Franklin Liquors-The Wonderful World of Wine

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

11-02-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

Top 10 wine-related baby names

The three-tier system

Rough Times for Wine

Stop Complaining About “Season Creep” in Craft Beer

If you want the industry to keep pouring out interesting flavors and styles, you shouldn’t be mad about Christmas Ale during Oktoberfest.

https://slate.com/life/2026/10/best-fall-beers-oktoberfest-sam-adams-great-lakes-brewing.html

Rosemount returns to founding family as TWE sells three wine brands

Treasury Wine Estates has agreed to sell Rosemount, Ingoldby and Secret Stone to the Oatley family as it continues to reduce its global wine portfolio. The deal will see Rosemount return to its founding family, with the sale expected to complete later this month.

Rosemount returns to founding family as TWE sells three wine brands

Top 10 wine-related baby names

An analysis by db of three decades of birth registrations in England and Wales has found that Margaux is now the most popular wine-related name for a baby, having overtaken Chardonnay, which grew in popularity after Footballers’ Wives aired on ITV in 2002.

Top 10 wine-related baby names

7 Chardonnays You Should Try if You Like Big, Oaky Wines

Chardonnay has long been one of the world’s most popular wine grapes.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-oaky-buttery-chardonnay

A Virginia Wine Expert Says These Are the Region’s Best Varietals

Winemakers are crafting excellent bottles with these three types of grapes.

https://northernvirginiamag.com/food-and-drink/2026/10/09/a-virginia-wine-expert-says-these-are-the-regions-best-varietals

Flavored Beer Defies Traditional Bev-Alc Slump, Led by Apple Lager and Cheladas

Flavor has permeated all aspects of beverage-alcohol, and conventional wisdom holds that it is most concentrated in the ready-to-drink (RTD) space, rather than traditional iterations of beer, wine and spirits.

https://www.brewbound.com/news/flavored-beer-defies-traditional-bev-alc-slump-led-by-apple-lager-and-cheladas

The 12 best non-alcoholic beers and hop waters in America for 2026

Gold through bronze, the 12 medal-winning non-alcoholic beers and hop waters from the 2026 Great American Beer Festival

https://qz.com/best-non-alcoholic-beers-2026#the-12-best-non-alcoholic-beers-and-hop-waters-in-america-for-2026

We Asked 13 Bartenders: What’s the Most Underrated Cheap Bourbon?

Cheap bourbon isn’t glamorous. The labels don’t tout special barrel finishes or unique age statements.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-underrated-cheap-bourbon-2026

What are tannins, and why do they matter?

Gabriel Stone explains where tannins come from, why they help wine age, and how food and time turn them from a challenge into wine’s greatest asset.

What are tannins, and why do they matter?

The best craft beers to drink instead of America’s most-searched brands

Craft beer alternatives to Michelob Ultra, Corona, Guinness and more, matched style for style with 2026 GABF gold medal winners

https://qz.com/craft-beer-alternatives-gabf-2026#the-best-craft-beers-to-drink-instead-of-americas-most-searched-brands

Religion and the Decline in Alcohol Use

As Gallup recently reported, Americans’ use of alcohol is at its lowest point in history.

https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/715613/religion-decline-alcohol.aspx

Craft Spirits Are Down Again, But Some Perspective Is Needed

U.S. craft spirits sales fell for the third consecutive year in 2025, the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA) announced last week.

https://whiskyadvocate.com/american-craft-spirits-data-2026

US non-alc sales hit $1bn in off-premise

Sales of non-alcoholic drinks surpassed US$1 billion in US retail with spirits alternatives growing the fastest.

US non-alc sales hit $1bn in off-premise

Receivers close in on Uncle Nearest sale

The receiver for Tennessee whiskey maker Uncle Nearest is in discussions with three potential buyers for the company’s remaining US assets.

Receivers close in on Uncle Nearest sale

Cù Bòcan launches popcorn-inspired whisky

The new experimental single malt from Tomatin Distillery has been aged and blended to taste like sweet and salty cinema popcorn.

Cù Bòcan launches popcorn-inspired whisky

The Best Type Of Wine Glass For Pinot Noir

Pinot noir is one of the most popular varieties of red wine, appreciated by drinkers across the globe for its delightfully delicate, yet complex, flavor.

https://www.mashed.com/2280399/best-wine-glass-for-drinking-pinot-noir

The three-tier system

When thinking about the current state of affairs of the US wine industry, it’s hard to ignore the impact that the three-tier system has on it.

https://lowkeywinenerd.substack.com/p/the-three-tier-system-part-one

As Wine Sales Soften, What Will Happen to the World’s Coopers?

Cooperage, the art of transforming a tree into a barrel, is a trade in peril. Here’s how artisan operations are weathering the storm.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/cooperage-wine-sales-struggle

Rough Times for Wine

Even the producers of bargain wines are struggling.

https://beveragesbooksandmore.substack.com/p/rough-times-for-wine

Foiled Again: A Brief History of Capsules

That unassuming yet ubiquitous little capsule actually has an interesting story.

Foiled Again: A Brief History of Capsules

Usapa sounds alarm over youth alcohol marketing

The US Alcohol Policy Alliance (Usapa) has raised concerns over celebrity endorsements and sweet-flavoured collaborations that could appeal to underage consumers.

Usapa sounds alarm over youth alcohol marketing

MGP Ingredients rebrands to Sempreon

Third-party producer MGP Ingredients will operate under a new name, bringing its three businesses together under the Sempreon brand.

MGP Ingredients rebrands to Sempreon

What happens when data centers come to wine country?

The Columbia Valley is prime agricultural land, growing dozens of crops including wheat, apples, cherries, hops, and wine grapes. The latest ‘crop’? Data centers.

What happens when data centers come to wine country?

9 Best IPAs In 2026 So Far

IPA (India Pale Ale) is a hop-forward style of beer that has boomed in popularity in the U.S., beginning with the microbrewery movement of the 1990s.

https://www.mashed.com/2288782/best-ipa-beer

The White Wine Styles That Can Handle a Steak, According to Wine Pros

Wine experts explain why aged Chardonnay, sherry, Champagne, and more belong at your next steak dinner.

https://www.foodandwine.com/white-wines-pair-steak-12175296

Whatever You’re Drinking, Avoid Drinking It With Wine Snobs — A Wine Lover On a Loathsome Breed

Why the Bottle Does Not Make the Man, No Matter How Good It Looks On the ‘Gram

https://www.papercitymag.com/restaurants/avoiding-wine-snobs-power-drinking-what-love-without-rules

How To Remove A Broken Wine Cork From The Bottle

This mishap is easier to fix than you think.

https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-remove-a-broken-wine-cork-from-the-bottle-12132679

SPANISH WINE REGIONS GUIDE FOR EVERY TABLE

A bottle of Spanish wine has a way of starting a conversation before the first pour.

Spanish Wine Regions Guide for Every Table

How Guided Wine Tastings Help Enthusiasts Develop a More Refined Palate

A favorite wine can make dinner feel special, but it can also raise an interesting question: what makes this particular glass so enjoyable?

https://www.thehypemagazine.com/2026/10/16/how-guided-wine-tastings-help-enthusiasts-develop-a-more-refined-palate

Pairing Wine With Fall

Wines to pour with autumnal fare, plus this week’s favorite stories about food, wine, and culture

https://www.makerstable.com/p/pairing-wine-with-fall

Why Is Marijuana Regulated More Strictly Than Alcohol, Even Though It Is Safer To Use?

Second, cannabis is regulated more comprehensively than virtually any other retail product sold in Massachusetts.

Why Is Marijuana Regulated More Strictly Than Alcohol, Even Though It Is Safer To Use? (Op-Ed)

6 Genius Uses for Wine Corks You Probably Haven’t Thought of Yet

From the garden to the dinner table.

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/craft-ideas/a74133254/wine-cork-craft-ideas

California loses nearly 10% of vineyard acreage in a year

California has lost more than 47,000 acres of vineyards in the past year as growers respond to falling wine demand and changing consumer habits.

California loses nearly 10% of vineyard acreage in a year

Move Over, Champagne: Ultra-Aged American Sparkling Wine Is Here

There’s some pretty sophisticated bubbly happening on this side of the Atlantic.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/ultra-aged-american-sparkling-wine-1238756715

Corona retains top beer brand ranking as US lagers lose value

Corona Extra has retained its position as the world’s most valuable beer brand, while several major US beer brands have recorded significant declines in value, according to Brand Finance’s Beers 50 2026 report.

Corona retains top beer brand ranking as US lagers lose value

Sonoma County’s Historically Early Harvest Sets the Stage for an Exceptional 2026 Vintage

Across Sonoma County’s diverse growing regions, winegrowers and winemakers are sharing their perspectives on an unforgettable harvest and the promising wines of 2026

Sonoma County’s Historically Early Harvest Sets the Stage for an Exceptional 2026 Vintage

‘I lost my entire export business overnight’: the toll of Trump’s tariffs on US wine

When America thwacked tariffs on Canadian wines, Doug Frost MW, who runs Echolands Winery in Washington, lost his entire export business overnight. He fears that the aftershock for US wineries will span far past Donald Trump’s term in office: “it will take a generation to undo the damage that’s been done”, he tells Amelie Maurice-Jones.

‘I lost my entire export business overnight’: the toll of Trump’s tariffs on US wine

Alentejo launches region-wide lightweight wine bottle

Wines of Alentejo has unveiled a 390g bottle developed with Verallia that any producer in the region will be able to use. Patrick Schmitt MW reports on the launch event in London yesterday.

Alentejo launches region-wide lightweight wine bottle

The 30 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2026

Every year, with every new list of the best rye whiskeys, every booze writer out there tries to convince you that this (this!) is finally rye’s time to shine again.

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

The Wine Business Needs to Wake Up

Why the wine industry’s best decade could still be ahead of it, if it gets out of a 1996 mentality

https://garyvee.substack.com/p/the-wine-business-needs-to-wake-up

Why More Whiskey Makers Are Turning to Wheat for Softer, Sweeter Bourbon

Long associated with Pappy Van Winkle, wheated bourbon is entering a new era as distillers experiment with different recipes, aging techniques, and higher-proof expressions.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wheated-bourbon-vs-wheat-whiskey-12182955

Can a Shipwreck Offer New Clues to Ancient Wine Trade?

A 2,100-year-old Roman wreck off Sicily, packed with wine amphorae, may shed light on ancient trade

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/roman-shipwreck-offer-new-clues-to-ancient-wine-trade

Jack Daniel’s New $90 Coy Hill Rye Is Aged at Least 10 Years and Reaches 148.5 Proof

The latest Special Release is a high-proof, single-barrel rye whiskey aged at the distillery’s highest elevation.

https://www.foodandwine.com/jack-daniels-single-barrel-special-release-coy-hill-rye-2026-12182956

California backs local spirits with distillery trail

The California Distillers Association (CDA) has created a distillery trail after receiving a US$470,000 government grant to promote locally made spirits.

California backs local spirits with distillery trail

Art and Wine Have a Long History

But Does Art Sell Wine?

https://vinepair.com/articles/does-art-sell-wine

The Map Is Being Redrawn, and the Grapes Are Coming Back From the Dead

Appellation rules are bending, England and Sweden are crashing the sparkling party, and a few obsessive growers are digging up grapes your great-great-grandparents drank.

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-map-is-being-redrawn-and-the

We Taste-Tested 8 Dark Beers — Our Final Ranking Surprised Even Guinness Fans

Here’s what came out on top, and why.

https://www.foodandwine.com/we-tasted-the-best-dark-beers-12182986

Røsnæs to become Denmark’s second wine PDO

A small peninsula on the west coast of Sjælland has applied for Protected Designation of Origin status, putting it on course to become only the second wine PDO in Denmark, eight years after Dons.

Røsnæs to become Denmark’s second wine PDO

What Does Cooked Agave Actually Taste Like?

Ten experts describe the flavor most tequila drinkers have never tasted.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/what-does-cooked-agave-actually-taste-like

This New NA Beer Is Making Its Nonalcoholic Label Harder to Notice

Go Brewing’s founder argues that defining beer by what it doesn’t contain is holding the category back, and he wants to change that perception.

https://www.foodandwine.com/go-brewing-nonalcoholic-beer-smaller-nonalcoholic-disclosure-on-packaging-12184747

The Best European Ski Destinations for Really Good Wine

In these Alpine destinations, there’s more to après ski than Cristal and caviar.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/travel/wine-ski-destinations

The Beginner’s Guide to Choosing Wine for Thanksgiving Dinner

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a cellar’s worth of bottles to make it all work.

https://www.lacrema.com/thanksgiving-wine-food-pairings.html

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

10-19-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

The Human Cost of Cheap Wine

For the love of wine, have a glass

11 Popular Dark Beers Ranked Worst To Best

The Living Vineyard

How Shepherds, Six-Legged Shielders, and Sky Patrols Reclaimed the Land

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-living-vineyard

Oktoberfest Is Going Nonalcoholic This Year

As demand for NA beer grows, breweries are giving one of fall’s biggest beer traditions, Oktoberfest, an alcohol-free makeover with new versions of classic märzen.

https://www.foodandwine.com/nonalcoholic-oktoberfest-octoberfest-beer-12138841

10 Red Bordeaux That Prove Great Bottles Don’t Have to Cost a Fortune

There’s never been a better time to buy Bordeaux.

https://www.foodandwine.com/affordable-bordeaux-red-wines-12134872

Hue cares? 

Cornell study says wine color isn’t the whole picture

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1145505

9 Great Places to Retire if You Love Wine and Vineyards

• These nine retirement destinations range from vineyard-rich regions to cities with easy access to nearby wineries and wine trails.
• https://www.investopedia.com/9-great-places-to-retire-if-you-love-wine-and-vineyards-12140077

11 Popular Dark Beers Ranked Worst To Best

Organizing beers by color is akin to describing spirits as “smooth” — to connoisseurs, the designations are near-meaningless, 

https://www.mashed.com/2266125/popular-dark-beers-ranked-worst-to-best

Can Scotch whisky shake off its old-fashioned image?

The fusty image of Scotch whisky has to change to meet the demands of potential new consumers. Here’s how brands are endeavoring to entice the next generation of drinkers.

Can Scotch whisky shake off its old-fashioned image?

What Does It Take to Make Bourbon Ice Cream? We Followed the Process From Barrel to Pint

To make Bourbon Ball ice cream, Graeter’s selects a barrel from New Riff that must be dumped, proofed, bottled, and routed through Ohio’s liquor-control system.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-is-graeters-bourbon-ball-ice-cream-made-12134697

The Pantry Staple That Makes Cheap Beer Taste 10X Better

Cheap beer is a cherished beverage for those who frequent dive bars, saloons, lounges, and their neighborhood bar down the street.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2264442/pantry-staple-cheap-beer-better-salt

How world whisky is winning repeat purchases

Countries such as India, France, Australia, and Asian nations are growing their whisky offerings. But what exactly is drawing drinkers back for repeat purchases?

