portugal-leading-world-wine-consumption.html

There is now a language for describing the aromas of weed, much like wine

A new lexicon aims to capture the different varieties of cannabis, just as familiar descriptors are used to identify a bottle of wine for varying consumer preferences

https://macaonews.org/news/around-the-world/words-to-describe-cannabis-weed-marijuana/

The Top 10 Wines to Add to Your Collection, According to Buyers

Which bottles would sommeliers and wine buyers add to their own wine cellars for aging? From Barolo and Burgundy to Riesling and Chenin Blanc, here are their picks

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-top-10-wines-to-add-to-your-collection-according-to-buyers/

The chemistry behind Portugal’s fortified wine

In Portugal’s Douro valley, centuries-old winemaking traditions meet modern chemistry to create a sweet and intense fortified wine.

https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/the-chemistry-of-port/4022483.article

Prosecco DOC: the first tricolor bands on the bottles of the world’s most popular Italian wine

Starting today, Prosecco DOC bottles will feature the new state seal with the Italian tricolor. The most widely consumed Italian wine in the world was the first to apply the new security seals

https://www.prosecco.wine/en/prosecco-doc-the-first-tricolor-bands-on-the-bottles-of-the-worlds-most-popular-italian-wine/

What’s So Funny About Bourbon? Jim Gaffigan Has Thoughts

Most likely, you know comedian Jim Gaffigan for his stand-up routines about food and parenting. But his most recent comedy show is all about bourbon

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pop-culture/jim-gaffigan-bourbon-set-fathertime/

French whisky: the category with ‘je ne sais quoi’

With around 200 mainly artisanal producers, the French whisky industry has the potential to be a force for quality spirits.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/french-whisky-with-je-ne-sais-quoi/

Which US states limited alcohol sales over Thanksgiving?

Many states in the US still adhere to centuries-old ‘blue laws’ that restrict or ban the sale of alcoholic beverages over major holidays including Thanksgiving. But a tangle of different sub-rules makes it a minefield for drinks companies to navigate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/which-us-states-limited-alcohol-sales-over-thanksgiving/

Sparkling wine keeps its shine as younger drinkers reshape the category

New IWSR data shows sparkling wine outperforming still wine in the US, UK and France, as Millennials and Gen Z embrace fizz far beyond celebrations.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/sparkling-wine-keeps-its-shine-as-younger-drinkers-reshape-the-category/

Amoon Spirits unveils ‘world’s first’ smart vodka

Indianapolis-based company Amoon Spirits has launched a vodka with a bottle featuring a patented Vortex Control Unit (VCU) system that can be controlled with an app.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/amoon-spirits-unveils-worlds-first-smart-vodka/

Smirnoff creates NFL-inspired merch

Diageo-owned Smirnoff has reprised its ‘We Do Game Days’ campaign for its fifth season as the official vodka sponsor of the National Football League (NFL).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/smirnoff-creates-nfl-inspired-merch/

How The Macallan Became a Cult Scotch Whisky

When it comes to spirits, Scotch whisky is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

https://vinepair.com/articles/the-macallan-cult-scotch-story/

Think You Don’t Like Wine? This Spanish Red Is Winning Over Bourbon Lovers

Aged in American oak, Spanish Rioja wine has more in common with bourbon than you might think.

https://www.mensjournal.com/drink/think-you-dont-like-wine-this-spanish-red-is-winning-over-bourbon-lovers

MOSCATO D’ASTI: THINK YOU KNOW IT?

THINK AGAIN.

https://pleasethepalate.com/moscato-dasti-think-you-know-it-think-again/

Proposed Bill Would Increase Excise Tax On Alcohol Sales In Massachusetts

A newly proposed bill would create an optional 2% excise tax on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. The funds would be used for addiction and recovery programs for participating municipalities.

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/proposed-bill-would-increase-excise-tax-on-alcohol-sales-in-massachusetts/

Tough Times for Fine Wine and Spirits

A global survey of the wine trade doesn’t show much of optimism going forward, but there are rays of hope.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/tough-times-for-fine-wine-and-spirits

Alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving in Mass. This bill could change that

Known as a blue law, the centuries-old rule prohibits liquor sales on Thanksgiving and Christmas — a rule that at least one lawmaker wants to change.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/alcohol-sales-are-banned-on-thanksgiving-in-mass-this-bill-could-change-that.html

The 10 US states consuming the most rum

Florida was the biggest market for rum volume sales in the US last year, but can you guess which northeastern state led the per capita rankings?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/the-10-us-states-consuming-the-most-rum/

Balcarce: what you need to know about Argentina’s fledgling wine region

If you’ve never heard of Balcarce in Argentina as a wine producing region, you’re probably in good company. But Sebastian Perez Companc of Bodega Puerta del Abra is hoping to change all that as he eyes up international expansion. Arabella Mileham reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/balcarce-what-you-need-to-know-about-argentinas-fledgling-new-wine-region/

The Guinness 60/40 trend: sacrilegious or genius?

