Second-cheapest wine on the menu isn’t a bad choice after all, study says
The age-old maxim regarding the second-cheapest wine on the menu and its relative shortcomings is well known. However, a new study may just have put paid to the idea that the second most-reasonable plonk is a poor choice for drinkers.
Climate change is like a lesson in the butterfly effect — that theory drawn from chaos theory that even one small perturbation, like the flutter of a butterfly, can send off a cascade of impacts and alter future events, on a small or large scale.
Optical Illusion: Only 2% of people can spot the wine bottle in the wine cellar in 5 seconds. Can you?
In this optical illusion picture, a wine bottle is hiding in plain sight in the wine cellar. Only 2% of people are able to spot the hidden bottle in 5 seconds. Are you one of them? Test your observation skills by attempting this optical illusion challenge now!
Spirit of Gallo’s vodka seltzer line High Noon SunSips is readying its first major expansion with the launch of High Noon Tequila Seltzer. Made with blanco Tequila and juice, the line extension will launch with the four flavors—Lime, Grapefruit, Passionfruit, and Strawberry—all at 4.5% abv. Rolling out beginning this month, High Noon Tequila will be available nationally by May and will be supported by a full marketing campaign launching later this month. It will be available in 8-packs of cans priced at $22.
Drinks to Go should go in MA
Underage drinking is a problem with home deliveries
In my post on February 14th, I shared about the TTB requirements for the items required to be listed on wine labels and a bit about how those required items are connected to the label approval process.
The Kraken Rum is rolling out a new Gold Spiced expression. The 35% abv extension retails at $22 a 750-ml. and is also available in 1-liter and 1.75-liter bottles. Lander Otegui, SVP of marketing at Proximo Spirits, noted that “gold spiced rum occasions are now the highest among the rum category.” To back the launch, the brand is launching a new visual campaign, “Tale of Gold,” as well as a Golden Hour sweepstakes. The advertisement is directed by Rich Lee, known for his work on the first three The Pirates of the Caribbean films.
The AVA Maps used by Academic Wine Researchers
It was 2017, and wineries used designated grape-growing regions on their wine labels
Napa Valley’s Rombauer Vineyards is entering the Pinot Noir segment, debuting at 2021 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($65). To source grapes for the new offering, Rombauer partnered with renowned Pinot Noir maker Adam Lee, and sourced from locations owned by the Franscioni and Pisoni families. For Rombauer, known for Chardonnay, this marks the first portfolio expansion since the producer added Sauvignon Blanc in 2014. Rombauer farms nearly 900 acres of vineyards across Carneros, Atlas Peak, Stags Leap, St. Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma Valley, and the Sierra Foothills.
The 30 Best Bourbons (2023)
Bourbon continues to rank among the most popular distilled spirits in the United States — and it’s not just sales seeing a spike.
Firstly, let us understand the difference between vintage Champagne and non-vintage Champagne. When it comes to Champagne there are five important things to understand and each of them you will find on the label!
Why You Don’t Need to Sniff the Cork When Your Server Presents It to You
While it may seem sophisticated to give the cork a whiff or feel awkward to receive the cork and not do anything with it, this common restaurant ritual is often a futile act fueled by a series of misconceptions.
RumChata, part of the Spirit of Gallo portfolio, is introducing a new flavor, Coconut Cream. Billed as a summery, rum-forward expression of the liqueur brand, Coconut Cream joins the original RumChata as well as flavors like Limón and Peppermint Bark in the lineup. RumChata is backed by an ongoing “Have Your Unusual” consumer campaign. RumChata grew an estimated 1.5% to 645,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.
5 best apps to determine how much a bottle of wine gifted to you is worth
Unlocking what somebody spent on you just got easier
Want a dry white wine for cooking? The most important thing to know is that the wine should taste good on its own. A poor-quality wine can ruin a great dish.
3 Promising Places Where the Ancient Malvasia Bianca Grape Is Thriving
The Malvasia family of grapes is ancient, hearty and prolific. Yet, it is often an overlooked component in blends—even making up a small fraction of bottlings claiming to be “single varietal” wines made from other white grapes.
Sauvignon Blanc might be the juggernaut of the New Zealand wine world, but the country’s elegant reds are pulling in growing numbers of consumers. And it’s not all about Pinot Noir in 2023, as db discovers.
Treasury Wine Estates is extending 19 Crimes with a California Sauvignon Blanc. Snoop Cali Blanc retails at $15 and marks the fourth entry in 19 Crimes’ collaboration with Snoop Dogg. It joins Snoop Cali Red, Cali Rose, and Snoop Cali Gold in the collection. 19 Crimes benefited from new product activity last year, with its Martha’s Chard and Cali Gold offerings—the former marketed in collaboration with Martha Stewart—jumping out to 170,000 cases and 65,000 cases respectively in 2022.
Jack Daniel’s unveils branded motorbike
Brown-Forman-owned Jack Daniel’s has partnered with the US’s first motorcycle company Indian Motorcycle to produce 177 limited edition bikes.
The One Thing You Should Always Do When Drinking Vodka
While making sure you don’t drink on an empty stomach is generally sound advice for all categories of alcohol, it is particularly pertinent to vodka — especially when drinking it straight.
The Impact of AI on Wine Writing: Will it Be as Big as We Think?
Most of the commentary assumed that ‘wine writing’ means ‘tasting notes’. And, indeed, AI can write tasting notes that are indistinguishable from classic wine notes.
Experts became curious about whether red wine is good for you when researchers discovered that many French people had healthy hearts, despite eating diets high in saturated fat
When you walk into a wine shop and amble down the aisles, there are frequently small, glossy placards placed beneath some of the bottles gracing the shelves.
Beam Suntory has expanded its RTD offerings, launching a new line of Jim Beam branded flavored malt beverages through the company’s partnership with the Boston Beer Company. Jim Beam Kentucky Coolers come in four flavors—Strawberry Punch, Black Cherry Lemonade, Sweet Tea Lemonade, and Citrus Punch—all at 5% abv and 120 calories per 12-ounce serving. The RTDs are now available across the U.S. in 12-can variety packs, individual 6-packs, and single serving 24-ounce cans for around $17, $10, and $3.50, respectively.
Understanding the German VDP Wine Classification System
VPD — or Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter — is a group of about 200 German wine producers who act independently from the German Wine Act.’
It was under the guidance of the regional consortium’s president, Giovanni Manetti, that the 11 UGA’s were delineated, based both on the terroir and history of the regions. They are Greve, Radda, Gaiole, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Vagliagli, Castellina, San Donato in Poggio, San Casciano, Montefioralle, and Panzano, and Lamole.
Chianti Classico’s new subzones: shining a light on diverse terroir
When it comes to Italian wine, quality classifications can be confusing, even for the most astute of wine lovers. Keen to understand what Chianti Classico’s 11 new subzones mean in the glass, Nina Caplan heads to Tuscany
“Dry farming means that we do not use irrigation and rely on the residual moisture in the soil received during the wet season to supply the vines with water,”
How Seagram’s Helped Create Advanced Sports Analytics
Dubbed the Seven Crowns of Sports Awards, the campaign combined statistics and sophisticated-for-the-era computer formulas to measure athletic performance and award top talent.