How world whisky is winning repeat purchases

How this electric blue wine broke the internet 

Wineries have long-since scratched their heads over how to win round the wayward, increasingly sober Gen Z, but the answer may lie with an electric-blue bottle reminiscent of a fruity vape flavour. This is Echo Falls Blue Raspberry, which went viral and sold out before its official release. “It launched us back into the conversation,” its brand manager tells db.

How this electric blue wine broke the internet 

Has natural wine stolen organic’s thunder?

Natural wine has captured the imagination of younger drinkers in a way organic wine has struggled to match. After 40 years championing organic viticulture, Vintage Roots co-founders Lance Pigott and Neil Palmer tell the drinks business why they think one movement has proved easier to sell than the other.

Has natural wine stolen organic’s thunder?

We Asked 11 Bartenders: What’s the Best Rye for Beginners?

Unlike the approachable sweet vanilla and caramel flavors of corn-based bourbon, rye whiskey’s unique base delivers a distinct spice note that might turn off some first-timers

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-best-rye-whiskey-for-beginners-2026

The Man Behind Two Buck Chuck Said No Wine Should Cost More Than $10. He Was Half Right.

The most hated man in American wine asked why an $80 bottle is worth forty times a $2 one. The research answers him, and so does his own guilty plea

https://thepolishedpalate.substack.com/p/fred-franzia-two-buck-chuck-wine-pricing

Can You Know What a Wine Tastes Like From the Label? Here’s What the Design Might Tell You

From minimalist typography to playful illustrations, a wine label can hint at everything from style and occasion to the producer’s philosophy.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-bottle-label-design-12145592

How to Prevent Humidity From Damaging Your Wine Cellar

Taking care to ensure good environmental conditions is an absolute must if maintaining a pristine collection of banked vintages is to be expected, since care, patience, and investment of money must all be considered.

How to Prevent Humidity From Damaging Your Wine Cellar

The One Question to Ask a Sommelier That Reveals If a Restaurant Actually Cares

A bookseller-style question that gets past the label jargon.

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-one-question-to-ask-a-sommelier

Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine on the Wonderful World of Wine Podcast

One of those chats has just been made available, a somewhat lengthy chat that I was invited to have on The Wonderful World of Wine podcast, hosted by Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone.

https://www.1winedude.com/adapting-judging-and-unlearning-wine-on-the-wonderful-world-of-wine-podcast

China’s wine imports continue to slide

China imported 11% less wine by volume in the first half of 2026 as the country’s long-term decline in imported wine consumption continued. However, the value of shipments edged higher as the market shifted away from cheaper wines towards more selective purchasing.

China’s wine imports continue to slide

The Best Wines to Serve at a Wedding

According to Industry Pros

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-serve/best-wines-for-a-wedding

What is Biodynamic Wine Anyway?

The wine buzzword we’ve been hearing people talk about most lately is biodynamic.

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/what-is-biodynamic-wine-and-farming

Trump just banned Canadian booze — but there’s a big catch

At a high level, the Trump order bans Canadian alcohol imports under a certain size but allows for bulk shipments.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/29/economy/trump-just-banned-canadian-booze-heres-what-you-need-to-know

What US winemakers don’t have to tell UK consumers

A UK-US wine agreement formally published by the British Government on 30 September has laid bare the extent to which winemaking techniques can remain invisible to consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

What US winemakers don’t have to tell UK consumers

King of Kentucky Single Barrel Is Back With a 14-Year-Old Bourbon Starting at 125 Proof

Only 99 barrels made the cut this year, with bottles arriving this fall at a suggested price of $399.

https://www.foodandwine.com/king-of-kentucky-single-barrel-bourbon-14-year-2026-12149559

What Happens to Your Body After 30 Alcohol-Free Days of Sober October?

Doctors say some changes can emerge within days, while others build gradually throughout the month — and beyond.

https://www.foodandwine.com/health-benefits-of-not-drinking-for-a-month-12134696

Diageo wins ‘100% agave’ Tequila lawsuit

Diageo has secured a significant court victory over allegations that its Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas were falsely marketed as “100% agave”. A New York federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding that the plaintiffs had failed to provide sufficient evidence of widespread adulteration.

Diageo wins ‘100% agave’ Tequila lawsuit

How Do You Make a Tequila Smooth?

Four master distillers explain why smooth tequila is made, not fixed.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/how-do-you-make-a-tequila-smooth

Taylor Swift Pours a Darker Glass in Her Newest Wine-Filled Music Video

The self-proclaimed white-wine fan trades Sancerre for brooding reds in a visually striking new release

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/taylor-swift-pours-a-darker-glass-in-wine-filled-music-video

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Taint

Smoke taint is primarily a problem in red grapes, although it can affect whites as well. 

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Taint

Machines Are Replacing This Centuries-Old Sparkling Wine Tradition

Riddling takes a month by hand and 7 days by machine. Some winemakers aren’t ready to let it go.

https://www.foodandwine.com/traditional-hand-riddling-may-disappear-12153168

What’s Really in That Bold Red Wine? And What Really Caused Your Hangover?

The inside dirt on Mega Purple and other wine additives, from one of Dallas’ top sommeliers.

https://www.dmagazine.com/food-drink/2026/10/red-wine-sulfites-hangover-mega-purple

Introducing the Old Vine Registry Seal

With the exception of a few regions in Spain (Priorat, Rioja, Ribera del Duero) and in Greece, the term “old vines” isn’t officially regulated or defined anywhere.

https://www.vinography.com/2026/10/introducing-the-old-vine-registry-seal

3 of the best wineries in Napa Valley to visit

From wine caves to mountaintop vineyards, these Napa Valley wineries pair memorable wine tastings with beautiful scenery and unique experiences

https://qz.com/best-wineries-napa-valley-readers-digest#3-of-the-best-wineries-in-napa-valley-to-visit

What’s In Your Glass? Napa Winery Launches Ingredient Labels

Napa’s Honig Vineyard and Winery is providing this information on its bottles, and hopes other vintners will follow suit

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/napa-winery-launches-ingredient-labels

For the love of wine, have a glass

The wine industry in California and around the world is suffering, and I find it heartbreaking that something so deeply human–one of the oldest threads running through civilization–is struggling to survive.

https://www.post-journal.com/news/local-news/2026/10/for-the-love-of-wine-have-a-glass

The Simple Trick To Chill Wine Quickly—And No, It’s Not The Freezer

Chill a bottle in as little as 15 minutes.

https://www.southernliving.com/the-simple-trick-to-chill-wine-quickly-11970979

There are rules that distinguish sparkling wine from Champagne

French law, recognized by over 130 countries including the EU, dictates the terms.

https://www.morningbrew.com/stories/the-rules-that-make-champagne-champagne

One Of America’s Most Beloved Beers Is Also The Worst Tasting Overall

The blue and white packaging has become nearly ubiquitous among U.S. tailgate and college football panoramas. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2270071/worst-american-beer-beloved-brand

Our Favorite Cheap Beer Brand Of All Time Was Also The Favorite Of Miners

The golden color scheme of Coors Banquet is only appropriate considering the fact it originated in Golden, Colorado.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2271454/favorite-cheap-beer-brand-coors-banquet-beer

Why becoming a beer sommelier requires ‘passion and discipline’

The Beer Sommelier accreditation, which recognizes advanced expertise in beer styles, brewing processes, sensory evaluation, food pairings, and beer service, continues to grow. db reports.

Why becoming a beer sommelier requires ‘passion and discipline’

Engineers to study whisky making in space

A joint Scottish-Japanese project to study whisky making in space may pave the way for a new generation of medicines.

Engineers to study whisky making in space

The Hands-Down Best Cheap Beer Isn’t Pabst Blue Ribbon Or Miller Lite

Cheap beer isn’t just an affordable option for college kids or a part of your local dive bar experience.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2271663/best-cheap-beer-miller-high-life

This $25 Bottle Is the World’s Best Bourbon, According to the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition

The bottled-in-bond bourbon earned 98 points and a Gold Outstanding medal, beating out bottles that cost hundreds of dollars more.

https://www.foodandwine.com/old-bardstown-bottled-in-bond-worlds-best-bourbon-international-wine-and-spirits-competition-2026-12154267

Future proof: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Following the completion of its billion-dollar expansion, Buffalo Trace Distillery is more set than ever to meet the needs of consumers.

Future proof: Buffalo Trace Distillery

Maker’s Mark Just Released Its First Bourbon Made With Japanese Mizunara Oak

Maker’s Mark is experimenting with one of the whiskey world’s most coveted oaks — but getting a bottle comes with a catch.

https://www.foodandwine.com/makers-mark-expedition-01-world-wood-collection-12159649

What’s The Difference Between Red Wine And Rosé?

For the average wine drinker who’s unscrewing a bottle at the end of a long week, the differences between rosé and red wine boil down to a few pinky-red shades. 

https://www.mashed.com/2271940/difference-between-red-wine-rose-explained

The Human Cost of Cheap Wine

Why Social Equity is the Real Test of Sustainability

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-human-cost-of-cheap-wine

US craft distiller numbers continue to tumble

The number of craft distillers in the US fell by 6.6% in the 12 months to August 2026, while volume and value sales declined for the third year in a row.

US craft distiller numbers continue to tumble

Tequila School: How to Buy, Taste, and Talk About Tequila

Fourteen answers to the questions most drinkers stop asking too soon.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/tequila-school-how-to-buy-taste-and-talk-about-tequila

The 30 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2026

Every year, with every new list of the best rye whiskeys, every booze writer out there tries to convince you that this (this!) is finally rye’s time to shine again.

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

Low-Alcohol Wine Is the New Way to Drink in Moderation

Winemakers are borrowing techniques from the nonalcoholic wine world to make lower-calorie, lower-ABV bottles that still deliver excellent flavor and texture.

https://www.foodandwine.com/great-low-alcohol-wine-12161298

Why Wild Turkey’s New $300 Russell’s Reserve Bourbon Tastes Like a Rye

The secret to its unusually spicy, earthy profile comes down to where the barrels spent more than a decade aging.

https://www.foodandwine.com/russells-reserve-single-rickhouse-camp-nelson-d-12159662

This 104-Proof Limited-Release Is the Best American Whiskey of 2026, According to the International Wine & Spirits Competition

The $140 blend combines aged bourbon and rye, but its unusual finishing process helps explain its near-perfect score.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bardstown-bourbon-company-lochs-of-jura-barrel-finish-best-american-whiskey-international-wine-and-spirits-competition-2026-12161157

Has alcohol really doubled the number of cancer deaths in the US?

The International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research has challenged the findings of a study that suggests alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the US doubled between 1990 and 2023. Sarah Neish reports.

Has alcohol really doubled the number of cancer deaths in the US?

AI learns to detect wine faults before humans can

Moët Hennessy, Analog Devices and UC Davis have demonstrated an AI-powered system capable of identifying the chemical signatures associated with a potential wine fault before it would traditionally be detected. The technology could eventually be used to detect vine disease and problems associated with wildfires.

AI learns to detect wine faults before humans can

A French Appellation has Died. Who Cares?

Last month, France lost one of its hundreds of appellations. The first of how many?

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/a-french-appellation-has-died-who

10 Bottles From Mexico to Try Beyond Tequila and Mezcal

Given the country’s sheer diversity of creative influences, it’s no surprise that the world has become increasingly fascinated by what Mexico is pouring.

https://vinepair.com/articles/mexican-spirits-to-try-beyond-tequila-mezcal

English distillers challenge whisky GI

Two producers have appealed against the new English whisky GI, claiming they shouldn’t need copper stills to make single malt.

English distillers challenge whisky GI

People Still Want Wine at Their Gatherings—but Gathering Is the Challenge

According to a new survey, people still want wine on the table. It’s just a matter of finding the time (and budget) to gather.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/come-over-october-survey

Crown Royal takes world’s strongest-performing spirit title

Diageo’s Crown Royal whisky has been named the strongest-performing spirit globally, while three Tequila brands grew the fastest in a ranking of the 50 most valuable spirits brands.

Crown Royal takes world’s strongest-performing spirit title

Offering alcohol-free beer on tap boosts pub choices while keeping revenues intact, new study shows

Simple changes to pub environments can encourage drinkers to choose alcohol-free options without harming profits, according to new research from the University of York.

https://phys.org/news/2026-10-alcohol-free-beer-boosts-pub.html

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

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Liquor

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Wine

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Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

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Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

10-05-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

There’s More to Wine Than Glamor

Is Wine Healthy for You?

America’s Cooling Relationship With Alcohol

We Tasted and Ranked 10 Oktoberfest Beers — the Best Wasn’t From Germany

Released seasonally from August to October, traditional Oktoberfest beer spans two main styles, and creates a whole lot of opinions.

https://www.foodandwine.com/oktoberfest-beer-ranked-12116667

Can the Feds Ban You From Making Liquor in Your Own Home?

A challenge to the federal prohibition on home distilling could give the Supreme Court a chance to rein in Congress’ Commerce Clause power.

https://reason.com/2026/09/12/can-the-feds-ban-you-from-making-liquor-in-your-own-home

I Tried Optimum Nutrition’s New Protein Beer. Here’s What It’s Like.

Ten grams of protein, 90 calories, and a crisp non-alcoholic pils in one 16 ounce can. Here is what ChampionSips is and how it drinks.

https://www.mensfitness.com/nutrition/optimum-nutritions-new-protein-beer

These 9 U.S. Wine Towns Are Especially Beautiful in the Fall—and Harvest Season Is the Time to Go

From coast to coast, these wine destinations come alive during the harvest season.

https://www.travelandleisure.com/us-wine-towns-harvest-season-12112695

English whisky secures GI

After years of development and consultation, the geographical indication (GI) for English whisky has been approved.

English whisky secures GI

Van Winkle Collection sees another jump in pricing

Kentucky’s Old Rip Van Winkle and Buffalo Trace have unveiled the annual Van Winkle Collection, with average prices up roughly 17%.

Van Winkle Collection sees another jump in pricing

From ‘Dry’ to ‘Neat’

A Guide to Every Common Bar Call

https://vinepair.com/articles/common-bar-calls-guide-infographic

What’s Really in Wine? (Additives and processing aids explored) |

Plus, the disturbing reason Corn Flakes were invented

https://therottenapple.substack.com/p/issue-256

INTIMIDATED BY THE WINE LIST? 

HOW TO CHOOSE A GREAT BOTTLE.

Intimidated by the Wine List? How to choose a great bottle.

APCOR: Cork is wine’s strongest quality signal

Producers and retailers can use cork as an indicator of wine quality without pricing themselves out of the mainstream market, according to new data from the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR).

APCOR: Cork is wine’s strongest quality signal

Parker’s Heritage Is One of the Most Compelling Lines in Whiskey. 

What’s Next for the Label?

https://vinepair.com/articles/heaven-hill-parkers-heritage-20-years-whats-next

We the Wine People Documentary Arrives on Apple TV September 15

New feature film explores the people, research, collaboration and identity shaping Virginia wine

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/323121

Organic Isn’t Always the Most Sustainable Choice

When scale does more for the planet than a seal

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/organic-isnt-always-the-most-sustainable

Booker’s and Little Book Just Released Their New 2026 Whiskeys — Including Booker’s 2nd-Ever Rye

The Booker’s release draws on a Noe family tradition of apples, bourbon barrels, and cinnamon, while Little Book brings together whiskey from three generations.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bookers-the-reserves-little-book-infinite-edition-iii-2026-12121394

Is Natural Wine Just Swill…Or Is It Swill With An Attitude? Or Something Else?

New research concerning commercial yeast adds to this discussion.

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/is-natural-wine-just-swill

Patrón offers free agave-dedicated WSET course

Bacardi-owned Patrón has launched Agave Masters, a global educational programme for bar professionals.

Patrón offers free agave-dedicated WSET course

11 Margarita Myths Everyone Gets Wrong

Including: Any cheap tequila works in a margarita

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/11-margarita-myths-everyone-gets-wrong

The field blend, a brilliant concept that might be making a comeback

Most vineyard plots are planted with single varieties, and there are good reasons for this. But a few days in Portugal’s Douro make me wonder whether the tradition of field blends is worth revisiting.

https://jamiegoode.substack.com/p/the-field-blend-a-brilliant-concept

America’s Cooling Relationship With Alcohol

Gallup has been tracking the U.S. consumer’s relationship with alcohol since 1939, with the two lowest moments before 2024 coming in 1939 and the mid-1980s. 

https://www.meininger.de/en/insights/americas-cooling-relationship-alcohol

How Much Should You Spend On A Good Bottle Of Red Wine In 2026?

With economies everywhere feeling volatile lately, it almost feels irresponsible to spend much on wine.

https://www.mashed.com/2258844/how-much-spend-good-bottle-red-wine-2026

Sazerac revives Glenmore whiskey

Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has relaunched Glenmore Bourbon and rye whiskey, bringing the brand back to shelves after a decades-long hiatus.

Sazerac revives Glenmore whiskey

Italian Aperitivo Favorites

Classic Bottles, Spritz Ideas & European Drinks Delivered to the USA

https://mydrinx.shop/blogs/news/italian-aperitivo-favorites-classic-bottles-spritz-ideas-european-drinks-delivered-to-the-usa

Beyond Pinot Grigio

Discover the Diversity of Italian White Wines

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/italian-white-wine-types-still-sparkling-dry-sweet

Why Soju Is The Ultimate Vodka Swap

With a clean, neutral profile and lower alcohol, this Korean spirit can easily replace the base in your favorite vodka cocktails.

https://www.foodandwine.com/soju-vodka-swap-in-cocktails-12124517

Your Favorite College Sports Team Might Have Its Own Beer — Here’s Why

Universities and alcohol producers are finding that school-branded drinks can generate revenue while giving alumni and fans something more meaningful to raise on game day.

https://www.foodandwine.com/college-beer-collaborations-12122590

Branch & Barrel makes ‘whiskey’ from field peas

Colorado-based Branch & Barrel Distilling has released a limited edition aged speciality spirit, made with a mash bill that includes 22% field peas.

Branch & Barrel makes ‘whiskey’ from field peas

A Timeline of Craft Beer’s Darling Styles

At one point or another during these three decades, certain styles have bubbled up to the craft beer scene’s forefront as the industry’s darling brews.

https://vinepair.com/articles/craft-beer-favorite-styles-timeline

7 Lies About Cristalino Tequila

Let’s clear up some misconceptions about cristalino 

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/7-lies-about-cristalino-tequila

Is Wine Healthy for You?

Yes, it is, but there are a few caveats to consider.

Is Wine Healthy for You?

RED WINE-INSPIRED RECIPES

INSIDE THE INGREDIENTS

https://www.northernexpress.com/news/food/red-wine-inspired-recipes

8 Best German Beers Available In The US

German beer has a reputation for being a bit more serious than its American counterpart.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2260069/best-german-beers-available-us

3 Fall Beers You Should Be Trying In 2026

If there’s one season we could confidently say should be dedicated to beer, it’s fall. 

3 Fall Beers You Should Be Trying In 2026

A Turtle Taught Millions of People to Cut Up Six-Pack Rings. Does It Still Matter?

For a generation, Peanut the turtle became a symbol of the dangers of six-pack rings.

https://www.foodandwine.com/cut-six-pack-rings-12129233

There’s More to Wine Than Glamor

Two films document a community and a family struggling to build a legacy

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/theres-more-to-wine-than-glamor

Could we be facing a fine wine shortage in two years’ time?

In an interview last week, drinks business Bordeaux correspondent Colin Hay projected a rebalancing of fine wine supply and demand around 2028 – which could mean price rises for blue-chip brands in two years’ time.

Could we be facing a fine wine shortage in two years’ time?

9 Grape Varieties to Try if You Love Chardonnay

Describe a wine as buttery, and most picture Chardonnay.

https://vinepair.com/articles/chardonnay-alternative-grapes-to-try

Chianti Employs AI to Combat Fakes 

Artificial intelligence is making its way deeper into the wine industry, moving beyond the vineyard and the cellar and into combating fake wines. 

Chianti Employs AI to Combat Fakes 

We Asked 15 Bartenders: What’s Your Go-To Tailgating Drink?

Tailgating is a traditional game day staple for many. It’s also the one moment of guaranteed Sunday afternoon happiness. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-go-to-tailgate-drink

Southern-Glazer’s and Bribery at the Wine Wholesale Tier

On the culture of bribery in wine wholesaling

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/southern-glazers-and-bribery-at-wholesale-tier

Jefferson’s Bourbon gets makeover

Pernod Ricard has revealed a new design for Jefferson’s Bourbon and added an eight-year age statement to its Reserve expression.

Jefferson’s Bourbon gets makeover

Family-run Californian winery up for sale after Canada booze ban

McManis Family Vineyards, a massive 36-year-old Northern California winery known for its organic varietal wines, is selling its main winery and vineyards after exports nosedived amid Canada’s boycott of American alcohol.

Family-run Californian winery up for sale after Canada booze ban

Hard Mountain Dew offers US$1 million for Bigfoot sighting

The team behind the alcoholic flavoured malt beverage is offering a US$1 million bounty to anyone who can provide “verified evidence” that Bigfoot exists as it puts the mythical (or real) creature at the heart of its latest campaign.

Hard Mountain Dew offers US$1 million for Bigfoot sighting

The 10 Most Expensive Bourbons in the World

Dank cellars are a gold mine for some drinkers.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/10-most-expensive-bourbons-2026

Lawson’s Finest Liquids releases its first non-alcoholic beer amid decline in alcohol use

More Americans are choosing to stay sober at bars and restaurants, and Lawson’s is the latest Vermont business to get in on the growing trend of offering non-alcoholic products.

https://www.wcax.com/2026/09/22/lawsons-finest-liquids-releases-its-first-non-alcoholic-beer-amid-decline-alcohol-use

The Radler Is the Unsung Hero of Oktoberfest

The traditional combination of beer and lemon soda is called a “radler,” and it’s offered as an option everywhere beer is sold at Oktoberfest.

https://vinepair.com/articles/radler-beer-unsung-oktoberfest-hero

Ina Garten’s Secret to a Better Bourbon Sour Is Surprisingly Simple

Batch this crowd-pleasing cocktail for your next happy hour, just like the Barefoot Contessa.

https://www.foodandwine.com/ina-garten-bourbon-sour-12137396

For the Love of Zinfandel: An Essential History

A celebration of California Zinfandel at the Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta.

https://wineflights.substack.com/p/for-the-love-of-zinfandel-an-essential

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

09-21-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What Makes a Wine Vegan?

What’s the etiquette for serving Port?

Is your beer being ‘deceptive’ about where it is brewed?

How Grain Shapes Whisk(e)y

What makes barley, corn, and rye more than just starch sources? A close look at how grain chemistry and processing build whisky character.

https://thespiritjournal.substack.com/p/cereal-choices-how-grain-type-shapes

Lodi grape harvest begins weeks ahead of schedule as wine industry struggles continue

It is an unprecedented grape harvest, with some growers starting as early as late July. They say this is the earliest harvest they’ve ever seen in the Lodi wine region.

https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/lodi-wine-grape-early-harvest

The Last Glass of Wine in the Bottle Can Be the Worst — Here’s When to Send It Back

You ordered a glass of wine, not the dregs. Here’s how to know when to send it back and what to say.

https://www.foodandwine.com/restaurant-glass-wine-bad-12071521

What Makes a Wine Vegan?

A Guide for Conscious Drinkers

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/what-makes-a-wine-vegan

Climate change pushes French wine production north

Winemakers are establishing vineyards in Normandy and Brittany as rising temperatures alter the viability of wine production across France. But growers moving north in search of more favourable conditions warn that frost, drought and extreme rainfall are already demonstrating that emerging regions will not escape the volatility of a changing climate.

Climate change pushes French wine production north

How to get Grenache noticed by the consumer

Despite being the seventh most planted grape variety across the world, Grenache is often goes unnoticed by consumers — even though they drink a lot of it. Now is your chance to make your wine stand out at the Global Grenache Masters competition.

How to get Grenache noticed by the consumer

Why apéritifs are still a solid bet

Apéritif producers have pushed their formerly low-key brands into the heart of drinking culture, and are now adapting to retain consumer interest.

Why apéritifs are still a solid bet

Canadian whisky slumps in US control states

Sales of Canadian whisky in US control states saw the biggest drop of all spirits categories in July as Scotch and Tequila grew.

Canadian whisky slumps in US control states

Non-alcoholic beer sees rise in quality and reputation

Non-alcoholic beer has transitioned from a niche compromise into a mainstream, premium category, driven by advancements in brewing technology and shifting social habits. Jessica Mason reports on how it has developed in terms of inclusivity and also offers everyone a right to their own privacy.

Non-alcoholic beer sees rise in quality and reputation

Why Bryan Cranston Talked Two Celebrities Out of the Tequila Business

Cranston and Aaron Paul of Dos Hombres say a famous name sells the first bottle, never the second.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/why-bryan-cranston-talked-two-celebrities-out-of-the-tequila-business

This Is the No. 1 Beer in America, According to a New Report

Lagers claim four of the top five spots nationwide, with an Irish stout as the sole exception.

https://www.foodandwine.com/most-popular-beer-in-america-according-to-google-search-data-12071118

College Football’s Beer Boom Is About More Than Thirsty Fans

College stadiums resisted selling beer for decades. A major policy shift — and a new financial reality for college athletics — quickly changed that.

https://www.foodandwine.com/college-football-beer-sales-12075290

Basil Hayden’s First Cognac Cask-Finished Bourbon Is Here — and It’s Only $50

The French oak barrels previously held Cognac for 20 to 25 years, marking the brand’s first use of casks from a non-American spirit.

https://www.foodandwine.com/basil-hayden-cognac-cask-reserve-bourbon-12074691

How Champagne is sustaining sales in restaurants

Champagne is still a mainstay of the restaurant scene, but producers are having to work harder and smarter to keep their place on the list, reports Douglas Blyde.

How Champagne is sustaining sales in restaurants

Bordeaux fire myths debunked

Reputations are shaped as much by misinformation as by information. In the aftermath of the Bordeaux blazes, Sarah Neish brings you the facts about the fires – and what they really mean for the region’s 2026 vintage.

Bordeaux fire myths debunked

Wine Folly Launches Its First Mobile App

Putting 32 Interactive Wine Maps in Your Pocket

Wine Folly Launches Its First Mobile App, Putting 32 Interactive Wine Maps in Your Pocket

Your Tequila Might Have Been Bottled in Indiana. 7 Rules Explain Why.

The truth about tequila regulations and why they matter to you

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/7-rules-that-decide-what-can-be-called-tequila

Brown-Forman CEO: US whiskey demise ‘exaggerated’

The CEO of Brown-Forman has played down the demise of the American whiskey category, stating that “interest is very high” despite declining sales.

Brown-Forman CEO: US whiskey demise ‘exaggerated’

For Savory Pot Roast, Cook It In This Popular Wine

If you’re a regular Tasting Table reader, you know what a game-changer cooking with wine can be.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2247837/cook-savory-pot-roast-best-wine

Woodford Reserve explores ‘super seasoned’ oak

Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve has unveiled an experimental Bourbon aged in barrels made from staves exposed to the elements for five to seven years.

Woodford Reserve explores ‘super seasoned’ oak

French wine yields drop to new historic low after searing summer heat

French wine production is expected to suffer its worst harvest in some 70 years with the agriculture ministry on Monday forecasting a 6 percent drop in output after a summer of scorching temperatures, heatwaves and drought. France last week announced more than €1 billion in emergency support for farmers.

https://www.france24.com/en/france/20260907-scorching-summer-pushes-french-wine-harvest-to-new-historic-low

Beer Can Be Saved from Pesticide Contamination. 

Here’s What Companies and Consumers Need to Do.

Op-Ed | Beer Can Be Saved from Pesticide Contamination. Here’s What Companies and Consumers Need to Do.

This New $100 Bourbon Blends 3 of Kentucky’s Most Coveted Whiskeys in One Bottle

Created to honor longtime distiller Chris Morris’ 50-year career, Kentucky Boy will debut September 10 at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

https://www.foodandwine.com/kentucky-boy-bourbon-celebrates-master-distiller-emeritus-chris-morris-12108325

Blue Nun is back with a vengeance

Wildly popular in the 1970s and ’80s, German wine Blue Nun graced the dinner table of many a bouffant-sporting host, with 3.5 million bottles sold per year in its heyday. Now, the brand’s owner Les Grands Chais de France is determined to restore the brand’s place in consumer affections. 

Blue Nun is back with a vengeance

9 California Chardonnays You Should Try if You Don’t Like Big, Oaky Wines

Chardonnay is a much-maligned grape

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/non-oaky-california-chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

 The Wild Chameleon Grape You Think You Know

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/sauvignon-blanc-friuli-italy-styria-austria-moravia-czech-republic

Single Malts, Kiwi-Style

New Zealand’s single malt distillers are making some great whiskies

https://whiskyadvocate.com/new-zealand-whisky-distilleries

Is your beer being ‘deceptive’ about where it is brewed?

A tool for people to uncover where the beer they buy from supermarkets has been brewed has been created to assist in consumers’ plight for product transparency. db reports.

Is your beer being ‘deceptive’ about where it is brewed?

California winery swaps Zinfandel for sunflowers

A Sonoma County winery has replaced an acre of Zinfandel vines with more than 3,000 sunflowers as California’s wine industry grapples with oversupply and changing consumer tastes. Chateau Diana says the move is designed to attract visitors and diversify its offering as vineyard removals accelerate across Wine Country.

California winery swaps Zinfandel for sunflowers

Trump bans Canadian spirits imports

US President Donald Trump will impose a near-total ban on Canadian alcoholic beverage imports as the trade war between the two nations escalates.

Trump bans Canadian spirits imports

Sarti Rosa makes US debut

Sarti Rosa’s arrival in the US is said to mark Campari Group’s largest investment behind an aperitivo launch.

Sarti Rosa makes US debut

Skrewball launches PB&J whiskey cans

Pernod Ricard-owned Skrewball has released cans of peanut butter and strawberry jelly-flavored whiskey in the US.

Skrewball launches PB&J whiskey cans

7 NFL Teams Whose Fans Have Iconic Game Day Drink Orders 

From the Chicago Handshake to the Kansas City Ice Water

https://vinepair.com/articles/nfl-team-fans-specific-drink-ordes

14 Red Wines That Taste Better Chilled

Chilled red wine isn’t just for summer anymore.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-red-wines-to-chill-12111943

Italian winery to send US organic farmers to Congress

Candoni Wines is raising funds this September for the Organic Farmers Association’s annual fly-in to Washington DC, which puts producers directly in front of policymakers.

Italian winery to send US organic farmers to Congress

Why alcohol-free drinks aren’t a ‘gateway’ to booze but a path to moderation

New research has confirmed that there is no evidence that alcohol-free drinks lead people towards alcohol, but growing evidence they support moderation. db reports.

Why alcohol-free drinks aren’t a ‘gateway’ to booze but a path to moderation

Gen Z Is Drinking More. This Is What’s Winning Them Over, According to a New Report

A new Morning Consult report tracking more than 2,800 brands found a major shift in what younger adults are considering buying, with interest in one alcohol category roughly doubling in early 2026.

https://www.foodandwine.com/gen-z-canned-cocktail-trend-12111867

Tariffs Hurt the Wine Industry. Did the Refunds Stop the Bleeding?

After years of back-and-forth tariff headaches, billions of dollars are back in importer pockets. Are there more worries to come?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/tariff-refunds

7 French Wines You Should Try at Least Once in Your Life

The bucket-list bottles every French wine lover should try.

https://www.foodandwine.com/french-wines-every-wine-lover-should-try-12113117

We Matched Every NFL Team With Its Fans’ Choice Tequila

32 teams, 32 bottles. A hometown brand, a stadium sponsor, or a player’s own pick.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/we-matched-every-nfl-team-with-its-fans-choice-tequila

Heat of 2026 Champagne harvest forces rule-change for region

Such was the extreme heat and dryness in Champagne this year that winemakers risked breaking the rules of the region – which is why they have been changed. Patrick Schmitt MW finds out what has been happening.

Heat of 2026 Champagne harvest forces rule-change for region

What’s the etiquette for serving Port?

From passing the decanter to choosing the right glass, Port comes with more traditions than most drinks. Gabriel Stone explains which serving rules still matter, which can safely be ignored and why enjoying Port need not be a formal affair

What’s the etiquette for serving Port?

7 US Wineries With New Tasting Rooms to Visit Next

Discover new wine destinations from California to North Carolina this fall.

https://www.foodandwine.com/new-winery-tasting-rooms-12105792

How did ancient Israelites make wine?

 Scientists are stomping grapes to find out

https://www.timesofisrael.com/how-did-ancient-israelites-make-wine-scientists-are-stomping-grapes-to-find-out

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

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Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

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Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

09-07-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

How to Visit Tequila Distilleries

A beginner’s guide to Wisconsin wines

What is Beer Soda?

7 Things You Should Know About Rolling Rock

 The American Beer With a Mysterious Code on Every Bottle

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-rolling-rock

New Wine

• Washington’s Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has launched EstivalChenin Blanc, a new bottling from the state’s Columbia Valley. The new wine is the second in the Estival line, following last year’s Sauvignon Blanc and aims to build on the growing popularity of aromatic white wines in the U.S. Though carrying the more general Columbia Valley appellation, the company says that Estival Chenin Blanc is sourced from three vineyards—JMST Vineyard, Andrews Horse Heaven Hills Vineyard, and Archie Den Hoed Vineyard—which the company says allows the wine to show off the variety of soil types and climatic changes that are a feature of the region. The release is limited and is currently rolling out in select locations across the U.S., mainly in the on-premise.

Ancient Areni Reawakens

Armenia’s flagship red grape rises from obscurity to acclaim

Ancient Areni Reawakens

World Cup Is Gone

Beer’s Summer Blues Remain. Now

https://vinepair.com/articles/hop-take-world-cup-beer-sales-analysis

Vermentino, Explained: The Distinctive Italian White Wine You Should Know

From Liguria to Tuscany to Sardinia, Vermentino is one of Italy’s most distinctive white wines, defined by salty coastal breezes, Mediterranean herbs, and a surprising ability to age.

https://www.foodandwine.com/italian-white-wine-vermentino-12058166

Want to Drink Rare Bourbons for a Good Price? Try Winning the Lottery

Bourbon’s popularity has made the spirit prone to immediate sellouts and inflated resale prices. That’s where state-run lotteries come in.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/bourbon-lotteries

5 Beers Professional Chefs Swear by to Beat the Heat

These crisp, refreshing beers are made for outdoor drinking.

https://www.foodandwine.com/chefs-favorite-summer-beer-12059270

‘You’re always right with wine’

Meet the woman behind 1 in every 4 bottles of Oregon wine sold in America.

https://fortune.com/2026/08/15/amy-prosenjak-oregon-wine

Stout, whiskey… wine? 

Ireland’s small but determined vineyards making their mark

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c998513m85do

One Of The Best Red Wines For Braising Ribs Is Full-Bodied And Easy To Find

Red wine brings acidity, fruit, and depth to the braising liquid, which eventually becomes part of the savory sauce swimming around your slowly simmering ribs

https://www.tastingtable.com/2234308/best-red-wine-braising-ribs-full-bodied-cabernet-sauvignon

Trump tariffs hit US wine imports

US wine imports fell sharply in both volume and value during the first half of 2026, according to analysis of customs data by the Spanish Wine Interprofessional Organisation (OIVE). 

Trump tariffs hit US wine imports

2026 Price Map

What an Old Fashioned Costs on Average in All 50 U.S. States

https://vinepair.com/articles/average-old-fashioned-price-every-state-map

Wax on wine bottles: does it provide an extra barrier for oxygen?

Wax is widely used instead of a standard capsule, and some winemakers maintain that it provides extra protection against oxygen ingress. Finally, this has been studied scientifically.

https://jamiegoode.substack.com/p/wax-on-wine-bottles-does-it-provide

WHAT IS RUM? 

LIGHT, GOLD, DARK AND SIPPING, EXPLAINED

https://kosherwinedirect.com/blogs/kosher-wine-guides/what-is-rum-guide

The 50 Most Popular Cocktails in the World in 2026

The world of cocktail culture is ever-changing.

https://vinepair.com/articles/50-most-popular-cocktails-world-2017

Korbel Debuts Low-Alcohol Aire Expression

California’s Korbel sparkling wine, with volume of over 1 million cases in the U.S. annually, is introducing Korbel Aire, a low-alcohol entry bottled at 7% abv with 70 calories a serving. Aire is hitting the market now, retailing at $14 a bottle. “With Korbel Aire, we are proud to introduce a lower-alcohol alternative for casual, everyday gatherings,” said Gary Heck, president and owner of Korbel Champagne Cellars.   “Korbel Aire represents an important moment for the winery, catering to a new generation of drinkers who seek balance and quality while delivering a bright, crisp, and refreshing option to consumers looking for a more mindful way to enjoy Korbel’s signature sparkle without compromise,” added Tessa Reynolds, Korbel brand director at marketer Freixenet Mionetto USA.

The Next Big Thing in Nonalcoholic Beer? Functional Ingredients

From adaptogens and electrolytes to lion’s mane and amino acids, a new generation of NA beers is putting wellness front and center.

https://www.foodandwine.com/functional-nonalcoholic-wellness-beer-12061436

The 12 best wine estates for tasting Pinot Noir

With cooling ocean breezes and high-altitude vines, South African cellars are producing world-class Pinot Noir. Here’s where to taste the ‘heartbreak grape’…

https://www.timeout.com/cape-town/things-to-do/best-wine-estates-for-pinot-noir-tastings

Maker’s Mark Just Announced the 2026 Edition of Its Highly Allocated Cellar Aged Bourbon

This year’s release has the highest percentage of 14-year-old bourbon yet.

https://www.foodandwine.com/makers-mark-cellar-aged-2026-12061323

Burgundy sees earliest harvest in 500 years

Burgundy is seeing its earliest harvest in nearly 500 years, it has been revealed, with Domaine Leflaive confirming it began picking its parcel in Grand Cru Le Montrachet on Thursday, 13 August.

Burgundy sees earliest harvest in 500 years

People with higher IQ scores tend to know more about wine, study finds

A new study indicates that people with higher general intelligence tend to possess more specialized knowledge about wine, even if they do not work in the wine industry.

People with higher IQ scores tend to know more about wine, study finds

The Best Beer Cities in the World for Craft Beer Lovers

A craft beer is more than just a drink! 

The Best Beer Cities in the World for Craft Beer Lovers

What is Beer Soda? 

Sierra Nevada Brewing introduces new low ABV innovations

https://newschoolbeer.com/home/2026/8/what-is-beer-soda-sierra-nevada-brewing-introduces-new-low-abv-innovations

Drew Bledsoe on Washington Wine

 Doubleback, and More

https://www.425magazine.com/features/drew-bledsoe-interview/article_4f6ce7e6-47be-4942-a346-8318915b1dcc.html

Seven new Masters of Wine join largest class since 2021

Seven new Masters of Wine have been announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine, bringing the 2026 intake to 11, the largest annual cohort since 2021. The latest group also includes the first Masters of Wine based in Portugal and Hungary.

Seven new Masters of Wine join largest class since 2021

Sazerac moves into soju

Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has entered the soju sector with the launch of Dalho and a ‘category-first’ 50ml format.

Sazerac moves into soju

Fireball introduces Torch’d Vanilla flavor

Sazerac-owned Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has launched a new limited edition flavor called Torch’d Vanilla.

Fireball introduces Torch’d Vanilla flavour

Bardstown Bourbon finishes whiskey in ex-Jura casks

Lofted Spirits’ Bardstown Bourbon Co has unveiled two annual releases, 2026 Discovery and Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish.

Bardstown Bourbon finishes whiskey in ex-Jura casks

Is the Tequila in Your Seltzer Any Good?

The fizz makes cheap tequila easier to spot, not harder.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/is-the-tequila-in-your-seltzer-any-good

Gallup: US drinkers shift to spirits as beer dips

Americans’ alcohol consumption has remained at a ‘record low’ of 54%, while longer-term trends show drinkers are moving towards spirits, according to a Gallup survey.

Gallup: US drinkers shift to spirits as beer dips

Koopers Whiskey finishes Bourbon in Texas oak

Family-owned blending house Koopers Whiskey has unveiled an eight-year-old limited edition Bourbon finished in Texas-grown white oak barrels.

Koopers Whiskey finishes Bourbon in Texas oak

Why Provence Sets the Gold Standard for Rosé

When the warm weather hits right, a chilled glass of rosé is hard to beat. But we’re not talking about just “any” rosé. We’re uncorking one from Provence.

https://vinepair.com/articles/provence-gold-standard-rose/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=03b2e837ab-August_21_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-c0cc7934e0-38937345&mc_cid=03b2e837ab&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

This Kentucky Liquor Store Might Be The Best-Kept Secret On The Bourbon Trail

With pours so cheap, it feels like robbery

https://www.southernliving.com/evergreen-liquors-bardstown-kentucky-12062654

Can Heavy Metal Help Save Wine? This Festival Thinks So

The Blood of Gods Annual Merrymaking is bringing new energy — and new drinkers — to wine.

https://www.foodandwine.com/blood-of-gods-heavy-metal-wine-festival-12064806

Welcome to the World, Asti Rosato!

Fans of pink bubbly, this is for you! The EU has approved a new style of sparkling pink wine…

Welcome to the World, Asti Rosato!

Sustainable Sips for Every Budget: Eco-Wines Under $25

*A Vines & Values Buying Guide*

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/sustainable-sips-for-every-budget?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=8661793&post_id=212419520&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=2fsf7&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Welcome to the World, Columbia Hills AVA!

According to the original petition—submitted in 2024 by Dr. Kevin R. Pogue on behalf of the owner of Cascade Cliffs Vineyard and Winery—the defining characteristics of the Columbia Hills AVA include the area’s topography, climate, and soil.

Welcome to the World, Columbia Hills AVA!

Wine Doesn’t Have an Image Problem, It Has a Frequency Problem

In reviewing the most recent results of the Wine Communications survey, Wine Market Council (WMC) Research Director Christian Miller said he was pleasantly surprised by one finding in particular.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/322241

The Occasion Is Rewriting the Rules of Wine

Consumers are choosing beverages based on the occasion instead of the category. Bev recognized the change early, making premium California wine easier to enjoy wherever life happens.

https://www.dmagazine.com/sponsored/2026/08/why-more-people-are-drinking-wine-out-of-a-can

Angel’s Envy Is Releasing One of Its Most Experimental Bourbons Yet

The distillery’s latest limited release takes on one of whiskey’s most polarizing barrel finishes.

https://www.foodandwine.com/angels-envy-amburana-2026-distillery-series-12064995

Come Over October™ Survey Finds an Untapped Opportunity for Wine

Give People More Reasons to Come Together

Come Over October™ Survey Finds an Untapped Opportunity for Wine: Give People More Reasons to Come Together

What Makes a Great Wine List Today?

Encyclopedic lists and trophy bottles aren’t going away, but today’s best wine programs are finding new ways to stand out through thoughtful editing, distinct points of view, and more creative ways to guide guests

What Makes a Great Wine List Today?

Wine and Fast Food; Wine and Football Teams. Matches Made in Heaven?

La Vieille Ferme is in a collaboration with KFC; Gusbourne has done a deal with a controversial football team. What’s going on?

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/wine-and-fast-food-wine-and-football

Champagne market shows signs of recovery after years of decline

Champagne shipments continued to fall in 2025, but the rate of decline slowed considerably as several leading houses returned to growth. Kathleen Willcox explores why distinctive brands, grower Champagnes and by-the-glass programmes are finding success in a challenging market.

Champagne market shows signs of recovery after years of decline

Check out my gravel pit: why The Rocks is on the ascent

The Rocks AVA in Oregon has managed to keep a relatively low profile, at least internationally, but its unique terroir, made entirely of basalt cobblestones, is producing first-rate wines with a hint of Côte Rotie. Roger Morris reports.

Check out my gravel pit: why The Rocks is on the ascent

The most sought-after beers in each US state

Favorite beers in every US state have been ranked in a new data-informed map which reveals the brands and trends gaining sales and attention in 2026. db looks into the findings.

The most sought-after beers in each US state

BuzzBallz turns Pop-Tarts into RTDs

Sazerac-owned ready-to-drink (RTD) brand BuzzBallz has partnered with Pop-Tarts toaster pastries to introduce two limited edition flavors.

BuzzBallz turns Pop-Tarts into RTDs

We Asked Cardiologists: Is Red Wine Still Good For Your Heart?

Moderate drinking may fit into a healthy lifestyle, but red wine should not be treated as heart medicine.

https://www.delish.com/food/a73486712/is-wine-good-for-your-heart

Could Grenadian rum become a global powerhouse?

Distillers in Grenada have built a strong fanbase at home and have every reason to be able to replicate this success overseas.

Could Grenadian rum become a global powerhouse?

The Kraken rum dives into RTDs

Proximo Spirits’ The Kraken spiced rum has entered the canned ready-to-drink (RTD) category with two classic flavors.

The Kraken rum dives into RTDs

From “Swicy” to “Newstalgia,” Here Are Some Flavor Trends to Consider for Your Next Beer

The next popular tastes can be difficult to predict, but there are ideas out there aplenty—and, in choosing, it helps to understand the longer arc of craft beer and our wider cultural context.

https://www.beerandbrewing.com/swicy-to-newstalgia

The latest from Boston Beer Innovation Incubator

Introducing Rally Dog™ Vodka Ade, the newest ready-to-drink cocktail from Boston Beer’s innovation incubator.

https://www.bostonbeer.com/news/2026/08/new-rally-dog-vodka-ade-serves-up-sports-drink

Alcohol at the Supreme Court

During the 2025-26 term, the justices pondered the Founding Fathers’ drinking habits as they considered a law barring habitual drug users from possessing guns. In the term ahead, they may return to the topic of alcohol in early America if they take up a case on a 19th-century law prohibiting at-home production of distilled spirits. Indeed, the court and alcohol have a long history: Here’s a brief overview of some of the court’s most notable alcohol-related rulings.

https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/08/alcohol-at-the-supreme-court

Changing palates

“Nothing else in our lives remains static for decade after decade, so why should our taste in wine not evolve?”

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/taste-wine-evolve

WINE AND HEALTH

 DR. LAURA CATENA ON THE SCIENCE BEHIND MODERATE DRINKING

https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/wine-and-health-dr-laura-catena-on-the-science-behind-moderate-drinking

Redwood Empire unveils The Hyperion limited edition blend

The latest release from California’s Redwood Empire is a one-off blend containing four distinct styles of whiskey, including the brand’s own single malt.

Redwood Empire unveils The Hyperion limited edition blend

Notre Dame

Diageo’s Guinness has extended its partnership with Notre Dame Athletics, keeping the brand as the Official Beer of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Alumni and Fans for another three seasons. The brand is also extending its partnership with football legend and brand ambassador Joe Montana. To celebrate the extended partnership, Guinness has released a Notre Dame branded can featuring the school’s “Football Leprechaun.” In addition, the brand—through its Guinness Gives Back program—the school, and Montana will all work with local charities as part of the partnership. Guinness grew 3.5% to 930,000 barrels in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank. 

‘Tasting enough wines’ will not make one an expert, research paper shows

A new intelligence study has torn down the assumption that you can become a wine connoisseur simply by tasting a lot of wines. “Our data tells a different story,” the lead researcher reveals.

‘Tasting enough wines’ will not make one an expert, research paper shows

NFL legend is turning his Walla Walla winery into a destination

The new Bledsoe Family Winery tasting room is hosting a grand opening

https://www.tri-cityherald.com/living/food-drink/article316793441.html#storylink=cpy

SANGRIA VS TINTO DE VERANO

WHICH TO SIP?

Sangria vs Tinto de Verano: Which to Sip?

A beginner’s guide to Wisconsin wines

Yes, Wisconsin does have wines worth trying. Discover the state’s grapes, appellations and best bottles with the help of experts from American Wine Project and Square Wine Co.

https://www.channel3000.com/madison-magazine/a-beginners-guide-to-wisconsin-wines/article_60600862-cfbe-4fcd-990f-c302a84e24e3.html

2026 Champagne harvest healthiest in 50 years

According to Champagne Drappier winemaker Hugo Drappier, this year’s harvest is the earliest in the producer’s history as well as the healthiest since 1976.

2026 Champagne harvest healthiest in 50 years

How to Visit Tequila Distilleries (the ultimate guide)

We answer all the top questions and recommend our favorite experiences

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/how-to-visit-tequila-distilleries-the-ultimate-guide

From Santorini to the Canary Islands

7 Volcanic Wine Regions Beyond Mt. Etna Worth Exploring

https://vinepair.com/articles/volcanic-wine-regions-beyond-mount-etna

Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping: What Every Wine Lover Should Know

Let’s roll things back and give you the basics on what you need to know.

Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping: What Every Wine Lover Should Know

We Asked 6 Wine Experts for Their Preferred In-flight Drink, and They All Recommended the Same Thing

According to one, this “helps your vacation start the second the wheels leave the ground.”

https://www.travelandleisure.com/sommeliers-what-to-drink-in-flight-12060019

Germany’s main grape harvest advances rapidly after an early start

Following the very early start to the grape harvest for Federweißer (new wine), the main grape harvest has also begun extremely early this year – earlier than ever before for the vast majority of estates.  

https://www.winesofgermany.com/news-media/news/news/1777/germany-s-main-grape-harvest-advances-rapidly-after-an-early-start

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

08-24-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

How RTDs are winning over bars

How heatwaves affect what we drink

Tales of Kosher Alcohol

Why You’ll Never Find Norway’s Best-Selling Beer On American Shelves

As beer fans in the United States may already know, there are quite a few countries in the world that also have strong beer cultures. Germany, the Czech Republic, England, Ireland, Mexico, and Japan are a few staples that come to mind, but one nation you might not think of is Norway.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2224153/norway-best-selling-beer-unavaliable-america

The World’s Best-Selling Vodka Isn’t Grey Goose Or Ketel One — It’s Cheaper

The (arguably) tasteless spirit may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying that vodka reigns supreme worldwide. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2222773/best-selling-vodka-world-not-grey-goose-ketel-one-smirnoff

How heatwaves affect what we drink

As another heatwave begins in Europe, you might think all this dry, sunny weather would benefit drinks sales. We consider if that’s true, as well as the impact on wine, and which styles stand to benefit.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/how-heatwaves-affect-what-we-drink

America hits major marijuana milestone as daily weed use surpasses daily drinking

Survey finds 21.4 million Americans now use cannabis daily or near-daily, up 21% since 2022

https://www.foxnews.com/health/america-hits-major-marijuana-milestone-daily-weed-use-surpasses-daily-drinking

Tales of Kosher Alcohol

I’m sure many of you have heard of kosher food and many rules associated with it, in purchasing the ingredients, cooking, and consuming (don’t mix meat and dairy, for example). But wine is wine, right?

Tales of Kosher Alcohol

On Declining Per Capita Wine Consumption: Are We Reliving 1986 or 1993?

Is it just the beginning or the beginning of the end? Or something else?

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/on-declining-per-capita-wine-consumption

Is wine good for you? Here’s what the evidence says

Between WHO warnings and NHS guidelines lies a complex truth about wine, health and why humans have never stopped drinking it. Gabriel Stone considers the effect of booze on your body

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/is-wine-good-for-you-heres-what-the-evidence-says

Global alcohol deaths drop by 26%

According to a new report, the alcohol-attributable mortality rate has fallen by more than a quarter since 2010

Global alcohol deaths drop by 26%

10 Lime Beers, Ranked Worst To Best

Most beer drinkers have shoved a small lime slice through the narrow neck of a clear-bottled Corona — it’s practically a rite of passage once you’re legally old enough to drink. The Corona and lime pairing is such a staple nowadays that other brewers are starting to incorporate lime into their ales. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2226890/lime-beer-ranked-worst-best

Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo Winemakers Just Bottled the Internet’s Spiciest Wine Trend

Invivo X, SJP launches the first major-label Sauvignon Blanc infused with jalapeño – turning the TikTok phenomenon into a bottle you can pick up off the shelf & find on select restaurant menus this summer

Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo Winemakers Just Bottled the Internet’s Spiciest Wine Trend

Next Century Spirits buys Chicken Cock Whiskey

North Carolina-based Next Century Spirits has acquired four brands from Grain & Barrel Spirits, including Chicken Cock Whiskey and its two Kentucky visitor experiences.

Next Century Spirits buys Chicken Cock Whiskey

Find out the trends attracting Gen Z consumers to drink

The main consumer choices and behaviours influencing alcohol consumption among legal-drinking-age adults have been uncovered in a new white paper. But what are they? db finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/find-out-the-trends-attracting-gen-z-consumers-to-drink

The 30 Best Gins for 2026

Should you trust your eyes or the statistics when it comes to gin these days?

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

NEW RTD

• Minute Maid Spiked, part of Coca-Cola’s Red Tree Beverages, has launched Vodka Lemonade Iced Tea. The 5% abv drink is non-carbonated and made with iced tea and 3% lemon juice. It joins the brand’s other vodka-based offerings—Lemona de, Pink Lemonade, and four flavors of Vodka Punch—plus wine-based cocktails like Margarita and Daiquiri, among others, in the brand’s portfolio. The new release is available in 8-packs of 12-ounce cans ($17) and in individual 16-ounce cans ($3.49). Both formats are available nationwide. Last year, Minute Maid’s spirits-based RTDs reached 100,000 cases in the U.S. in their first year on the market, according to Impact Databank.

These Are the Only 5 Beers to Win 3 Stars at the 2026 Great Taste Awards

More than 15,000 food and drink products competed, but only five beers earned the competition’s highest honor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-beers-great-taste-awards-2026-12033143

Idaho Makes Great Wine, and This Producer Is Leading the Charge

3100 Cellars is the only dedicated sparkling wine house in the Gem State, where vinous treasures abound.

https://www.foodandwine.com/idaho-sparkling-wine-12033554

The world’s best-selling spirit brand is not a Scottish whisky, a Russian vodka or a Cuban rum

The title belongs to South Korea, where Jinro soju shifted 94.5 million cases last year and has held first place for 25 straight years.

The world’s best-selling spirit brand is not a Scottish whisky, a Russian vodka or a Cuban rum — the title belongs to South Korea, where Jinro soju shifted 94.5 million cases last year and has held first place for 25 straight years.

Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks?

As summer holidaymakers toast marshmallows over campfires, Sarah Neish asks marketing experts whether campers are a smoking hot demographic, and why this consumer segment is left out in the cold by many drinks brands.

Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks?

Your Wine Habit Could Be Doing Public Good

Recycled wine corks find new life in Brooklyn public housing with sustainable cork pathways, playgrounds and community spaces

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/recycled-wine-corks-helping-communities

How To Order Wine Like An Expert

Whether ordering a bottle to share with friends at a bar or choosing something to pair with dinner, selecting wine can be daunting. 

https://www.mashed.com/2227909/how-to-order-wine-like-an-expert

How a More Casual Drinker Gets the Most Out of the Fancy Coravin Wine Preserver

It’s keeping my bubbly, well, bubbly, so I can enjoy a summer’s worth of sparkling cocktails at my own pace.

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/coravin-sparkling-spritzes

Exploring eight EU wine regions set to win over drinkers

The EU is at the heart of the international wine trade, with its position built on quality assurance and regulation. A recent masterclass explored how that is driving innovation in its emerging regions.

Exploring eight EU wine regions set to win over drinkers

Cutwater is fastest-growing alcohol brand in US

AB InBev’s canned cocktail Cutwater has become the fastest-growing brand in the US alcohol industry after rising by 104% over the past 12 months.

Cutwater is fastest-growing alcohol brand in US

Slovenian Winemakers Face Threat of Not Being Allowed to Sell Wine

Here’s the full details, plus how you can help

https://themorningclaret.com/p/slovenian-winemakers-face-threat-of-not-being-allowed-to-sell-wine

Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter in 2025

Among the five main destinations for the Mexican beverage are the United States, with US$6.046 billion; the Dominican Republic, with US$49 million; Spain, with US$39 million; Peru, with US$37 million; and Panama, with US$32 million, as of the close of 2025.

Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter in 2025

How weight-loss medication is changing relationships with alcohol

There is a growing body of research into the link between weight-loss drugs and alcohol consumption.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr7kmlg0lxpo

Best Champagne for Celebrations

How to Choose

https://winesfromfrance.com/blogs/news/best-champagne-for-celebrations

Burgundy’s Crémant starts its earliest harvest

Burgundy is seeing one of the earliest harvests for Crémant this year, with some producers having already started picking over the weekend

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/burgundys-cremant-harvest-start-is-earliest-yet

The Legal Drinking Age Used to Be Different in Every State. 

Here’s What America Looked Like Before 1984. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/every-state-legal-drinking-age-1984-map

Bota Box Introduces Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a 1.5-Liter Box

Renowned vineyards meet sustainable packaging and exceptional value in new Limited Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/newreleases/article/321715

China’s Biggest Wine Influencer Lady Penguin Under Investigation

The company behind the six-million-follower wine personality will face trial in Beijing, casting a shadow over a content-commerce empire that once generated RMB 350 million in annual sales.

Breaking News: China’s Biggest Wine Influencer Lady Penguin Under Investigation

PourPlays Launches the First Gamified Wine Education Platform

 Making Wine Discovery Engaging, Rewarding, and Fun for a New Generation

https://www.morningstar.com/news/pr-newswire/20260810fl19977/pourplays-launches-the-first-gamified-wine-education-platform-making-wine-discovery-engaging-rewarding-and-fun-for-a-new-generation

How RTDs are winning over bars

After conquering supermarket shelves, ready-to-drink brands are making their mark behind the bar. We explore why brands are increasingly being poured in on-trade establishments.

How RTDs are winning over bars

Copper & Kings delivers distillery exclusives

Louisville-based brandy producer Copper & Kings has begun nationwide shipping of its exclusive distillery bottling.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/08/copper-kings-delivers-distillery-exclusives

The Top 150 Tequila Brands Ranked

Fifteen reviewers scored more than 350 brands. Here are their favorites. 

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/the-top-150-tequila-brands-ranked

How wine brands are finding growth in a shrinking market

Global wine consumption has fallen to levels not seen in more than six decades, leaving producers searching for new definitions of growth. From natural wine and Michelin-starred restaurants to China and Champagne, a handful of businesses are showing that expansion remains possible when producers know precisely who they are trying to reach.

How wine brands are finding growth in a shrinking market

Scientists have found out what causes ‘tropical’ aromas in whisky

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have uncovered the source of ‘tropical’ or ‘mango’-like characteristics in whisky, meaning distillers could in future “dial up or tone down” the aromas as desired.

Scientists have found out what causes ‘tropical’ aromas in whisky

Old Elk unveils 10YO whiskey trio

American whiskey brand Old Elk has released a collection of three 10-year-old expressions as the first major releases under Middle West Spirits’ ownership.

Old Elk unveils 10YO whiskey trio

Crown Royal gets snug in Juicy Couture

Diageo’s Crown Royal has collaborated with lifestyle brand Juicy Couture on flavored whisky-inspired bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits.

Crown Royal gets snug in Juicy Couture

The (Unhinged) Frozen Pickle Wine Hack, Explained

Once upon a time, the frozen snack hack was simple. You put grapes in the freezer, waited a few hours, and got little marbles of frozen fruit that tasted vaguely like sorbet. It was low-effort, deliciously clever, and completely uncontroversial.

The (Unhinged) Frozen Pickle Wine Hack, Explained

How To Grow Wine Without Herbicides

…Is The Wrong Question

https://beyondorganicwine.substack.com/p/how-to-grow-wine-without-herbicides

What temperature should you serve wine at?

Serving wine at the right temperature can make a significant difference to how it tastes, whether you are opening a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a mature red or a bottle of Sherry. Gabriel Stone explains when to chill, when to warm and why the old rule of white wine cold and red wine at room temperature does not always work.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/08/what-temperature-should-you-serve-wine-at

Most popular beers across US regions revealed in new data

New research has revealed the beer brands people are most curious about in different parts of the US that lead to them discovering and then buying certain brews. db looks at the findings.

Most popular beers across US regions revealed in new data

Jameson Distiller’s Batch lands in US

Irish Distillers-owned Jameson has brought Distiller’s Batch, a single pot still Irish whiskey, to the US.

Jameson Distiller’s Batch lands in US

The Number of Breweries Per Capita in Every State Has Changed Dramatically Since 2010

 Here’s What the Shift Looks Like 

https://vinepair.com/articles/breweries-per-capita-in-every-state-percent-change

Climate Change & True Terroir

What this summer’s fires tell us about the future in your glass

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/climate-change-and-true-terroir

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

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Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

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Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

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Society Of Wine Educators

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French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

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Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

08-10-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

The Wine That Refuses to Behave

A Virginia Wine Expert Says These Are the Best Wines for Summer

These wines’ bright, acidic flavors pair well with sunshine.

https://northernvirginiamag.com/food-and-drink/2026/07/17/a-virginia-wine-expert-says-these-are-the-best-wines-for-summer

Why Wine Fans Should Embrace Cruising

Cruise lines have realized that the readership profile at wine magazines aligns with their target audience.

Why Wine Fans Should Embrace Cruising

WHICH WINE GOES BEST WITH A GLUTEN-FREE MEAL?

Gluten-free menus have become widely available, whether for medical reasons, digestive comfort or dietary choice

https://www.lasommeliere.com/en/blog/which-wine-goes-best-with-a-gluten-free-meal–n861

Is Sauvignon Blanc Dry Or Sweet? What Wine Newbies Should Know

In many ways, it would be far more accurate to describe sauvignon blanc as “crisp and bright” rather than “sweet” or “dry.”

https://www.tastingtable.com/2214242/is-sauvignon-blanc-wine-dry-or-sweet

Former Jack Daniel’s Cooperage closes in Alabama

Alabama Cooperage, previously known as Jack Daniel’s Cooperage, will close in September, resulting in 71 job losses.

Former Jack Daniel’s Cooperage closes in Alabama

Why it’s hoped Taylor’s latest innovation will go unnoticed

As db is first to report, Taylor’s Port has developed a new, lighter bottle for its fine fortified wines. We find out why CEO Adrian Bridge is hoping that consumers won’t notice.

Why it’s hoped Taylor’s latest innovation will go unnoticed

Will Modelo and Corona brewing move from Mexico to the US?

US President Donald Trump is being urged by trade unionists to make some of America’s biggest beer brands “a lot more American”. But what is provoking the rift with Mexico over imported beer? db looks at the argument

Will Modelo and Corona brewing move from Mexico to the US?

This Nonalcoholic, Low-Calorie Beer Is The Highest-Rated Brew In Our Ranking

The nonalcoholic drink market has surged in recent years, as more and more people turn to zero-proof options.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2215003/best-non-alcoholic-low-calorie-beer-athletic-brewing-co-highest-rated

Terragena Launches Single-Serving Frozen Wine Product

 Terra Pop 

Terragena Launches Single-Serving Frozen Wine Product: Terra Pop 

PAIRING WINE WITH SALMON

 5 EASY WINS

https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/features/pairing-wine-with-salmon-5-easy-wins

The 30 Best Chardonnays for 2026

One of Pinot Noir’s most famous, if not most famous, progeny, Chardonnay captured American hearts long before the heartbreak grape took center stage in the early aughts.

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

New Book Challenges Conventional Thinking About the Wine Business

James Silver’s The Reset Is Over Argues the Industry’s Transformation Is Complete–and Offers a Practical Blueprint for What Comes Next

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/people/article/320858

Moonshine University to close after 14 years

Flavorman will cease operations at Kentucky’s Moonshine University and its associated programs on 31 December 2026.

Moonshine University to close after 14 years

New Vodka

Heaven Hill’s Deep Eddy has launched a new Espresso-flavore d vodka, billed as a shortcut for making the popular Espresso Martini cocktail and other coffee-forward drinks. The 35% abv vodka is now available across the U.S. with the 750-ml. size retailing at $17; Deep Eddy Espresso is also available in 50-, 100-, and 375-ml. formats, plus larger sizes like 1- and 1.75-liter bottles. This is the 10th expression in the Deep Eddy portfolio, joining popular flavors like Ruby Red and Sweet Tea, among others. Last year, Deep Eddy was up 1% to 1.75 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Bardstown finishes whiskey with pineapple

Lofted Spirits’ Bardstown Bourbon Company has introduced a Kentucky-exclusive expression, finished in pineapple rum casks sourced from the Caribbean.

Bardstown finishes whiskey with pineapple

11 Lesser-Known Beers You Should Try if You Love Hazy IPAs

Way back in the day, before craft beer rose to prominence, if a bartender served you a cloudy beer, you might send it back and start questioning the cleanliness of their tap lines. In today’s beer world, though, receiving a murky beer is considered by many to be an attractive feature.

https://vinepair.com/articles/less-popular-hazy-ipas-to-try

Your Guide to Wheat Beer, From Hefeweizen to Berliner Weisse

From fruity German hefeweizens to citrusy Belgian witbiers and refreshingly tart Berliner weisse, here’s how to tell the world’s most popular wheat beers apart, and the best bottles to try this season.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wheat-beer-styles-12023598

Why Faux Works With Food

Faux is an alcohol-free, wine-adjacent beverage made from verjus, wine grapes, fruit, and botanicals. Every ingredient has a role. Verjus provides acidity and structure. Wine grapes create a varietal foundation. Fruit brings balance and aromatic lift. Botanicals add savory complexity.

https://www.fauxwine.com/blogs/news/why-faux-works-with-faux

The Top 10 Best-Selling Beers in America

 Every Decade Since the ’80s

https://vinepair.com/articles/us-best-selling-beer-brands-by-decade

How Four Roses Is Shaping the Future of Bourbon Without Forgetting Its Past

Iconic brands never tread water. Instead, they make waves. Always in motion, these outfits manage to both honor longstanding tradition and stay ahead of trends via constant innovation.

https://vinepair.com/articles/four-roses-shaping-the-future-of-bourbon/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=0eb1cfc733-July_23_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-d4b45486c1-38937345&mc_cid=0eb1cfc733&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Champagne to limit production to 250m bottles for 2026

The region of Champagne is to cap the amount of wine that can be made from this year’s harvest at 8,800kg/ha ­– the equivalent of around 250 million bottles.

Champagne to limit production to 250m bottles for 2026

Could craft beer be seeing the start of a second wave?

In the US, craft brewing trends have held steady, declines in operating breweries have slightly increased and consumer engagement has strengthened. Jessica Mason asks: are we seeing craft beer’s resurgence?

Could craft beer be seeing the start of a second wave?

15 Lies About Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo Tequila

A quiz about tequila that most people get wrong. What’s your score?

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/15-lies-about-blanco-reposado-and-anejo-tequila

‘Good day for Scotland’: US lifts tariffs on Scotch

“This is a good day for Scotland,” said the country’s first minister, as the US officially returned to tariff-free trading for Scotch whisky.

‘Good day for Scotland’: US lifts tariffs on Scotch

Bulleit creates Bourbon-rye blend

The newest core expression from Bulleit Frontier Whiskey is named ‘87 and marries both Bourbon and rye whiskeys.

Bulleit creates Bourbon-rye blend

Why electrolytes have become wine’s newest additive

Joel Gott Wines has released Sauvy B, a canned Sauvignon Blanc spritz with electrolytes from pink Himalayan salt – the latest sign that ‘functional’ hydration ingredients, long confined to sports drinks and hangover cures, are moving into wine.

Why electrolytes have become wine’s newest additive

10 reasons why Moldovan wine should be on your radar

The story of Moldovan wine is one of fortitude in facing great challenges – and now this remarkable wine nation is ready to take its place on the global stage. We pick out 10 reasons why the country is worth a closer look by those in the drinks trade.

10 reasons why Moldovan wine should be on your radar

Super Mario’s namesake planted the grapes behind Washington’s only 96-point scoring white wine

Of all the white wines produced in Washington, only one earned a top score from the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, widely considered the Oscars of the wine world. The grapes that made it were planted by the man who inspired Nintendo’s most famous character.

https://mynorthwest.com/seattles-morning-news/super-mario-white-wine/4259719

8 Affordable Sparkling Wines That Are Just As Good As Champagne, According To Sommeliers

Your wine shop run just got a lot more interesting.

https://www.delish.com/food/a71746275/best-champagne-alternatives-sparkling-wines

Samuel Adams Is Introducing a New Version of a Best-Selling Beer

Plus, 3 fan-favorite drinks are returning.

https://www.allrecipes.com/samuel-adams-new-fall-beers-12026452

Wine Experts Say Your Order Might Be Showing Your Age—Here’s Why

Team sauvy b or rosé all day?

https://www.delish.com/food/a71851702/wine-order-age-trends

Pot Still or Column Still? Why Most People Get This Wrong!

Pot stills make flavourful spirits, column stills make neutral spirits — right? Not quite. The truth is more interesting, and far more precise.

https://thespiritjournal.substack.com/p/pot-still-or-column-still-why-most

Is Your Go-To Beer Still Truly American? 

The Answer May Surprise You

Is Your Go-To Beer Still Truly American? The Answer May Surprise You

Jimothy the viral raccoon gets his own beer can tribute from a top Mass. brewery

While Tree House shared few details about the can, it confirmed on Instagram that, “yes they are real, and they’re beautiful,” and that they’re on sale at the Charlton location.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/jimothy-raccoon-beer-tree-house-mass/3986746

The Unusual Way This Southern Liquor Store Sells Rare Bourbon

Southern Spirits has unique ways of making the hunt for rare whiskey fair.

https://www.southernliving.com/southern-spirits-uses-games-to-sell-rare-bourbons-12004234

The Wildest Flavored Vodkas Bartenders Actually Recommend

Bartenders share the surprising flavored vodkas they’d happily pour, from popcorn and pickle to marshmallow and Doritos.

https://www.foodandwine.com/the-best-unexpected-flavored-vodkas-12025247

What Is Blouge Wine? 

The Red-White Hybrid Built for Chilling

https://wineguide101.com/what-is-blouge-wine

Say Goodbye To Mediocre Wine 

This 20-Minute Rule Makes It Taste Premium

https://www.tastingtable.com/2220488/say-goodbye-to-bad-wine-20-minute-rule

Old Forester releases first whiskey from Louisville distillery

The latest addition to Old Forester’s 117 series is the first expression made entirely at the brand’s distillery in Louisville, Kentucky.

Old Forester releases first whiskey from Louisville distillery

Wales bids for world’s first natural wine appellation

Britain could become home to the world’s first appellation dedicated to natural wine, with Welsh producers seeking protected status for wines made without synthetic chemicals, additives or industrial yeasts. The proposed Natural Wine of Wales PGI would also require grapes to be grown and spontaneously fermented in Wales.

Wales bids for world’s first natural wine appellation

Can we please stop calling wine “porch pounders?”

The “porch pounder” is a slang word for a wine that is light in alcohol, crisp in acidity, and easy drinking. These are the wines that don’t need food or even snacks to enjoy. You simply crack it open and guzzle it down, to live up to its phrase.

https://cellarnotes.substack.com/p/can-we-please-stop-calling-wine-porch

Hard seltzer loses its sparkle as the RTD market evolves

The past decade has seen the rise and fall of hard seltzers as they have morphed into other RTD categories. Can the sector regain the effervescence that initially made it so popular?

Hard seltzer loses its sparkle as the RTD market evolves

3 Summer Sparkling Wine Cocktails 

That Aren’t Aperol Spritz

3 Summer Sparkling Wine Cocktails (That Aren’t Aperol Spritz)

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN EVERY WINE REGION WANTS TO BE PREMIUM?

The formula for at least some premiumization is familiar. 

What Happens When Every Wine Region Wants to Be Premium?

The Case for Buying Wine You Actually Understand

Most people buy wine slightly anxiously. 

The Case for Buying Wine You Actually Understand

Vintage Dated Whiskies

Pick your favorite year. Vintage-dated bottlings are a rare, fun treat

https://whiskyadvocate.com/vintage-dated-whiskies

The Wine That Refuses to Behave

: A Love Letter to Pét-Nat

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-wine-that-refuses-to-behave

Beyoncé takes ownership of SirDavis American Whisky

Grammy Award-winning singer Beyoncé has taken sole ownership of SirDavis American Whisky, the brand she founded in partnership with Moët Hennessy.

Beyoncé takes ownership of SirDavis American Whisky

Svedka introduces Vodka Water Cooler

Sazerac-owned Svedka has reimagined the office water cooler for its new ready-to-drink (RTD) canned Vodka Waters.

Svedka introduces Vodka Water Cooler

New Old Elk

• Old Elk, owned by Ohio’s Middle West Spirits, has announced a trio of 10-year-old whiskies, the first major new releases from Old Elk since its May 2025 acquisition by Middle West. The new releases include a Straight Bourbon, a wheat whiskey, and a wheated Bourbon, all retailing for $70 a 750-ml. The Bourbon is made from a mash of 51% corn, 34% malted barley, and 15% rye, and bottled at 52.5% abv. The wheat whiskey is distilled from 96% rye and 4% malted barley and released at 51.5% abv. Finally, Old Elk’s new wheated Bourbon is bottled at 52.5% abv and distilled from 51% corn, 46% wheat, and 3% malted barley. All three are rolling out now across the U.S.

The European Sparkling Wines Tell a Story in Every Sip

With 27 countries spanning 1.5 million square miles, 446 million inhabitants and 24 languages, the European Union (EU) is the third largest exporter of agricultural and agri-food products consumed in the U.S. Products produced in the EU not only have a long cultural history steeped in culinary tradition, but are held to rigorous standards denoted by a specially developed set of EU Quality Labels designed to assure consumers are not only getting a top-caliber product, but to also inform them about the product’s background.

https://vinepair.com/articles/european-sparkling-wines/?utm_source=The+Drop+by+VinePair&utm_campaign=76636a1fd8-July_29_2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b653fb8c99-d4b45486c1-38937345&mc_cid=76636a1fd8&mc_eid=d42ed911dc

Explore the Two Faces of Tuscany

It’s one of the most recognizable regional identities in the world, and it carries that recognition into everything: from wine labels to travel brochures to the produce aisle at a grocery store

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/tuscany-food-wine-tuscan-olive-oil

‘Worst crisis since WWII’: Bordeaux wildfires continue amid extreme heat

As wildfires continue to blaze near Bordeaux, in what President Emmanuel Macron has described as the toughest situation France has faced since World War II, the country’s celebrated wine region confronts a growing environmental crisis.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/worst-crisis-since-wwii-bordeaux-wildfires-continue-amid-extreme-heat

Australian wine exports drop to 22-year low

Australian wine exports have fallen to their lowest level in more than two decades as a worldwide decline in wine consumption weighs on demand, according to a new industry report.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/australian-wine-exports-drop-to-22-year-low

MGP’s whiskey sales plunge 59% in Q2

The Distilling Solutions arm of MGP Ingredients plummeted by 42% in the 2026 second quarter (Q2) as whiskey suffered a 59% drop.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/07/mgps-whiskey-sales-plunge-59-in-q2

Tsingtao enters Irish whiskey with Great Northern

Chinese brewer Tsingtao has joined forces with Great Northern Distillery to make Irish whiskey for Asian consumers, with plans to open a distillery in China.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/07/tsingtao-enters-irish-whiskey-with-great-northern

US wine industry risks losing ground without collective marketing

While regional trade organizations “do excellent work”, the US wine trade “does not do a fantastic job” of collective marketing, says agency founder behind anti-prohibitionist campaign.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/07/us-wine-industry-risks-losing-ground-without-collective-marketing

7 Things You Should Know About Sun Cruiser
 Boston Beer Company’s Other Hard Tea

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-sun-cruiser

The Portuguese Cork Association Launches “Drink Responsibly. 

Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork.” Campaign

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-portuguese-cork-association-launches-drink-responsibly-choose-a-bottle-with-a-natural-cork-campaign-302839350.html

Beer Review

Samuel Adams’ New NA Octoberfest And Apple Spice Ale Beers Hit All The Right Autumnal Notes

https://www.tastingtable.com/2228364/sam-adams-fall-2026-beers-review

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

07-27-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What is ‘back sweetening’ and why does it matter?

Life Behind the Liquor Counter

Does Expensive Wine Actually Taste Better?

Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2026

Cask Connoisseur has released its annual ranking of the UK and Ireland’s favourite whisky distilleries, but which producer came out on top?

Top 10 most popular whisky distilleries in 2026

Does Light Drinking Lower Cancer Risk? 

Depends Who You Ask

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/new-alcohol-health-study-june-2026

Statement on Irresponsible and Biased Alcohol-Related Commentary

WHY EQUATING ALCOHOL TO TOBACCO OVERSIMPLIFIES AND DAMAGES PUBLIC HEALTH EFFORTS

Statement on Irresponsible and Biased Alcohol-Related Commentary

Will Canada end up being punished for the US alcohol ban?

Legislation calling for an investigation into Canada’s limits on importing US alcohol has been proposed by congresswoman Claudia Tenney. db reports.

Will Canada end up being punished for the US alcohol ban?

French vineyards battle extreme heat as climate pressures mount

French wine producers are facing another difficult growing season as record-breaking temperatures compound the effects of frost, hail and prolonged drought across key regions.

French vineyards battle extreme heat as climate pressures mount

SipSource: vodka to outpace US spirits market

The vodka category is expected to outperform the core spirits market in the US over the next 12 months, according to a SipSource forecast

SipSource: vodka to outpace US spirits market

We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Best Scotch Under $50? 

Scotch doesn’t have to be expensive. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-best-scotch-under-50-2026

Why These 6 Beers Were Named the Best in the Country at the 2026 Good Food Awards

Exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to sustainability made these breweries and their beers stand out.

https://www.foodandwine.com/good-food-awards-beer-winners-2026-12012552

Barton 1792 Unveils Its First Rye Whiskey Alongside a 15-Year Cask-Strength Bourbon

The Kentucky distillery is expanding the 1792 lineup with two exciting bottles.

https://www.foodandwine.com/barton-1792-whiskey-releases-12012542

Can You Bring Your Own Bottle Of Wine Into Olive Garden?

While the casual dining chain is usually accommodating, you shouldn’t assume BYOB is guaranteed. 

https://www.foodrepublic.com/2204959/bring-bottle-wine-olive-garden

Does Expensive Wine Actually Taste Better?

 The Science

Does Expensive Wine Actually Taste Better? The Science

Kentucky Bourbon Trail gains new stops

Four new destinations have been added to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, taking the total tally to 74 experiences for whiskey fans.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail gains new stops

Green agenda: what to know before converting to organic

Thinking of converting to organic? Amelie Maurice-Jones has asked producers across the globe what they wish they’d known before starting out

Green agenda: what to know before converting to organic

How Provence turned rosé into a lifestyle

The average export price is €5,90, significantly higher than competing Spanish or Italian rosés (and high by most standards)

How Provence turned rosé into a lifestyle

Have we forgotten wine’s place at the table?

Gastronomy is classically defined as the art of eating well. For me, an essential part of eating well is drinking well.

Have we forgotten wine’s place at the table?

French heatwave to cut Champagne yields by 10%

France’s prolonged summer heat and drought are shrinking grape development across major wine regions, with Champagne growers expecting yields to fall around 10% and harvests beginning weeks earlier than normal.

French heatwave to cut Champagne yields by 10%

The Consumer Has Said What They Want. Is Wine Willing to Listen?

New research listened to social media, online conversations and found fun, not fuss wins out.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/320311

Crealis Unveils A New Scientific Study On The Impact Of Crown Cap On Sparkling Wines During Aging

The research demonstrates the aging potential associated with liners’ different levels of permeability from CREALIS PE.DI’s range of crown capsules. 

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/vendor/article/320386

The 20 Best Vodkas for 2026

What does it mean to be the best-selling spirits category in a world where people are supposedly drinking fewer spirits?

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

Ignore the Second-Cheapest Wine on the Menu — Here’s Why You Should Drink the Cheapest Instead

Don’t be swayed by the lure of spendier options. The least-expensive wine can often surprisingly punch well above its weight class.

https://www.foodandwine.com/order-cheapest-bottle-wine-12014453

Demystifying the Packaging Dilemma

The Heavy Bottle Illusion

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/demystifying-the-packaging-dilemma

Super-premium Tequila faces 5% drop by 2030

As super-premium Tequila volumes decline, the high-end part of the category is expected to soar by 2030, according to IWSR.

Super-premium Tequila faces 5% drop by 2030

Uncle Nearest receiver claims lender ‘ignored red flags’

The receiver for Uncle Nearest has filed a counterclaim against Farm Credit Mid-America, arguing that the lender’s failures helped the alleged fraud remain under the radar for years.

Uncle Nearest receiver claims lender ‘ignored red flags’

The Best Beer Styles For Newbies, According To Experts

When the weekend hits and you’re in the mood for a beer, you may head to the store to grab your favorite six-pack.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2210578/best-beer-beginners

This Brilliant Wine Bottle Trick Keeps Your Plants Watered for Weeks

Before recycling your wine bottles, consider using them to water your plants.

https://www.marthastewart.com/wine-bottles-to-water-plants-12012933

WE TESTED EVERY MANUAL WINE OPENER SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO

The manual wine opener category is wider than most buyers realize.

https://truewinelover.com/blogs/news/title-we-tested-every-manual-wine-opener-so-you-dont-have-to

7 Grape Varieties to Try if You Love Cabernet Sauvignon

Big, bold, and full of personality, Cabernet Sauvignon rules the world of red wine.

https://vinepair.com/articles/cabernet-sauvignon-alternative-grapes-to-try

Six Summer Beers You Should Be Buying In 2026

In case you need any inspo to get all that chillaxing started, here are six beers that are perfect for summer 2026.

Six Summer Beers You Should Be Buying In 2026

Franzia Without America: How Tariffs Reinvented an Iconic Brand in China

Franzia is one of America’s best-known wine brands. But in China, it is no longer selling American wine.

Franzia Without America: How Tariffs Reinvented an Iconic Brand in China

How to Label “Estate Bottled” (and When You Legally Cannot)

One of the most coveted terms on a wine label — and one of the most strictly defined. You qualify on every count, or you cannot use it.

https://www.colaclear.com/blog/how-to-label-estate-bottled

America’s Regional Whiskey Styles, Mapped

In American whiskey, bourbon reigns supreme, a position supported by measures both quantitative (sales) and qualitative (fame). But it’s far from the country’s only whiskey style. The U.S. boasts a range of other categories, including some that predate bourbon itself.

https://vinepair.com/articles/america-regional-whiskey-styles-map

10 Lesser-Known Brands You Should Try if You Love Scotch

Scotch is a simple beverage at its core.

https://vinepair.com/articles/less-popular-scotch-brands-to-try

Weavers sacked from Uncle Nearest amid federal investigation

Uncle Nearest’s co-founders, Fawn and Keith Weaver, have been dismissed from the company, as its receiver disclosed he is cooperating with ongoing federal investigations.

Weavers sacked from Uncle Nearest amid federal investigation

Life Behind the Liquor Counter

The rules say check IDs, refuse the drunk, protect the vulnerable. The incentives say do the opposite. Somebody has to live in that gap.

https://www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-paradox-behind-the-liquor-counter

The Human Element

Decoding Social Responsibility in the Vineyard

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/the-human-element

Roman women managed wine and olive oil production on ancient farms, study finds

For years, historians described the Roman vilica, or female farm manager, as a housekeeper whose work focused on meals, cleaning, and supervising servants inside the home. A new study argues this view misses one of the most important jobs on a Roman estate. Evidence shows many vilicae managed large farming operations, especially the production of wine and olive oil, two of the estate’s main sources of income.

Roman women managed wine and olive oil production on ancient farms, study finds

Freeze, drought make 2026 a difficult year for Virginia vineyards

Despite some recent rain, Virginia remains in a drought—the latest insult for vineyards where grape crops were crushed by an early freeze followed by extreme temperatures. WMRA’s Christine Kueter reports.

https://www.wmra.org/2026-07-14/freeze-drought-make-2026-a-difficult-year-for-virginia-vineyards

What is ‘back sweetening’ and why does it matter?

Wines by the glass in the US are becoming sweeter as a global trend for ‘friendlier’ table wines begins to take hold. And European regions including Bordeaux and the Rhône are considering adapting legislation to follow suit, reports Roger Morris.

What is ‘back sweetening’ and why does it matter?

The Celebrity Spirits Boom Is Over. Long Live Dead Celebrities

The celebrity spirits boom has almost certainly come to an end.

https://vinepair.com/articles/celebrity-spirits-brands-boom-again-with-dead-celebrities

Trinchero Releases ‘Sauvy B,’ a Wine Spritzer With Added Electrolytes

At a time when the wine industry attempts to court younger consumers and better-for-you trends swarm the market, Trinchero Family Wine and Spirits is releasing Sauvy B, a ready-to-drink (RTD), citrus-flavored wine spritz containing electrolytes, the alcohol conglomerate announced today. Famed winemaker Joel Gott partnered with Trinchero, the third largest wine supplier in the U.S., to produce Sauvy B

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/trinchero-releases-sauvy-b-wine-rtd-with-electrolytes

WhistlePig joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association

Non-profit trade group the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA) has welcomed WhistlePig Whiskey as its newest member.

WhistlePig joins Kentucky Distillers’ Association

What the Wine World Teaches Us About Taste (and Smell)

Before anything makes it to our mouths, all drinking and dining experiences start with our eyes. In the case of wine, tasters consider the color and opacity of the liquid before them, and swirl it around to assess its legs, or the streaks the liquid leaves on the side of the glass. Then, they raise it to their noses and inhale deeply for the bouquet, parsing which scents they glean. Finally, it’s time to take a sip.

https://www.brainfacts.org/thinking-sensing-and-behaving/smell/2026/what-the-wine-world-teaches-us-about-taste-and-smell-071526

The Complete Ultimate List of Craft Tequila Brands

The additive-free tequila conversation needs to expand. Here is what craft actually means, and who qualifies.

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/the-complete-ultimate-list-of-craft-tequila-brands

New Bourbon

• Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill Distilleryhas announced Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash, a new whiskey marrying a traditional Bourbon and a wheated Bourbon. The 50% abv bottling is a blend of two 9-year-old whiskies made during the same distillation season by the company. Two-thirds of the final blend is a Bourbon distilled from a mash of 78% corn, 10% rye, and 12% malted barley, with the final third a wheated Bourbon made from a 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley mashbill. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Double Mash ($50) will be available in limited quantities across the U.S. beginning in August.

Inside a Kentucky Rickhouse

 A Whiskey Distiller Explains How Barrel Placement Impacts Bourbon

https://vinepair.com/articles/ask-a-distiller-does-rickhouse-placement-matter-for-whiskey

What the Supreme Court’s Ruling on Roundup Means for Wine (and the World)

In a 7-2 opinion, Supreme Court Justices sided with Monsanto, agreeing to shield the agricultural giant from future liability against those claiming its weed killer, RoundUp, caused adverse health effects.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/glyphosate

Stop trying to make non-alcoholic wine happen. It’s not going to happen

Drinks that are never going to break through plus England’s greatest vineyard, Breaky Bottom, is on the market

https://henryjeffreys.substack.com/p/stop-trying-to-make-non-alcoholic

Laser technology could combat deadly fake alcohol

Adelaide University is developing laser-based technology that could detect counterfeit alcohol and identify dangerous chemicals, like methanol, inside unopened spirits bottles.

Laser technology could combat deadly fake alcohol

Fireball creates hightops with whiskey pouch

Sazerac-owned Fireball Cinnamon Whisky has released a pair of limited edition sneakers with a custom-built compartment designed to hold a Stash Flask.

Fireball creates hightops with whiskey pouch

US restaurants pushing wine markups to six times cost

Restaurant wine pricing in the US has become “a particular pain point” for the category, with some venues now taking six-times markups on bottles, according to Gino Colangelo, founder and president of Colangelo & Partners, the New York-based wine PR agency.

US restaurants pushing wine markups to six times cost

Why the world is about to see more Canadian cider

Canadian non-profit association for cider makers Cider Canada has received federal support to expand into international markets. db looks into what this could mean for the category’s prosperity.

Why the world is about to see more Canadian cider

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

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Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

07-13-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What is “American” Wine?

Top 10 oldest wineries and distilleries in the US

The 6 Best Summer Beers, According to Experts

The No. 1 Mistake to Avoid Before Your First Sip of Wine, According to a Sommelier

If you’ve ever written off a wine after one taste, you may have been judging it too early.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dont-drink-water-before-tasting-wine-12003407

Willett starts production at Springfield site

Family-owned Willett Distillery has filled its first cask and begun whiskey production at its new facility in Springfield, Kentucky.

Willett starts production at Springfield site

How the Martini glass became more than the Martini

Think of a Martini and what do you picture? We bet that it’s the classic V-shaped cocktail glass that immediately comes to your mind.

How the Martini glass became more than the Martini

Why Is Everybody Making Blackberry Whiskey?

As a spirits writer and reviewer, samples arrive at my (home) office nearly every single day. Some are exciting. Some aren’t great. Many are just part of the job. And you never quite know until you open the box

https://vinepair.com/articles/blackberry-whiskey-distilleries-recent-trend

The 10 Most Popular American Whiskey Brands in the World for 2026

Despite the dips in certain regions, American whiskey was the country’s most exported spirit with major growth in new markets like Brazil and Australia

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/most-popular-american-whiskey-brands-2026

Buffalo Trace’s Proof of Concept

The distillers behind Pappy Van Winkle have been experimenting with what strength to cask at and the results are surprisingly good.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/06/buffalo-traces-proof-of-concept

Orange Wine

An Ancient, Sustainable Sip Making a Modern Comeback

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/orange-wine

The 32 Best Pinot Noirs for 2026

Pinot Noir remains the ultimate litmus test for many winemakers.

