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.
Study of wine tariffs shows consumers will pick up part of Trump’s tab
A study from Duke’s Department of Economics found that consumers ultimately paid more than the tariff cost on European wines during a 2019–21 trade dispute, a finding that could have significant implications for U.S. consumers as a fresh wave of tariffs around the globe affects prices.
P&O wine expert Olly Smith reveals his fail-safe wine tips & new book
Ever wondered how a wine expert orders in a restaurant or what he drinks at Christmas? Olly Smith spills his top tips and the one wine he wouldn’t touch
Wine tourism now accounts for a quarter of global winery revenue
A new international study has found that wine tourism remains a profitable and expanding part of the global wine industry, with 65% of wineries reporting positive returns and more than half planning to invest further.
Diageo has moved to dismiss a Florida class action alleging its Don Julio and Casamigos Tequilas contain non-agave alcohol. In its filing, the company likened the plaintiffs’ testing theory to “someone claiming the earth is flat because he saw a test result somewhere that says his neighbour’s backyard is level.”
Moderate wine consumption: beneficial effects on blood clotting markers in coronary heart disease
A Greek intervention study investigated the question whether moderate wine consumption with meals can offer blood clotting benefits in patients with existing coronary artery disease.
THE CAMPANIA DENOMINATION IS MOVING TOWARD A REFORM PACKAGE THAT ALSO INCLUDES THE INTRODUCTION OF DISEASE-RESISTANT GRAPE VARIETIES. MEANWHILE, THE WINERY LED BY DOMIZIO PIGNA IS EXPERIMENTING WITH ITS FIRST NON-ALCOHOLIC SPARKLING WINE.
Short term health effects of de-alcoholised red wine
The results showed that de-alcoholised red wine was associated with increased serum/plasma antioxidant capacity and microbiome diversity compared to water but had less effect on microbiome diversity compared to red wine.
Suntory Global Spirits has announced the release of Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the latest expression bottled by the brand. The 50% abv Bourbon will be available for the holiday season as a limited time offering carrying a suggested price of $250. The barrels chosen for the whiskey aged in rackhouses across the James B. Beam Distillery’s campus and were hand selected by the company’s master distillers. Last year, Knob Creek was at 508,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Can fine wine and professional sport be a perfect pairing?
While it’s widely held that binge drinking is detrimental to a fitness regime, record-breaking former American football quarterback Drew Bledsoe believes that fine wine and professional sport form a perfect pairing.
The 10 Most Important American Single Malt Whiskeys Ever Released
American Single Malt Whisky is made in the U.S. from 100 percent malted barley, distilled entirely at one distillery, matured in oak casks up to 700 liters in capacity, bottled at 80 proof or more, and distilled to no more than 160 proof.
‘We couldn’t even tweet back’: How Josh Cellars turned a meme into a 7m-case sensation
When Josh Cellars went viral on X, its team couldn’t log in – but the internet did the work for them. This is the inside story of the wine brand’s accidental meme moment and the marketing rethink that followed.
Top 10 most valuable wine and spirits heists in history
Even as the Louvre jewel theft dominates headlines, the world of fine wine and spirits has its own rich history of high-value heists. From a forklift in Bethnal Green to a beauty queen in Cáceres, the cellar can be every bit as tempting as a gallery wall.
Bottle of red wine on a black table. Hand in reaches for a bottle of red wine. Copy space.
Infinium Spirits’ Templeton Distillery has released a new single barrel rye whiskey. The limited edition release is bottled at cask strength and distilled from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Templeton’s new single barrels were distilled, aged, and bottled at the company’s distillery in Iowa. Templeton Single Barrel Rye is now available at select retailers across the U.S. for a suggested price of $50 a bottle. Last year, Templeton was at 37,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
How Tito’s Vodka Gets Away With It
America’s bestselling spirit has been the subject of prolific lawsuits. There’s a reason none of it has mattered.
How Josh Cellars Grew to Dominate the U.S. Wine Category, Selling Over 7 Million Cases a Year
Founder Joe Carr wanted to honor his father and solve a cash flow issue. He wound up creating a bestselling label that made wine accessible and meme-worthy.
Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a new 9-year-old Bourbon. The whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery’s 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is distilled from the company’s traditional mash bill—78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye—with 30% of the blend aging in heavy char barrels. The Bourbon is bottled at 53.5% abv and was made from 204 barrels of whiskey. The limited release carries a suggested price of $125 and is now available across the U.S.
Why Are Corks So Important for Wine Storage?
Thinking about building a wine cellar or buying a wine fridge to store your wine?
There’re many songs where wine, whisky, Champagne, and other beverages are in the lyrics. So I wondered myself: what ‘bout songs with the word ‘Wine’, ‘Whisky’ or similar in the title?
Scientists in Japan create a new wine grape with a wild twist
A team led by Professor Takuji Hoshino at Okayama University of Science has created a new wine grape, Muscat Shiragai, blending the endangered Shiraga grape native to Okayama with Muscat of Alexandria
About 70 new wineries appear in Ukraine during war years
About 70 new wineries appeared in Ukraine during the war years, the prerequisite for which was a significant improvement in legislation, said Volodymyr Pechko, head of the Association of Gardeners, Grape Growers and Winemakers of Ukraine.
Sporting tenacity ensures growth for Washington winery
Such is the competitive spirit of record-breaking former pro sportsman Drew Bledsoe, his Washington winery has seen sales increase during the downturn in the drinks market.
Are ‘forest-blend’ barrels the secret to Spanish fine wine?
Vintners are missing a trick if they are not speaking to their coopers about ‘forest blending’, which can elevate your final product, one high-end Priorat producer tells Sarah Neish.
The Tuscan regional government has approved the introduction of “Chianti DOP Rosé.” This marks a new direction for the Chianti consortium and responds to the declining prices and sales problems of recent years.
The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has urged the US government to eliminate key trade barriers for the sector, revealing exports generated US$1.3 billion for the country in 2024.
Filled with nutrients and fiber, grapes are well-known for their health benefits—which include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, supporting digestion,
Black truffle is not something that we eat every day. A delicacy, we need equally special wines to pair with dishes that contain this wonderful fungus.
Constellation Brands’ Modelo has announced Noche Especial, a new limited edition amber lager celebrating Christmas Eve traditions in hispanic communities around the world. The beer is at 5.7% abv and, according to the company, has “a toasted, caramel malt flavor.” The limited edition is now available across the U.S. in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles. Modelo Especial is the second-largest beer in the U.S. market n volume terms after Bud Light at 15.2 million barrels, according to Impact Databank.
Pascaline Lepeltier Is the Master Sommelier Who Wants You to Rethink How You Taste Wine
At Chambers in New York City, Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier is reframing wine tasting through mindfulness and developing a new path for global wine education.
Beer yeast leftovers spun into a promising sustainable yarn 50% stronger than wool
Yeast waste from breweries have been spun into textile fibres at a cost that could be affordable for clothing. A group in the US has reported that the fermented yeast proteins can be extracted and spun into a fibre stronger than wool.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 309 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore 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 explore 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 explore 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 explore 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 […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 302 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! The Umami King Tim Hanni MW Join hosts Kim and Mark as they welcome a true icon of the wine world: Master of Wine (MW)Tim Hanni. Tim, the first American to earn the prestigious MW […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 301 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Kiana Keys-The Unpolished Grape On this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Kiana Keys, author of Unpolished Grape 101-The Basics of WineAnd Little Black Book of Food + […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 300 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Celebrating Our 300th Episode With Len Presutti A lot can happen in 300 episodes. Kim and Mark, the hosts of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), celebrate this incredible milestone with their good friend and […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 299 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Vino Therapy With Kelly Lewis Kim and Mark of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) welcome the visionary Kelly Lewis to the show to uncork the secrets of vino therapy. The founder of the first-ever […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 298 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Wine Illustration talk with Maryse Chevriere Join The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) hosts Kim and Mark for a conversation with Maryse Chevriere. A certified sommelier, acclaimed illustrator, author, and James Beard award winner, Maryse […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 297 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Talking Wine And Restaurants Join Kim and Mark from www.thewww.wine for an engaging interview with Jen Ziskin, the dynamic Executive Director for Massachusetts Restaurants United (MRU) and co-owner/wine director of Brookline, MA's beloved restaurants, La […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 296 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! From Packie to Sonoma: The Peter Merriam Story This week on The Wonderful World of Wine, hosts Kim and Mark uncork a fascinating conversation with Peter Merriam of Merriam Vineyards. A true Massachusetts native, Peter […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 295 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! A Conversation with Viticulture Leader Brenae Royal Join your hosts Kim and Mark as they sit down with an incredibly respected leader in viticulture, Brenae Royal. Recognized in 2020 as one of Wine Enthusiast's "40 […]