There is a Risk–Benefit Analysis at work here. If having a glass of wine helps make your life enjoyable (indeed, worthwhile), then it is a good thing, even if you die a bit earlier because of it.
Truly Hard Seltzer, part of the Boston Beer Company portfolio, has announced a packaging refresh ahead of warmer weather to come in 2023. The refresh will highlight the brand’s recent addition of fruit juice to its malt-based seltzers on each 12-pack as well as noting which flavors are lighter (the Citrus 12-pack) to bolder (Truly’s Lemonades). In addition Truly Vodka Seltzer will relaunch as Truly Vodka Soda, with flavors channeled into three silos: Classic (lime, pineapple, blueberry, and mango), Paradise (mango, watermelon, passion fruit, and blood orange), and Twist of Flavor (Blackberry & Lemon, Cherry & Lime, Pineapple & Cranberry, and Peach & Tangerine.) Finally, Truly has teamed up with U.S. Soccer to create soccer-themed 12-packs for Truly Hard Seltzer Berry.
8 Presidents Who Loved Wine—a Lot
So, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that many presidents were quite fond of enjoying a glass of wine (or several). Here’s a look at how wine played a big role in several presidencies.
Daou Family Estates in Paso Robles expands to Tuscany
Daou Family Estates in Paso Robles, owned and operated by brothers Daniel and Georges Daou, has purchased land in the Val d’Orcia region of southern Tuscany, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Penny Tip Your Bad Wine Might Benefit From, According To Science
If you have a penny on hand (ensure it is completely clean), carefully drop it into your wine and swirl it around. After removal, your wine should smell much better! The copper from the penny can cause the smell to dissipate.
Why Sugar-Free Wine Labels Are A Little Misleading
Until there’s a standard nutritional label for wine, though, all we have to rely on is the combination of our understanding of wine and the language on the bottle — something that’s often presented with an eye on marketing rather than solely informing.
Massachusetts-based wholesaler Martignetti Cos. is entering its sixth market with a deal to purchase Connecticut’s Hartley & Parker from the Rosenberg family for an undisclosed sum. Hartley & Parker’s portfolio numbers some 6,000 brands, and the distributor serves more than 5,000 on- and off-premise accounts across the state. The deal is expected to close in the first half of the year.
“Led by Jerry and David Rosenberg, the Rosenberg family has built an exceptional business over an 80-year history,” stated Carmine and Carl Martignetti. “We are committed to building on that legacy and to providing our combined employees, customers, and suppliers with a platform for growth.” Martignetti added that, with the Connecticut entry, it now becomes the only wholesale player present across all New England markets.
Martignetti had estimated 2022 revenues of $1.4 billion to rank sixth among all spirits and wine wholesalers nationwide, according to Shanken’s Impact Newsletter. Tenth-ranked Horizon Beverage is also a key player in New England, operating across five states, while leading national wholesaler Southern Glazer’s is present across Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Second-ranked RNDC also recently made a move in the region, agreeing to purchase Horizon’s Ultra division—including operations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont—for an undisclosed sum in December.
Demand for this white wine grape has some Napa, Sonoma vintners eyeing wider North Coast sourcing
Consumers’ thirst for sauvignon blanc are causing some vintners in Napa and Sonoma counties to look elsewhere in the North Coast appellation for high-quality fruit.
From big, full-bodied California Cabs to East Coast Pinot Noirs that give Oregon’s a “run for their money,” here are some of VinePair’s favorite American wines.
Why Does My Inexpensive Wine Cost So Much at Restaurants?
Traditionally, you can expect to pay about three times the wholesale price of a bottle of wine when you’re out to dinner, or 2.5 times what you’d pay for the bottle at retail.
Villagers in Cramant in France’s Champagne are being treated to a rare sight: little pigs grubbing around the vines that produce the region’s famed bubbly, an alternative to chemical or mechanical means of fighting weeds and pests.
Bombay Sapphire, part of the Bacardi portfolio, has unveiled Premier Cru Murcia Lemon, a new offering infused with Murcia Fino lemons from Spain. Rolling out now in select markets with national distribution slated for later this spring, the newcomer retails at $35 a 750-ml. It’s recommended to be served in cocktails like the Martini and French 75.
There’s Never Been a Better Time to Join a Wine Club
Franklin Wine Club Wines
A well-chosen selection of wines delivered right to your door.
The Difference In Chilling Sparkling Vs. Still Moscato Wines
Before you can pour a glass of either sweet and still or a palate-cleansing bubbly Moscato, it’s imperative that the bottles have been properly chilled.
While the best way to enjoy Guinness is fresh from the tap, the beer brand has fashioned a glass bottle that was specifically designed to mimic the taste of Guinness Draught.
According to the FDA, 1 in 100 people has a sensitivity to sulfites, leading the FDA to make it law that wine labels include sulfite amounts found in the wine.
Can wineries reuse their glass bottles? This woman thinks so…
Even with recycling numbers increasing (around 61% in France, compared to 43% in the UK according to figures from Zero Waste Europe in September 2022), the process of turning that glass back into bottles has an environmental cost
What You Need to Know About Top Wine Education Programs
From Master Sommelier to Master of Wine and everything in between, there are plenty of ways to learn about wine. Compare costs, pros, and cons for each
Captain Morgan rum is teaming with coconut water brand Vita Coco on a new line of spirits-based RTDs. Vita Coco Spiked with Captain Morgan is on shelves now nationwide. The line of canned cocktails has an abv of 5% and is sold in 12-ounce cans for a suggested retail price of $15 per four-pack. The initial flavor lineup includes Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, and Lime Mojito. Captain Morgan net sales were flat in the U.S. in the six months through December, Diageo recently reported, “driven by growth in Captain Morgan Original Spiced, supported by successful sports platforms such as the NFL, which was offset by declines in other variants.” Impact Databank estimates the brand at 5.3 million case depletions in the U.S. for 2022, down 2.9%.
How a Miscommunication Between Siblings Led to Angostura Bitters’ Iconic Label
In addition to the mystique regarding the ingredients used in the bitters themselves, one visual element of the bottle itself tends to throw consumers for a loop: the label.
Pernod Ricard has announced a new peach-flavored rum to its Malibu brand. Malibu Peach comes in at 21% abv and is now available in 50-ml., 750-ml., 1-liter, and 1.75-liter bottles across the U.S. The release is the fourth flavor in Malibu’s portfolio and joins Watermelon, Pineapple, and Strawberry alongside the brand’s original coconut rum. In addition to the peach-flavored rum, Malibu has also added a peach canned cocktail to its Cocktails in a Can line, alongside Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri, Pineapple Bay Breeze, and Watermelon Mojito, all at 7% abv and in 12-ounce cans.
NH lawmakers consider letting students under 21 take college wine and beer courses
A bill submitted by Innis, Senate Bill 194, would exempt New Hampshire students who are under 21 but over 18, from criminal prosecution for underage drinking for tasting wine or beer, provided they were doing so as part of a class at an accredited college or university.
Is It Safe to Drink an Open Bottle of Wine After One Week?
When debating whether or not to drink that week-old bottle, there are few telltale signs to look out for that will let you know if the wine has spoiled.
Tough year for Australian wine exports as value falls
Australian wine exports fell by 4% by value during 2022 to AU$1.94 billion, with UK sales down 18% – although volume rises of bulk wine to the US and Canada helped push volume growth by 1%.
Why is France spending millions to turn wine into alcohol for cosmetics?
France plans to spend millions of euros to turn wine into industrial alcohol for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to drain a massive surplus, the agriculture ministry has said.
Are Labeling Requirements for the Alcohol Industry Misguided?
Although maintaining ingredient listings may be easier for a big winery with great resources, it may take resources that the small winery doesn’t have and leaves the small winery in a potentially legally vulnerable position.
Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey has announced Irish Apple, the first flavored offshoot for the brand. The 35% abv flavored whiskey is now available in 50-ml., 750-ml., and 1-liter bottles with the 750-ml. retailing for a suggested price of $25. The release continues Proper No. Twelve’s support of first responders with $5 from each case of Irish Apple sold donated to charities around the world. Founded by MMA fighter Conor McGregor, Ken Austin, and Audie Attar, Proper No. Twelve is now majority owned by Proximo Spirits
Why are there two different spellings of whisky/whiskey?
For International Scotch Day, db explains why ‘whisky’ and ‘whiskey’ emerged as acceptable spellings for the spirit, an issue which is still heated today.
Find Your Low-Sugar Wine: Tips for Wine Enthusiasts
Wine is produced by fermenting the natural sugar found in grapes to produce alcohol. Simply put, the wine will have more residual sugar and taste sweeter on the palate if the fermentation is stopped well before all of the sugar is turned into alcohol.
The Historic Riots That Defined the Champagne Region
In 1911, in response to low crop yields and Champagne producers who had begun sourcing grapes from outside the region, grape growers took to the streets in protests that lasted some 16 years.
Vineyards on Pantelleria, Madeira, and Santorini boast centuries of winemaking heritage, but mass tourism and the modernization of society are putting their survival at risk
A diner’s post has gone viral on TikTok after suggesting that eponymous restaurant group Olive Garden misleads customers by trying to pass off boxed wine as bottled.
Spirits surpasses beer market share in the US for the first time
Distilled spirits gained market share in the United States for the 13th straight year up to 42.1%. This means that, for the first time, supplier revenues of spirits have superseded beer, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) said.
The Future of Direct-to-Consumer Wine: How AI and ChatGPT are Transforming the Industry
One of the biggest trends shaping the DTC wine industry is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the way consumers interact with wineries and purchase wine.
In this Wine industry statistics, we will have a general look over the insights into wine exports, and statistics further divided into country-wise, region-wise- demographic-wise, and much more.
If you are looking to fully embrace the cold this season, or simply want to pour yourself something new and interesting, then reach for a bottle of ice wine.
Where Can You Find The Oldest Grapevine That Still Produces Fruit?
According to Sierra Lodestar, the Grandpere Vineyard, also known as Vineyard 1869, is the oldest California vineyard that can prove its age with a verifiable paper trail. The vineyard is planted to Zinfandel, a variety known for its longevity, and produces just enough fruit to parcel it out to a scant handful of producers who treasure the juice from the gnarled 154-year-old vines.
Treasury Wine Estates’ 19 Crimes brand has entered the lower calorie, lower alcohol wine market with Martha’s Lighter Chard, the latest collaboration between the brand and Martha Stewart. The wine is made using grapes from California and comes in at 8.5% abv with 80 calories per serving. Martha’s Lighter Chard is now available across the U.S. for a suggested price of $15 a 750-ml. This marks the second collaboration between Stewart and Treasury, following Martha’s Chard, released in early 2022.
The history of alcohol’s social acceptance
Where did alcohol originate, and why is it legal compared to similar drugs?
Older Americans only area of growth in wine consumption, SVB report says
Perhaps it all makes sense. While the American wine industry believes it’s getting ready for a recession, the only group of consumers who are drinking more wine than in previous surveys is people over 60. And everyone is still drinking more premium wines than before. Those were three of the key findings of the annual Silicon Valley Bank’s State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report.
US Government officially recognizes Bolivian brandy
The US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has officially recognized Bolivian Singani as a unique type of brandy, thanks in part to a campaign spearheaded by Hollywood director Steven Soderbergh.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has announced a new series of Hazy IPAs to be released throughout the year, kicking off the line with Juicy Little Thing IPA. The 6.5% abv ale is brewed with Sterling, Citra, El Dorado, and Mosaic hops, and a specially developed yeast strain. The new IPA will be available through April, when the next hazy ale in the series comes to market. Juicy Little Thing IPA carries a suggested price of $13 a 6-pack of 12-ounce cans and is available across the U.S.
The Comeback of a Cool Piedmont Red
Grignolino—the “un-Barolo”—takes a place at the table
Here’s why non-alcoholic beers finally taste good, and not just for Dry January
Brewers are now making non-alcoholic beers that are packed with flavor, thanks to new technology and techniques that are reinventing a category that once felt like purgatory.
Prosecco is protected in Italy, but for Otto it’s a true-blue Australian bubbly
The name prosecco is one of hundreds of foods and wines the European Union wants safeguarded from use by Australian producers under a free trade agreement that is in the final months of negotiations.
Lawsuit Alleges Malt-Based Fireball Cinnamon Label Misleads Consumers That It Actually Contains Whiskey
The proposed class action lawsuit addresses the striking similarity between mini bottles of classic 33-percent ABV Fireball Cinnamon Whisky and the malt-based spinoff by the same brand. Plaintiff Anna Marquez of Illinois leads the class action group.
But the rain also provided a desperately needed gift to California’s famed wineries, which have endured three years of drought, extreme wildfires, and the spiralling doom loop of climate change. The rains have replenished the groundwater and refilled reservoirs, giving winemakers hope for a productive growing season.
Zinfandel became a vital grape variety in California because it grew well, and the Italian immigrant families who ended up there knew how to raise this and similar varieties.
Purchasing wine is always an exciting event, especially when you are new to the scene. Any savvy shopper can recall that feeling of sheer exhilaration that stems from not knowing quite what you are going to get.
Searching the internet for an effective hangover cure might sound pretty relatable to anyone who has ever experienced a less-than-pleasurable morning after having a big night out.
Not all non-alcoholic wines are created equal, however, with differing approaches and processes resulting in products that are as varied as the world of traditional wine itself. Here, we look at three different approaches to crafting no-ABV vino.
Constellation-owned Simi is launching its first low-calorie and low-alcohol wine, Brightful Chardonnay. At 80 calories per serving, the newcomer is bottled at 9% abv and is rolling out nationally to retailers as well as on Drizly and Instacart. Simi Brightful Chardonnay carries a suggested retail price of $15. Simi was at 532,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.
The Prominent Wine Regions of Sicily
Let’s take a look at some of Sicily’s prominent wine regions from east to west.