As the festive season approaches, pubs are offering a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 and Guinness original stout for a lower alcohol pint, but punters are torn. Is it marketing catnip or an insult to the black stuff?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/the-guinness-60-40-trend-sacrilegious-or-genius/

The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025

In 2024, Prosecco saw a 17 percent increase in imports to the U.S. compared to the previous year, and now accounts for 31 percent of the total value of Italian wines sold stateside.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-prosecco-2025/

New Bird Dog

Western Spirits’ Bird Dog Whiskey has launched Select Reserve, a new Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled at 43% abv and carries a suggested price of $23. The whiskey, according to the company, is meant to be accessible and approachable and a complement to the brand’s line of flavored whiskies. Bird Dog Select Reserve is now available in most markets across the U.S. Last year, Bird Dog was up 7.5% to 285,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

7 Things You Should Know About Widow Jane, the Beloved Brooklyn-Made Bourbon

The Brooklyn-born brand was founded by Daniel Preston and Vince Oleson with a mission to make bourbon with a distinctly New York spin.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-widow-jane/

Top 10 festive drinks in the US

Several cocktails made the top 10 most searched-for festive drinks in the US list, but which serve came out top?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/top-10-festive-drinks-in-the-us/

Australian wine output leaps 9%, outpacing demand

Australia’s wine production climbed 9% in 2025, but the sector faces growing pressure from mounting inventories and declining global consumption, according to new figures from Wine Australia.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/australian-wine-output-leaps-9-outpacing-demand/

Trump Vodka returns after 14-year hiatus with US-made relaunch

Trump Vodka has reopened for pre-orders in the United States, marking a fresh push by the Trump Organisation into the domestic spirits sector. Produced entirely in the US, the brand avoids the rising import tariffs affecting European wines and spirits and enters the market with a renewed patriotic pitch.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/trump-vodka-returns-after-14-year-hiatus-with-us-made-relaunch/

Altitude and Alcohol: Why Your Usual Drinks Hit Different in the Mountains

Altitude sickness can sneak up fast — especially if you’re sipping après-ski cocktails. Here’s how to stay healthy in the mountains.

https://www.foodandwine.com/drinking-and-altitude-sickness-11859319

Why Your Mouth Feels Dry After Wine or Tea, And How That’s Actually Good for You

Learn about tannins, the plant molecule that dries out your mouth and provides a surprising number of health benefits.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/why-your-mouth-feels-dry-after-wine-or-tea-and-how-that-s-actually-good-for-you-48333

The 10 Best Booze Books to Buy This Holiday Season (2025)

When the holiday season rolls around, choosing the perfect gift for the drinks lovers in our lives is no easy feat.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-alcohol-books-gift-guide-2025/

What has made prosecco the sparkling wine that triumphs worldwide?

The success of this Italian product has been achieved by breaking the mold regarding cava and champagne.

https://en.ara.cat/food/what-has-made-prosecco-the-sparkling-wine-that-triumphs-worldwide_1_5582460.html

Report: Wine in supermarkets offers major benefits, minimal harm

Bolstered by an analysis that finds liquor stores are unlikely to be as affected as feared, campaign restarts for wine sales in grocery stores

https://www.timesunion.com/tablehopping/article/wine-supermarkets-wigs-albany-21218222.php

How Robert Mondavi Winery is moving with the times

From adopting regenerative organic viticulture to creating a new hospitality centre, while investing in raising brand awareness worldwide, Robert Mondavi Winery is making changes to remain relevant now and in the future.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/how-robert-mondavi-winery-is-moving-with-the-times/

No, Vodka Is Not a ‘Neutral Spirit’

The definition, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) — which regulates spirits in the U.S. and provides standards of identity — is that vodka must be a neutral spirit “without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.” It changed slightly in 2020, after years of pushback from distillers who argued the rule didn’t reflect how vodka is actually made or understood.

https://vinepair.com/articles/vodka-not-neutral-spirit/

How To Use Every Type Of Wine Opener, According To Experts

Because you shouldn’t be stuck with just screw-top.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/kitchen-secrets/a69622876/how-to-use-a-wine-bottle-opener/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

On Air Wednesday 9:00am, 02:00PM and 7:00PM

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

Get updated On Liquor Industry News, Events, Sales And More!

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

http://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Wine-Club/

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School (First In MA)

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

Italian Wine Maestro-The Vinitaly International Academy (First Class In USA)

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave