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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
A former executive of Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the firm alleging gender discrimination and improper conduct.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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?
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.
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’.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
While the idea that GenZ 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite ‘sustainability’ being a nebulous phrase, many spirits brands are determined to demonstrate their commitment to doing better by the environment.
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.
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.
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…
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
Wine pouring into collection of colorful wine glasses, each unique in shape. Diversity in wine drinking. Contemporary art collage. Concept of drink, winery, taste, party, wine culture
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?
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
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
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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For centuries, oak has been the winemaker’s and distiller’s collaborator, quietly transforming clear spirits and young wines into something worth savoring. Here’s how the magic unfolds.
Because pad thai deserves better than whatever’s already open in your fridge
Here’s what nobody tells you: takeout food is often more interesting and complex than what most of us cook at home, which means it’s actually better suited to thoughtful wine pairing than the plain chicken breast you roasted on Tuesday.
Have you ever poured a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir and caught a whiff of something that reminded you of a freshly struck match, flint, or gun smoke?
Sazerac Co. has announced a new Full Proof bottling of the company’s namesake rye. Bottled at 62.5% abv, Sazerac Full Proof will be available in select markets across the U.S. for around $40 a 750-ml. This marks the second new addition to the Sazerac rye portfolio this year; over the summer, the company released a 50% abv version. The new whiskies are the result of the added capacity created by Sazerac’s $1.2 billion renovation of the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
Here’s Exactly How Much Alcohol You Can Drink Before Triggering Inflammation
Barefoot wines from Modesto’s Gallo win top award. Rare release of sales figures
It is the top-selling brand for E.&J. Gallo Winery and for the domestic industry as a whole. The honor was announced Thursday, Nov. 13, in the magazine’s online version. It reported that sales totaled about $555 million last year.
Congress Redefines Hemp: Major THC Limits Ahead for Brewers
Under the new legislation, the amount of THC in finished products derived from hemp is capped at 0.4 mg, substantially lower than most products currently on the market. In addition, the revised definition would prohibit synthetic cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant.
Global alcoholic drinks volume to see further declines
The sales volume of alcoholic drinks sold globally this year has been projected to decline even further than initially expected, according to the IWSR’s mid-year forecast.
Surfside Adds New 19.2-Ounce Cans, On Track For 12 Million Cases This Year
Surfside, the fast-growing vodka-based RTD brand, has added a new 19.2-ounce can for select release. The new format covers Surfside’s Iced Tea, Lemonade, Half & Half, and Strawberry Lemonade offerings and carries a suggested price of $3.50-$4 per can, with the company noting that these cans are aimed at the convenience, stadium, and on-the-go channels.
Last year, Surfside grew exponentially, reaching 4.7 million cases in the U.S. This year, the label from Philadelphia-bas ed Stateside Brands, was named Spirits Brand of the Year by Market Watch Magazine. It’s projected to approach 12 million cases in the U.S. in 2025, making it the third-largest spirits label in volume terms, behind only High Noon seltzer and Tito’s vodka, according to Impact Databank.
How Heady Topper Became a Cult Beer
The beloved IPA is a product of The Alchemist, a family-owned brewery co-founded in Waterbury, Vt., by John and Jen Kimmich in 2003. John — who learned how to brew from the legendary Greg Noonan at the Vermont Pub and Brewery — was infatuated with hoppy, fruity, and floral brews, and immediately set out to create one of his own.
Animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has unveiled its pick of the best vegan cream liqueurs ahead of the festive season.
Wine’s existential crisis: what the data really says
While some commentators see the current downturn as a temporary blip, the data paints a more complex picture. Shifting demographics, changing values and declining engagement suggest wine’s challenges may be structural rather than cyclical.
Retro illustration with neon purple colors of an app for ordering food and drinks
Big alcohol faces slowdown as consumer habits shift
After years of insisting that weaker sales were cyclical, the world’s major drinks groups are being forced to confront deeper, structural changes. From the rise of health-conscious Gen Z consumers to China’s low-alcohol revolution, the industry’s challenges run far beyond temporary headwinds.
Patrón owner Bacardi has spotlighted the rise of ‘daycaps’ and maximalism as cocktail trends to watch next year, with the Margarita expected to be the most-ordered serve.
At some of the oldest wineries in the U.S., you’ll hear stories about past presidents and celebrities who visited, and what makes each vineyard’s terroir unique
Japanese whisky producer Nikka first unveiled its square-bottled Nikka From the Barrel in 1985. Now, 40 years on, the brand is celebrating its anniversary with two new creations.
Suntory Global Spirits has released the latest bottling of Booker’s Bourbon, the Phantom Pipes Batch. The 63.2% abv whiskey is a blend of Bourbons from five production dates, with the youngest whiskies in the batch aged for seven and a half years. This iteration of the popular high-proof Bourbon is named for a series of pipes found in the rafters of Beam’s Boston, Kentucky distillery that Booker had built for an unknown purpose. The release is now available in limited quantities across the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $100.
Brassfield Estate Winery Opens Applications for the Second Edition of High Valley Volcano Camp
The educational immersion returns April 12–15, 2026, offering industry professionals a rare, in-depth exploration of High Valley AVA’s volcanic terroir
An update to kosher standards will soon roll out across Jewish restaurants, catering businesses and events in the US. The move, which has been led by the rise in adjunct-laden craft brews, marks a turning point for the sector.
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates accused of widespread wage violations in new class-action suit
A former Ste. Michelle Wine Estates worker filed a class-action lawsuit alleging widespread wage violations at the company, according to a complaint filed Wednesday in federal court.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 317 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz In this landmark episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 316 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 315 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sustainability with Sandra Taylor In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 314 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 313 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 312 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Parenting, Wine, and Playful Rhymes 🍷 Grab a glass and settle in! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with the witty and insightful Danielle Frank, author […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 311 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 310 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Seth Cysewski, the visionary founder and inventor of Mistral […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 309 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin Get ready for groundbreaking wine education on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as Kim and Mark host Rachel Martin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Oceano Wines ( […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 308 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan Grab a glass 🥃 and join us for a very special episode as Kim and Mark take their first deep dive into the world of whiskey! We're thrilled to […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 307 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 306 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake Join hosts Kim and Mark on as they uncork a fantastic conversation with acclaimed Irish wine author, Raymond Blake. In this spirited episode, Raymond takes us […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 305 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! All Things Bubbly For New Years Bubbly Bonanza! 🍾 Join your hosts, the effervescent Kim, the Bubbly Queen, and Mark, for the last show of 2025, where they pop the cork on a year of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 304 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Holiday/Christmas Songs Paired With Wine Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Get ready to deck the halls and pour the wine with hosts Kim and Mark in this festive holiday special of The Wonderful World of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 303 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Get ready for a Thanksgiving episode that's anything but ordinary! The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) hosts Kim and Mark are celebrating a classic: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving! Ever wondered what wine […]