RI lawmakers: Wineries should be allowed to sell fruits of their labor onsite
Rhode Island law currently prohibits the winery from selling their products on site. The law specifies that wineries can only sell their products onsite if the fruit used to make it was grown in state.
David Kermode reflects on the role of mature vines, the environmental reasons for protecting these aged plantings, and how drinkers may well be rewarded with surprisingly lively wines in the glass
Low- and no-alcohol beers may be drops in the proverbial bucket of total U.S. beer sales, but the market continues to explode with options as the category continues to expand.
The percentage of U.S. adults aged 18 and older who say they drink alcohol averaged 63% over the past two years, whereas 36% described themselves as “total abstainers.”
The Difference Between Cheap Wines And Value Wines
When we say cheap wine, we mean cheap. That $4 bottle might seem like a steal, but it’s usually not a risk worth taking. There’s a reason those wines run only a few bucks.
Supermarkets launching all-out push for wine sales in CT
Buying wine in a supermarket counts as one of those activities we do in other states, which causes us to wonder, why can’t we have that in Connecticut?]
What can we expect from wine in 2023? Climate chaos will decide
For wine writers, it’s typical to start the year with a column suggesting trends and making predictions about what the hot regions and bottles will be.
Prosecco sales are booming, helped by people celebrating the new year with the affordable bubbly, according to Liz Paquette, head of insights for online alcohol retailer Drizly.
How does that package attract or repel them? How much useful information does it convey? And in the case of a decision to cover the cork in plastic, how much trouble does it cause when opening the wine?
Champagne and white Burgundy put in notable performances in 2022, but with their prices remaining strong, I expect lesser known wine regions, such as Sicily and the Maremma, will gain more attention in 2023.
QR Codes are as good as gold. You just have to commit to mining it.
QR codes – like the digital “silver bullets” known as eCommerce and SMS messaging that came before – often fail to live up to the hype for wine brands.
But there is one little thing that gives credence to the hangover reputation – in fact, it’s a whole lot of little things sparkling, dancing, and singing in your pretty chilled tulip glass.
Five times Hollywood films have influenced beer sales
Can TV and film influence what we’re drinking? There is compelling evidence to suggest that’s the case. After all, everyone and their uncle hated Merlot after Sideways hit theatres, and cult classic Lost in Translation put Suntory whisky back on the map. It’s no wonder companies are investing in product placement more than ever before.
Beer is, quite often, the solution, but not just to drink but also to use in your garden too. Here, db shares 10 inventive green-fingered hacks, gathered from horticultural sources, on how to use leftover Christmas beer in January to help your garden thrive in time for spring.
Close-up of hand holding beer bottle against sky. Cropped image of mid adult man is enjoying alcohol in yard. Focus is on limb during sunny day. Man has tattoo in his forearm.
GREEK WINES (VARIETIES AND APPELLATIONS) 10 Most Popular
There are many delicious Greek wines to choose from! Greece is home to a number of indigenous grape varieties that are used to produce a wide range of wine styles. Some popular Greek wines include:
The USA puts alcohol under the control of the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), instead. So, it is this latter department that we must consult about data concerning trends in U.S. wine production.
Boston’s Latitude Beverage has entered the non-alcoholic wine market with Délure Zero, a new offering from the French low-alcohol brand. Déluré Zero is a sparkling rosé made with Grenache grapes sourced from the South of France with the alcohol removed from the fully vinted wine. Each 8-ounce serving has 35 calories and the wine is now available in select markets for a suggested price of $15 a bottle.
In the Shadow of Rome, 3 Ancient Grape Varieties Stage a Comeback
Along with returning to tradition and taking advantage of the excellent land and climate, Lazio winemakers wish to capitalize on Rome’s enormous wine tourism potential, long left untapped
Skincare fanatics, raise your glasses. New developments in the cosmetics industry indicate red wine could be good for your skin, as both an active ingredient and a drink.
Italian wine producers slam Ireland’s ‘alarmist’ health warning labels
Italian wine producers have objected strongly to Ireland’s plan to require health warning labels on wine bottles, outlining the links between alcohol and fatal cancers, after the move was approved by the EU Commission.
Sicily’s wines are produced about 80% from native grapes and white wines lead the charts at 60% of the island’s production, mostly found on the western side. The eastern side of Sicily is more red wine based.
New Zealand winery Yealands Wines is launching Lighter Sauvignon Blanc, the newest addition to its list of sustainable wines. Its inaugural 2022 vintage was made using grapes from select parcels of Sauvignon Blanc at the winery’s Awatere and Wairau Valley vineyards. The vines in question are managed to maintain a low sugar level, resulting in low-alcohol wine—in this case 9% abv. It’s available now nationwide for a suggested $16 a bottle, imported by Palm Bay International.
University of Minnesota releases new white wine grape varietal: Clarion
Grape growers and wine lovers take note: The University of Minnesota is releasing its sixth cold-hardy wine grape, Clarion.
Writers’ Tears Irish whiskey, part of Walsh Whiskey, has launched Red Head, the latest limited release from the brand. The single malt Irish whiskey is bottled at 46% abv and is matured in Oloroso-seasoned Sherry casks, lending the whiskey a reddish hue and representing the source of its name. Red Head carries a suggested price of $70 a 750-ml. and is available in 22 states across the U.S. in limited quantities. Writers’ Tears is imported by San Francisco-based Hotaling & Co.
Spumante: Your Guide To The Italian Sparkling Wine
To put Spumante into your bottle of Italian sparkling wine, you don’t need to have grown it in a specific region, with a specific grape variety, or even use a specific fermentation technique. As long as it was grown and produced in Italy, you can put Spumante on your label.
With bars and restaurants across the country open at full capacity and without mask mandates for the first time since April 2020, this year bore witness to multiple bar innovations that have been almost two years in the making.
Four in five people have purchased wine based on what the label looks like
Some 85% of people said that they had purchased a bottle of wine in the past primarily based on the appearance of the label, data from online wine marketplace Vivino has revealed.
Gewürztraminer is a wine grape grown all over the world, but is originally found in the Trentino-Alto Adige region in Northern Italy and is now widely grown in the Alsace region in France, as well as in Germany
Susumaniello Is The Italian Wine Variety You’re Likely Missing Out On
Susmaniello grapes hail from Italy’s southern Salice Salento province and are one of the world’s rarest varieties used to make wine, according to Wine Searcher.
In blind-tasting testing, merlot and cabernet sauvignon can occasionally be confused, and they are frequently combined in red wine mixes. Despite coming from different varietals, the two wines do have the same ancestor: Cabernet Franc.
More sweet wines and fewer pinot noirs? What climate change could mean for wine lovers
Sweeter wines, with higher alcohol content? For some this might sounds like the makings of a great night out, albeit with a much less pleasant morning after.
You Shouldn’t Turn Your Nose Up At Boxed Wine. Here’s Why
Just because boxed wine is cheap doesn’t mean it is of lesser quality. The reputation boxed wines have accumulated could very well be unfair, according to Wine Cooler Direct, as some great wines are packaged in boxes — with plenty of benefits to pouring wine out of boxes instead of bottles.
Between reality TV squabbles, soda-infused pepperoni pizza, and a beer-drinking horse promoted to village mayor, there was no shortage of interesting and wacky news to fill the past 12 months.
Alexa, Google, or Siri — Which Digital Assistant Provides the Best Wine Advice? Somms Decide.
If you’re in a restaurant and have a question about wine when ordering your food, all you have to do is ask your server or the sommelier. But what if you’re having people over for the evening or chatting with friends and need a quick answer to a wine question?
The Science Behind Why Your Wine Smells Like Farts
If you happen upon a bottle that reeks of overcooked cabbage, you don’t need to pretend that it’s some special nuanced aroma that your nose is too unsophisticated to appreciate.
Quality vermouth is a must-have for your home bar. The fortified wine is used to make classic cocktails like the Martini, Negroni, Manhattan, and countless others.
Beyond the physical glass, aficionados are often tempted to swirl their wine, and comment on its “legs” as an indicator of quality. Also dubbed “tears”, “fingers” and even “church windows”, this is the ring of drops that forms near the top of your glass, and it is rooted in physics.
Dramatic Readings of Wine Labels Turn Every Bottle Into a Party
Every time you open a bottle of wine, someone at the table or at the picnic table or at the beach towel or wherever you happen to be should, in the most entertaining way they can muster, read the label aloud.
The Lugana DOC zone is anchored by beautiful Lake Garda in north-central Italy — a very good thing since grape vines are known to like to look at water and the lake influence is beneficial in many ways.
The largest winemaking protests for decades took place in Bordeaux this week, with over 1,000 winemakers from around the region driving their tractors into the city centre, and marching along the quays of the Garonne riverfront.
The 10 Best Aperitifs to Sip Before a Big Meal, According to Pros
Whether you’re enjoying a special-occasion feast at your favorite restaurant or a quiet dinner at home, tucking into a pre-dinner drink is a fun way to kick off a meal.
A southern extension of Burgundy, Beaujolais came to be after Gamay was banished by Burgundy’s Duke in the late 14th century over suspicions of its incredible yields and short ripening season,
Born in the U.S.A.: The Best American Whiskeys for Your Bar Cart
Although there is no internationally accepted definition for it, whiskey is generally defined as a “cereal-grain-based, non-neutral spirit which is usually aged in wood
What is that egg shaped thing I am seeing in some wine cellars?
Concrete wine tanks are showing up in famous and not so famous cellars everywhere wine is being produced, including in well know French, California and even our local, northeast Ohio wineries.
Winners and Losers in New Consumer Study on Nutritional and Ingredient Wine Labeling
When it comes to what consumers want to see on a wine label, new market research from the Wine Market Council collected in an online survey of 1,000 consumers shows there are winners and losers in nutritional or ingredient information and how it is presented.
Barley Wine (also known as barleywine) is actually a beer. The full-bodied strong brew has a rich copper to dark red-brown hue and a medium hoppiness. A considerable amount of malt contributes to the beer’s nutty, toasted, caramel flavours, while hops and yeast offer background flavour and body.
Ice wine, most famously produced in Canada, is about as sweet as wine gets. This is because it is made from grapes that were naturally frozen while still on the grapevine. Allowing grapes to freeze while still on the vine will only freeze the water condensed within the grape.
TTB Releases Updated Social Media Advertising Guidelines
The new guidance also clarifies that the same rules apply to all forms of social media advertising, including social media “likes” and third-party content that is reposted or “liked” by an industry member.
Which Cheap Wines Are Actually Good? Here’s How to Tell
A Guide to All Things Cognac
The Theory and Rules of Wine Gifting
TTB SPEAKS UP ON SOCIAL MEDIA
TTB’s previous social media industry circular went through the various categories of social media, citing such sites as Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Friendster and Flickr, and explained exactly what mandatory information was required and where it must appear.
For years they have been tossing around the idea of redistricting the Classico region in order to provide consumers with more information about its many subzones.
Diageo has launched Red, White, and Merry, a new seasonal variety pack for Smirnoff Ice. The new 12-pack includes three cans each of Smirnoff Ice’s Holiday Punch, Berry Punch, Citrus Punch, and Orchard Punch. All four flavors come in at 4.5% abv and the 12-pack retails for around $18, with individual 6-packs selling for around $9. Smirnoff Ice’s Red, White, and Merry pack is now available across the U.S. for a limited time.
Yes, You Can Pair Candy Canes with Wine
There are competing tales as to why peppermint-flavored striped sugar sticks were bent into a cane shape starting in the 1800s.
Barbera d’Asti and Monferrato: A Welcoming Place for Wine
The area of Monferrato, which lies between the cities of Alessandria and Asti in the Piedmont region of Italy, captures the imagination with its castles and lush landscapes.
Dubbed ‘the green heart of Italy” for its breathtaking biodiversity, the Umbria wine region stretches across rolling hills, wild forests, and pristine lakes bookended between the Apennine mountains.
The world of Sparkling Wine is one that is constantly growing and to stay on top of everything that is happening in the industry is a full-time job, but for the average consumer who just wants to enjoy some Sparkling Wine, is it made too complicated?
Your Ultimate Guide To Fortified Wines And Their Uses
There are various sorts of fortified wines, each with its own laws. These restrictions cover the type of base wine, the type of base spirit, the range of alcohol by volume (ABV), the amount of sugar, and the time of age.
For nearly a century, the Franzia family has been delivering affordable, quality wine at a fraction of their competitors price, all while battling buy-outs, growing their clan, and overcoming family obstacles.
The story behind an Italian retail icon: Eataly, London
Since landing in London, international Italian retailer Eataly has become one of the city’s gastronomic icons. Here, Olivia Vachon, marketing manager at Eataly London, talks us through what made it such a destination for lovers of Italian food
Beer For Dogs, Wine For Cats: How Drinks for Pets Became a Global Phenomenon
This year, the world’s largest beer company is offering Busch Turkey Broth Dog Brew, its second mass-market beer for dogs since its original pork-flavored dog beer hit the market in 2020.
Have the original Super-Tuscans stood the test of time?
Ornellaia, Sassicaia, Tignanello… For lovers of Italian fine wine, the names trip off the tongue. But do these Super-Tuscan wines still live up to their billing? Susan Hulme MW tastes back through the decades
Cheese Has Its Own Cutthroat Version of the Court of Master Sommeliers
Different people can have different opinions on how delicious a cheese is, of course, but evaluation needs to be critical in order to advance the cheese industry as a whole within the specialty foods market.
With its vibrant, neon green hue, it’s no wonder Midori dominated in bars and nightclubs in the 1980s, when brilliantly colored cocktails were all the rage
Conservative estimates say that glass bottles account for about 29 percent of a wine’s carbon pollution, but other estimates posit that the bottle is responsible for up to 70 percent of a wine’s impact.
Map of Etna DOC redrawn to include nine new territories
The map of the Etna DOC wine region has been updated to make it easier to identify the myriad contrade (districts or crus) on the slopes of the volcano, with nine new contrade identified as part of the process, taking the total to 142.
Voters reject Question 3 and opt to keep rules for alcohol sellers the same
The measure would have gradually doubled the total number of alcohol licenses a company can hold by 2031. It also would have tightened the cap on how many so-called “full” liquor licenses a business can own.
The 5 Red Wines You Absolutely Must Drink on Your Next Trip to Rome
Let’s explore all the wines you must try on your next trip to Rome, along with restaurants and wine bars to visit, ensuring you have the best Roman food and wine experience.
Coming of Age: Who was the real ‘Champagne Charlie’?
GENTLEMAN-ADVENTURER, US CIVIL WAR SPY (MAYBE), RIDER OF WHITE STALLIONS AND INSPIRER OF JAZZ STANDARDS – AS CHARLES HEIDSIECK MARKS 200 YEARS SINCE THE BIRTH OF ITS FOUNDER, WHO WAS THE ORIGINAL ‘CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE’?
Although Irish whiskey had nearly been wiped from existence in the 1970s, when only a mere three distilleries remained, Ireland’s signature whiskey has recently been on the upswing.
QR Code Regulations in the Beverage Alcohol Industry
QR codes are a solid line of communication with consumers and even if consumers decide they do not like the product or agree with the information, at least they had the good intention of seeking it out and evaluating it. In Dr. Frankl’s view, the QR code is a stimulus that consumers, in turn, respond to in making their decisions. It expands their freedom of choice.
Rye has been produced in the United States since the 1800s, when Scottish and Irish immigrants settled on the land now known as Pennsylvania and Maryland.
In the last of her reflections following the publication of her 2022 Champagne Report, Essi Avellan MW considers the importance of a complex but integral topic: disgorgement
Yuengling Launches New Bongo Fizz Premium Beer with Hint of Mango Flavor
Bongo Fizz embodies tropical relaxation, making it the ideal beer for adults of legal drinking-age looking for a flavorful and refreshing beer that is perfect for many of life’s occasions.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against alcohol e-commerce platform Drizly and its CEO for alleged security failures that resulted in the leak of the personal information of 2.5 million users.
The Boston Beer Company has entered the Tequila-based RTD market with Loma Vista, a new line of flavored Tequila sodas. The 5.5% abv drinks are made with Blanco Tequila, lime juice, soda water, and other flavors. The initial lineup comes in two flavors—Lime and Mango—both available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans. Loma Vista is now available in select markets across the U.S. with expanded availability planned for near future.
5 of the Biggest Vodka Myths, Debunked
To separate fact from folklore, we debunked five of the most widely held vodka myths and even broke down the rationale behind a popular yet futile TikTok trend.
The Beginner’s Guide To California’s Paso Robles Wine
Napa and Sonoma might get the bulk of the attention when it comes to California wines, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only regions in the state with something to offer.
New Book Details How Climate Change Will Alter How Wines Are Made Worldwide. . . Sooner Than Later
More than most industries, the global wine community has recognized how climate change will radically affect their vineyards, grape growing and flavor of their wines.
A Beginner’s Guide to the Loire Valley and Its Iconic Wines
Located along France’s longest river of the same name, the Loire Valley—aka Centre-Loire—is a picturesque region known for its chateaus, royal abbeys and a rich winemaking history that stretches over 2,000 years.
Cutwater Spirits has announced a new line of bottled RTD cocktails, Cutwater Heaters. The line comes in three varieties—Vodka Apple Pie, Whiskey Hot Toddy, and Hot Buttered Rum—all packaged in 375-ml. bottles at 40% abv. The line is meant to be mixed with hot water to create warm cold-weather sippers. Cutwater Heaters is now available in California, Colorado, and Massachusetts, as well as online via SipWhiskey.com and ReupLiquor.com for a suggested price of $14 a 375-ml. Cutwater Spirits, part of AB InBev, was at just under two million cases in 2021, according to Impact Databank.
Recent trends in wine drinking in the USA
So, it seems to be inflation that is the current issue — wine prices are going up, but our incomes are not.
Holiday Wine-Buying Habits Uncorked: Online Ordering Continues to Grow
For many Americans, wine is an important part of holiday celebrations. It not only pairs well with holiday spreads, but it also makes guests merry and bright.
Sippd Debuts Wine Quiz to Enhance the Personalization of Consumer’s Wine Recommendations
The introduction of this seven-question quiz comes as an addition to the mobile app’s existing AI-based algorithm, assisting consumers in building and refining their unique wine taste preferences.
Wineries Embrace Worms in the Fight to Conserve Water
Feeding on the grape skins, seeds, sugars and other organic compounds in winery gray water, the worms generate nutrient-dense worm castings, a rich source of fertilizer.
Neuroscience and wine may not seem like immediate bedfellows, but some producers are putting the time in to find out how drinkers are affected by things like our surroundings and assumptions. This in turn offers some insights into how to make the wine you serve taste better.
Scientists Just Figured Out a Way to Make Beer Taste Even Better
Today’s tall cylindrical fermentation tanks that have replaced the shorter vats of breweries in the past have tended to negatively impact the taste of the resulting beer – but now scientists have stepped in to improve the taste of our booze.
Learn how to draw a great looking Wine Bottle with easy, step-by-step drawing instructions, and video tutorial. You can now easily create a beautiful Wine Bottle drawing.
8 Things You Should Know About St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Launched in 2007 by third-generation distiller Robert J. Cooper, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur kickstarted an elderflower craze that would span the next decade and a half and revived a sleepy liqueur industry.
The escalating prestige of Tasmanian sparkling wine has prompted Maison Mumm to issue a Tasmanian non-vintage brut cuvée, the latest of its Mumm Terroir range sourced from regions outside of Champagne.
Visiting a selection of wineries while touring Argentina has become a crucial part of understanding the country’s symbiosis with its unique environment as well as its heritage.
Added to Emoji 1.0 in 2015, the alembic emoji — a bulbous flask with a neck angled down sitting perched on a small stand — is designed to represent an ancient distilling tool that dates back to the 6th century.
Massachusetts voters will be asked a simple question on this year’s ballot: whether to expand the number of locations where retail, grocery and convenience store chains are allowed to sell alcohol.
The Real Difference Between Bubbly Faves Prosecco And Champagne
Watching the gold-colored liquid foam over a flute glass is one of the most luxurious sights, whether it’s Champagne or Prosecco. But do you know the difference between the two? Because not all sparkling wine is created equal.
In an industry long dominated by men, women are making meaningful inroads, but their journey is far from over. Here are nine women who’ve changed the world of wine—and are boosting the female leaders to come.
Does Sound Affect Our Perception of Taste? These Wine Experts Think So
The brain is constantly influenced by any number of stimuli. For the last two decades, researchers have studied the cognitive and perceptual factors that affect how we perceive wine.
You can now buy a Napa Valley-themed version of Monopoly
If you’ve always fancied yourself as something of a wine tycoon, you can now pass ‘Go’ and embark on a journey through some of Napa Valley’s most iconic wineries.
“Blind Ambition” Is the Wine Movie the World Needs Right Now
A couple of years ago, the wine world was treated to its own version of such an underdog story, as a group of Zimbabwean sommeliers competed in the World Wine Tasting Championships in Burgundy.
Italian agri-food exports are breaking historical records: wine is the most exported product
A record pace with wine acting as the locomotive. It is held by Italian agri-food exports, which, if current growth rates continue, will exceed 60 billion in 2022
A long overlooked Italian grape—Nebbiolo—has found its place in Lodi hillsides
Among the many wine grapes commercially grown in Lodi—over 125 of them, at last count—there is one that has remained an obscurity in the region and throughout California, despite its supremacy in its native Italy.
The New Wine Game GRAPES Is Available on Amazon Now
GRAPES is the first wine card game that doesn’t need you to taste wine while playing, but is intended to expand its audience beyond just wine connoisseurs via the playing process.
Created in 2009 by formerly retired distiller Tom Maas, RumChata is one of the most popular cream liqueurs in the world and was recently named one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S.
Essential Numbers You Need to Know as a Wine Profession
How many cases of wine are in a barrel? How many bottles of wine will an acre of grapes produce? These are some of the questions from consumers visiting tasting rooms, touring vineyards, or attending wine events.
Whether you’re a new fan of wine or a longtime connoisseur, there are several chapters in the story of Oliver Winery that you might not be familiar with
If ‘Children Of The Vine’ Sounds Like a Horror Flick, That’s Because It Is, Filmmaker Says
When Brian Lilla discovered how toxic Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller had made California’s Napa Valley, he wrote and produced an investigative documentary that he hopes will inspire communities to open a dialogue about the dangers of glyphosate.
Lambrusco’s new wave of vibrant, crunchy and saline fine wine
A new wave of Lambrusco has started to emerge from the shadows. From its ancient Etruscan and Roman origins to the red-cola wines of the 1980s, Italy’s famous red frizzante has evolved into a vibrant, crunchy and saline fine wine, according to Filippo Bartolotta.
More Mass. liquor licenses? How Ballot Question 3 could impact your community
Massachusetts chain stores may be allowed to have 18 beer and wine licenses by 2031, which would double the current threshold should a ballot referendum succeed at the polls this November.
Wines of Georgia Announces Wine Certification Program in Partnership with the Napa Valley Wine Academy
A first-of-its-kind for the US, the Napa Valley Wine Academy Georgian wine certification will deliver a free online learning tool for trade, educators and press wishing to learn more about the exciting history of the country that is considered the ‘cradle of wine’ and nexus of ancient winemaking.
The wonderful world of food pairings is vast, with countless combinations, from the various different dishes with thousands of different bottles of Prosecco
Boston Beer Co. is launching new vodka-based seltzers under its Truly brand. Made with six-times-distilled vodka and real fruit juice, Truly Vodka Seltzer will be available nationally in four flavors including Blackberry & Lemon, Cherry & Lime, Pineapple & Cranberry, and Peach & Tangerine starting October 11.
The new seltzers are at 5% abv, have 110 calories and two grams of sugar, and are gluten free. Backed by a 360-degree integrated campaign, “There’s Vodka in This!,” they’re available in 12-ounce slim cans, variety 8-packs, and single-style 8-packs and 4-packs starting this fall at $10 a 4-pack and $18 an 8-pack. Also this year, the brand introduced a new flavor pack, Truly Margarita-Style, and Truly Flavored Vodka in collaboration with Beam Suntory.
Everything You Need to Know About Truly’s New Spirit-Based Vodka Hard Seltzer
Each variation in the initial rollout is a mashup of two fruit flavors:
We all have a love/hate relationship with online reviews. We get angry when someone points out our flaws on Yelp, but we look for multiple reviews when considering something on Amazon.
Amarone is a wholly unique expression of red wine in Italy, based on a complex winemaking technique, and is an unexpectedly versatile pairing partner for food.
A wine’s story can be informed by the place where the wines are made, but also (and perhaps most importantly), by the people whose hands guide the grapes from vine to the bottle
Going ‘rogue’: Researchers discover viral trend in global marketing
According to the researchers, rogue marketing occurs when an unaffiliated individual creates and posts an informal message about a brand on social media that becomes viral.
Cocktail Salts Are the Next-Level Ingredients Missing from Your Drink
A pinch of salt might make your cocktail even better, whether dissolved into a drink, used to rim a glass, or sprinkled on top to add a distinctive finishing touch.
American Wine Is Awash With New AVAs. Who Do They Serve?
Every few months, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) formally approves one or more new American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), and the wine world largely scratches its head and wonders where in the heck these appellations lie
Top Things to Know About Alcohol Advertising Rules and the Internet
Both federal and various state regulators have signaled their intent to ramp up policing of this area of alcohol regulation, particularly when it comes to advertising on the internet.
California lawmakers on Aug. 31 passed legislation that could breathe life back into the state’s withering recycling industry which even those who run the program admit is stumbling.
The US remains the largest wine consuming country in the world, but it also produces its fair share. From Napa Valley to Willamette Valley, the east coast may dominate when it comes to reputation, but you might be surprised to hear which other wine producing states make it into the top 10.
Why Does Bourbon Have to Be Aged in New Oak Barrels?
Spirits are aged for a plethora of reasons, the primary one being that it can remove harsh flavors from unaged alcohol, instead replacing it with slightly sweeter, more palatable notes.
Pernod Ricard has launched the latest limited edition Bourbon in the Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea series, this one proofed with water from New York. The 49% abv whiskey matured while sailing through the North Sea, other European waters, along the Atlantic seaboard, and through the Panama Canal before landing in New York for blending with water from the Hudson Valley and Catskills mountains. Jefferson’s Ocean Aged at Sea New York Limited Edition will be available in New York City beginning in November for a suggested price of $99. Last year, Jefferson’s was up 31% to 158,000 cases, according to Impact Databank, and was named a Hot Prospect.
6 Wine Companies That Got Their Start on Shark Tank
The show has pushed several niche companies to success, and the wine industry is no exception.
A new report has found that 86% of US consumers believe spirit-based RTDs should be more widely available, including in bars, convenience stores, and entertainment venues.
Pix’s Troubles Are Yet Another Warning to the U.S. Wine Industry
It’s been big news within the (admittedly internecine) world of the U.S. wine business that Napa Valley startup Pix recently had to lay off most of its staff.
Roughly two years ago, wine-technology evangelist and thought leader Paul Mabray launched a start-up named Pix, aimed at providing consumers easier ways of buying wine while giving the wine industry better tools for selling it. For the first time since the nineteenth century, the Brunello harvest in Montalcino began in August
Until now, the winemakers of the southern Rhône cru have only been permitted to bottle reds and rosés under the appellation, but they will be able to produce white wines from the 2023 vintage following a decision by the French appellation authorities.
We all know that there is Pay-for-Play in wine reviews
The president of a major public relations agency, one with a client list that includes wine regions, big brands, and importers, told me that his firm pays “about $25,000 a year” to a certain influential wine publication.
While widely recognized as the name of a classic American cocktail, the Sazerac brand’s history dates back much further than the cocktail’s 1901 trademark.
The Differences Between Straight Bourbon and Bonded Bourbon
A few factors determine whether a bourbon qualifies for bottled-in-bond status, but it’s important to remember that whether straight or bonded, both of these styles must adhere to general guidelines in place for bourbon.
The ballot question modernizes MA laws to allow for the safe expansion of alcohol licenses. It calls for the state to progressively double the number of allowed beer and wine licenses a company or individual is allowed to hold, going from nine to 18. Most states allow three to five full liquor licenses per merchant and MA’s number would be set at seven. Question 3 significantly expands consumer convenience.
The ballot question also will allow valid out of state IDs to be relied upon by a retailer of alcohol beverages, as they are allowed in every other state in the country and already are permitted in Massachusetts for the sale of cannabis.
The ballot question also provides a few best practice fixes to the current system that prevent and deter alcohol sales to minors: it prohibits self-checkout of alcohol that never should be permitted and changes the basis for fines for selling to a minor so that they have an increased deterrence value for preventing illegal sales.
On the Ballot
Question 3 will appear on the ballot with the title “Changes to Alcohol Retail Licensing Initiative.” Legally named the 21st Century Alcohol Retail Reform Committee, the Committee will refer to itself as Yes on 3 now that ballot question numbers have been assigned. Its members include many members of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, MassPack, as well as others involved in responsible retail alcohol sales throughout Massachusetts.
Here’s Why You’re Seeing More Spirits in Different Bottle Sizes
But in December 2020, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) expanded “standard of fill” regulations for wine and distilled spirits available in the U.S., including 700ml bottles for spirits.
New spacing rules for vines approved in Champagne despite vocal opposition
A year after Champagne growers voted to change the necessary distance between vines, the Champagne initiative ‘vignes semi-larges’ has been approved by the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité, but considerable opposition remains.
The NTSB wants all new vehicles to check drivers for alcohol use
The National Transportation Safety Board is recommending that all new vehicles in the U.S. be required to have blood alcohol monitoring systems that can stop an intoxicated person from driving.
Constellation Brands is extending Woodbridge with a new line called Fruitful Blends, billed as sweet, fruity, lightly effervescent wines recommended to be served chilled. According to Serena Shrivastava, brand vice president of Woodbridge, they’re aimed at the many drinkers who “want something other than traditional varietal wines.”
Fruitful Blends are made with Woodbridge’s California red, white and rosé wines and natural fruit flavors, with a hint of fizz added. The 8% abv range includes Peach Raspberry, Mango Pineapple, and Blueberry Blackberry flavors. Woodbridge Fruitful Blends are launching at a suggested retail price of $10-$11 per 750-ml. bottle starting this month on Drizly, InstaCart, and at local retailers nationwide. According to Impact Databank, Woodbridge ranks as the fifth-largest wine brand in the U.S. market at 8.4 million cases.
Why The Franzia Family Stepped Away From Their Wine Company
The story behind Franzia wine is one of a tough immigrant family who made it through challenges like Prohibition and the Great Depression to be one of the top sellers of wine in the United States, only to sell the company decades later.
Casa Azul, a new line of canned Tequila soda cocktails, has launched in select markets across the U.S., through a partnership with RNDC. The 5% abv cocktails come in four flavors—Lime Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Peach Mango, and Watermelon—with each serving containing 100 calories and less than one gram of carbohydrates. Casa Azul Tequila Soda is rolling out in California, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, and Florida in both 4-packs of individual flavors ($13) and a variety 8-pack with two of each flavor.
Timorasso: origin, viticulture, winemaking, and more
Historical records intimate that during ancient times the communes and valleys surrounding Tortona—including Val Curone, Val Grue, Valle Ossona, and Val Borbera—were most celebrated for white wine production.
Spirit of Gallo has launched a new variety pack for High Noon Sun Sips, including two new flavors. The limited edition Tailgate Pack contains eight cans of the vodka-based seltzer split between four flavors—Black Cherry, Grapefruit, and the two new offerings, Cranberry and Pear—and carries a suggested price of $20. Last year, High Noon reached over 8.8 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank, and the brand more than doubled in control states in the six months through this June.
The Beginner’s Guide To Hungarian Wine
Hungary is home to various native Old World grapes produced by diverse wine regions that are once again gaining traction on a global scale.
BUD LIGHT ‘CRACKS OPEN’ NFL SEASON BY CELEBRATING FANS’ FIRST BEER
The official beer sponsor of the NFL is bringing fans closer to the game they love with “Kickoff Beers,” refreshed limited-edition team packaging, and a new NFT project
Constellation Brands’ Robert Mondavi Private Selection has added a new wine, Naturally Sweet Pinot Noir. The wine is lower in alcohol than a typical Pinot Noir, at 9% abv, and is made by stopping fermentation early and without any added sugars. Naturally Sweet Pinot Noir is rolling out across the U.S. now for a suggested price of $16 a 750-ml. Last year, Robert Mondavi Private Selection reached 2.06 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.
Riesling is Far More Wide-Ranging That You Probably Realize
From dry to sweet and at all points in between, Riesling produces some of the most food-friendly and age-worthy white wines in the world.
6 Unique Tips for Pairing Cigars With Food at a Dinner Party
Hosting a dinner party is the perfect opportunity to show off your culinary skills. But it can also be a chance to showcase your knowledge of cigar and food pairings.
This village is on the shore of Lake Trasimeno (Lago di Trasimeno in Italian), which is at the heart of the wine producing denomination, Trasimeno DOC.
Truly Hard Seltzer has reformulated to include real fruit juice across its 30-flavor portfolio. Billed as now having a cleaner taste profile, Truly mix packs including Citrus, Berry, and Tropical made with real fruit juice are rolling out now. The brand has also added two new flavors, Watermelon Breeze and Strawberry Lime. The portfolio now includes 12 original flavors, plus five flavors of Truly Lemonade, four flavors of Truly Iced Tea, four flavors of Truly Punch, two flavors of Truly Extra, and four flavors of Truly Margarita.
Gallo Sues Freixenet Over Choice Of Bottle
E. & J. Gallo is in federal court this summer against Freixenet over the overall look of a Prosecco bottle, according to court records.
This Drinking Habit Can Help You Consume Less Wine, New Study Suggests
In the study, which was published in the journal Addiction, 260 households in the United Kingdom that each typically consumed two 750-milliliter bottles of wine every week (the equivalent of 10 five-ounce glasses of wine) were asked to adopt a new drinking habit for 14 days.
Apparently, about 45% of Americans have had an alcoholic drink within the past week, while another 23% say they use it occasionally (the remainder are “total abstainers”).
Devil’s Advocate – Yes, People Do Need Help When Choosing Wine
In the wake of the financial difficulties facing the US wine-tech startup, Pix, there is some argument over whether apps and artificial intelligence can ever effectively help people choose bottles of wine. Robert Joseph has a few thoughts on the subject.
When tasting any wine, whether formally or just for your own pleasure, there are three main components you should examine: appearance, nose and palate.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 312 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore 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 explore 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 explore 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 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 […]