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

7 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Rioja

Tempranillo is a sneaky little grape. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/rioja-producers-to-know

New RTD

• Sazerac has expanded its spirits-based RTD offerings with three new brands: Lovebug Hard Cream Soda, Buckhorn Whiskey Lemonade, and Endless Afternoon Whiskey Lemonade. Lovebug, at 5% abv, comes in Vanilla ’n Cream, Cherries ’n Cream, Cola ’n Cream, and Peaches ’n Cream flavors. Buckhorn (7% abv) covers Classic Whiskey Lemonade, Peach Whiskey Lemonade, Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade, and Honey Whiskey Lemonade. Finally, Endless Afternoon, canned at 9% abv, comes in Original Lemonade, Peach Lemonade, Blackberry Lemonade, and Ginger Lemonade flavors. The three new brands are each available in select regions across the U.S. in brand-specific 8-packs of 12-ounce cans retailing at $19.

The 6 Best Summer Beers, According to Experts

Nothing goes better with scalding-hot summer days than an ice-cold beer. Crack open our favorite cold ones and share a toast that chilly weather is many, many months away.

https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a71472301/best-summer-beers-to-drink

The Hottest Gen Z Alcohol Trend Isn’t a New Cocktail — It’s Drinking Earlier

After-work drinks and earlier bed times are in vogue.

https://www.foodandwine.com/daycap-trend-drinking-earlier-12003980

Guinness and Oysters Are Having a Moment

This Unexpected Pairing Has a Long History

https://vinepair.com/articles/guinness-oysters-popular-pairing

Online searches ‘through the roof’ for Sancerre and chilled reds

A new ‘Summergeist’ report by Google reveals the top-trending food and drinks this season, with Sancerre and chilled reds storming ahead, as well as, bizarrely, spam hotdogs. db finds out more.

Online searches ‘through the roof’ for Sancerre and chilled reds

Irish whiskey GI under review

Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine has launched a public consultation to review the rules that govern Irish whiskey.

Irish whiskey GI under review

Bulleit bottles its oldest straight rye

Diageo-owned Bulleit Frontier Whiskey has released a limited edition 20-year-old straight rye, the brand’s oldest of its kind to date.

Bulleit bottles its oldest straight rye

Ole Smoky releases RTDs

Tennessee-based Ole Smoky has revisited the ready-to-drink (RTD) market with a line of sparkling moonshine lemonades.

Ole Smoky releases RTDs

New RTD

• Brown-Forman has announced El Jimador Tequila Spritz, a new RTD extension for the brand. The new line comes in three flavors—Lime, Orange, and Mango—all at 4.8% abv and hitting shelves across the U.S. beginning in July. The cocktails come in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans for a suggested price of $11. The new Tequila Spritzes mark the brand’s first entry into the spirits-based RTD category in the U.S., although El Jimador is present in the malt-based cocktail category with El Jimador Bebidas. Last year, El Jimador Tequila was down nearly 13% in the U.S. to 672,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

On Greek island of Santorini, winemakers try to adapt to heat and drought

Climate change makes wine growing harder on Greek island

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/greek-island-santorini-winemakers-try-adapt-heat-drought-2026-06-29

Will Europe’s heat wave kill a harvest too?

Shades of 2003 haunts growers

https://tomm142661.substack.com/p/will-europes-heat-wave-kill-a-harvest

Buffalo Trace Revives 5 Historic Whiskey Brands in Its New Prohibition Collection

This year’s lineup includes the distillery’s highest-proof rye in modern history.
https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-prohibition-collection-2026-12009201

Sazerac buys Garrard County Distilling for $20m

Tom Collins Distilling, which is affiliated with Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac, has purchased the former Garrard County Distilling property located in Lancaster, Kentucky.

Sazerac buys Garrard County Distilling for $20m

Finnish Long Drink explores raspberry

Ready-to-drink (RTD) brand The Finnish Long Drink has debuted a new flavor, raspberry, as well as a zero-sugar variant.

Finnish Long Drink explores raspberry

Schiava and Lagrein: The red spirit of Alto Adige

The indigenous red varieties of Alpine northern Italy are a worthy complement to the region’s fine whites.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/schiava-lagrein-red-spirit-alto-adige

What is “American” Wine?

Truth in labeling is a valid request.

https://stevenunlimited.substack.com/p/what-is-american-wine

We need to kick back a bit on wine and health

I’m worried that people are being scared about enjoying wine for no particular reason. Maybe we need to be more honest in the sphere of wine and health?

https://jamiegoode.substack.com/p/we-need-to-kick-back-a-bit-on-wine

7 Things You Should Know About BuzzBallz, 

The Trailblazing RTD Popular With Gen Z

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-buzzballz

Top 10 oldest wineries and distilleries in the US

Ahead of Independence Day on Saturday, db reveals the ten oldest wineries and distilleries in the United States that remain operational, two of which predate the Declaration of Independence altogether.

Top 10 oldest wineries and distilleries in the US

Champagne on course for earliest harvest start date ever

Following an unusually early and heavily frost-damaged start to the season, followed by recent heatwave conditions, Champagne could be on course for the earliest start date for harvesting in its long history.

Champagne on course for earliest harvest start date ever

Beer considered to be the ‘most American’ of drinks

Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, new statistics have revealed that the majority of adults believe beer is the drink that is understood to be “most American”. db looks at the findings.

Beer considered to be the ‘most American’ of drinks

New Bourbon

Jefferson’s Bourbon, part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, has released a new limited edition 20-year-old whiskey finished in Bordeaux casks. The Bourbon is bottled at 47% abv and is a tribute to the brand’s namesake and “the pioneering spirit of America,” according to the company. Jefferson’s Bourbon Founder’s Reserve 20-Year-Old is limited to just 250 bottles, available through the brand’s website and in select retailers across the U.S. The limited-time-off ering carries a suggested price of $500 a 750-ml. Last year, Jefferson’s was at 131,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Ten whiskeys for the US 250th anniversary

Whiskey producers across the country have unveiled a plethora of limited releases to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US.

Ten whiskeys for the US 250th anniversary

ARE LOW-CAL BEERS THE NEXT BIG THING?

So: weaker than a Michelob Ultra and less than 100 calories, but stronger than NA and fuller-flavored for craft beer drinkers.

https://www.beervanablog.com/beervana/2026/6/30/are-low-cal-beers-the-next-big-thing

This Is the No. 1 Nonalcoholic Beer in America, According to the First NA Beer Competition

Judges tasted more than 100 alcohol-free beers and beverages to crown the inaugural Best in Show winner.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-day-brewing-wild-american-pilsner-best-in-show-north-american-nonalcoholic-cup-2026-12009452

The Ultimate Champagne Flavor Map

Wineries of all types strive to develop an estate identity through their liquid, but nowhere is that brand recognition as important as it is in Champagne

https://vinepair.com/articles/champagne-flavor-map-infographic

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-29-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

Can you taste history?

Are Washington wines ‘volcanic’?

Organic Wine Decoded

What’s Actually in Your Wine, and Why Almost None of It is on the Label

Cultured yeast, fining agents, added sugar, and sulfur all go in. Here’s how to taste the difference.

https://thepolishedpalate.substack.com/p/whats-actually-in-your-wine-and-why

21 Liqueurs to Know to Read a Cocktail Menu With Confidence

When ordering a classic cocktail, drinkers can anticipate how the beverage will likely taste.

https://vinepair.com/articles/cocktail-menu-liqueurs-to-know

No Increased Risk of Cancer Death from Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Study

Who’s Gonna Tell The WHO? Who’s Gonna Tell the Media?

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/no-increased-risk-of-cancer-death-from-moderate-alcohol-consumption

When People Say They Want Sustainable Wine, Are They Telling the Truth?

The industry keeps telling itself that its customers are demanding greener winemaking. Research backs that up. Or does it?

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/when-people-say-they-want-sustainable

New Bourbon

• Barrell Craft Spirits has released Bourbon Batch 038, the latest cask strength bottling from the Louisville, Kentucky-based blender. Batch 038 brings together 12-year-old Kentucky Bourbon, 12- and 15-year-old Tennessee Bourbon, 9- and 10-year-old Indiana Bourbon, and 8-year-old Maryland Bourbon creating a derived mash bill of 79% corn, 17% rye, and 4% malted barley that’s bottled at 58.48% abv. The new release is now available in 49 states at a suggested price of $85 a bottle. Timed to the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, Barrell Bourbon Batch 038 features a commemorative red, white, and blue label. 

Beyond the Buzzwords: The Evolution of the Natural Wine Movement

Wait! Isn’t all wine natural?

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/beyond-the-buzzwords-the-evolution

The States That Drink the Most Liquor in America

Wine and beer continue to top spirits in total consumption by volume

https://vinepair.com/articles/map-states-drink-spirits-america-2025

Bartenders Say ‘Overly Complex’ Cocktails Are Out—Here’s What Everyone Will Be Drinking This Summer

If that’s not a recession indicator, I don’t know what is.

https://www.delish.com/food/a71410804/summer-cocktail-trends-2026

Elijah Craig Is Bringing Back Its 21-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon After More Than a Decade

The limited-edition bourbon was bottled at 94 proof.

https://www.foodandwine.com/elijah-craig-21-year-old-single-barrel-bourbon-11993275

Vin de France gains ground in Bordeaux

An increasing number of Bordeaux producers are stepping outside appellation rules in favour of Vin de France, seeking greater freedom over grape varieties, winemaking techniques and branding. While still a small part of regional production, the category is becoming a vehicle for innovation, climate adaptation and commercial flexibility

Vin de France gains ground in Bordeaux

Coors Light’s New ‘Tallerboy’ Packs 3 Beers Into 1 Giant Can

There’s no need to get up from your couch to grab a second or third beer.

https://www.foodandwine.com/coors-light-tallerboy-canister-11993250

Everything You Need to Know About Johnnie Walker

A look at the blended scotch whisky brand that rose from humble origins to become the number one scotch whisky brand in the world

https://whiskyadvocate.com/johnnie-walker-whisky-overview

First 5,000 bottles produced from Pope’s vineyard

Pope Leo XIV gave thanks for the inaugural vintage made from the two-hectare vineyard located inside his summer residence and farmed by migrant workers.

First 5,000 bottles produced from Pope’s vineyard

10 Essential Bottles of Rosé

Although rosé’s popularity peaks in the summertime, the pink wine’s roots prove it is more than a trendy seasonal beverage.

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

Biodynamic Wine: Stardust, Sorcery, or the Ultimate Terroir?

The cosmic side of viticulture

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/biodynamic-wine-stardust-sorcery

Why Is NA Wine So Far Behind NA Beer?

Read More

https://defector.com/why-is-na-wine-so-far-behind-na-beer

Champagne growers and houses rethink old partnerships

Climate change and shifting consumer preferences are prompting some Champagne producers to deepen ties with their grape growers. For estates such as Laurent-Perrier, closer collaboration is becoming increasingly important for maintaining quality and long-term stability.

Champagne growers and houses rethink old partnerships

Why China could be fine wine’s next success story

From award-winning Chardonnays to ambitious export plans, China’s wine industry is shedding old stereotypes and building a reputation for premium quality. As curiosity grows at home and abroad, producers are positioning themselves as the next major force in fine wine. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.

Why China could be fine wine’s next success story

Frey Ranch ballots northern Nevada’s ‘oldest’ Bourbon

Nevada’s Frey Ranch Distillery has released its first batch of 10-year-old Bourbon, which is available exclusively through a ballot.

Frey Ranch ballots northern Nevada’s ‘oldest’ Bourbon

Teremana debuts limited design series

Actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Teremana Tequila has launched its first limited edition design series, called The Craft Editions.

Teremana debuts limited design series

9 of the Best Albariños From Spain’s Rías Baixas

Albariño is a quintessential summer white wine.

https://vinepair.com/good-wine-reviews/best-albarino-spain-rias-baixas

We Asked 14 Wine Pros

 What ‘Cult’ Wine Is Actually Worth the Hype?

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-wine-pros-cult-wines-worth-the-hype-2026

New Bookers

• Suntory Global Spirits has introduced the second batch of Booker’s Bourbonfor 2026, “The Milkshake Batch.” This edition comes in at 62.2% abv and aged for just over seven and a half years before bottling. The Bourbon’s name is inspired by the treats shared by Booker and Fred Noe after fishing trips. Booker’s “The Milkshake Batch” is now available in limited quantities across the U.S. for a suggested price of $100 a bottle.

lcohol drinking will shrink in the next decade, research finds 

Global alcohol consumption is set to drop over the next ‌decade, despite population growth and rising demand in India, which is set to become the world’s biggest drinks market after China, according to market research firm IWSR

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/alcohol-drinking-will-shrink-next-decade-reasearch-finds-2026-06-11

Light Beer Isn’t a Joke Anymore — and Science Shows Why

Brewing experts reveal how ingredient quality, fermentation science, and modern technology are transforming light beer into a category worth drinking.

https://www.foodandwine.com/light-beer-taste-better-11995399

Why Molson Coors is betting on cheap beer

The brewer is reviving Keystone Ice and expanding Miller High Life to reach younger drinkers and budget conscious consumers.

https://www.fooddive.com/news/molson-coors-cheap-beer-value-miller-high-life-keystone-light/822646

56 Great Reposado Tequilas Under $60

The cheat sheet for stocking a serious reposado shelf without blowing your budget

https://www.tequilareport.com/p/56-great-reposado-tequilas-under-60

10 things to look for when drinking rosé wine

So, what makes a good rosé? Such is the diversity of the category today, there’s no simple, single answer. Nevertheless, Patrick Schmitt MW has listed 10 things to consider when drinking pink wine – including his views on sweetness and ice in your rosé.

10 things to look for when drinking rosé wine

7 Things You Should Know About Rabbit Hole
 The Bourbon Distillery Breaking Tradition

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-rabbit-hole

Organic Wine Decoded

The baseline of eco-friendly drinking

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/organic-wine-decoded

Water, Barley, Hops, and … Dinosaurs?

For decades, beer brewers have achieved that crisp, clean taste with a weird relic from the land before time. Will modernization make your favorite brand go extinct?

https://slate.com/life/2026/06/beer-lager-ale-brands-filtration-fish-diatomaceous-earth.html

What Is Chardonnay Rose? Meet the Pink Grape Approved for Making Champagne

This pink-skinned grape is helping growers combat the effects of climate change.

https://www.foodandwine.com/what-is-chardonnay-rose-pink-champagne-grape-11982908

I Asked a Beer Expert If It’s Better to Buy Beer That’s Already Cold

 Her Answer Totally Surprised Me

https://www.thekitchn.com/room-temperature-vs-chilled-beer-expert-23786696

Dry Martini

What ‘dry’ really means in a Martini, and the perfect recipe.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dry-martini-cocktail-recipe-11997380

Former U.S. health official explains why the Trump administration ‘ignored’ a key alcohol study

A study finding that even one drink a day causes health risks was deliberately sidelined by the Trump administration, a former federal public health official alleges

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/former-u-s-health-official-explains-why-the-trump-administration-ignored-a-key-alcohol-study

10 Lesser-Known Producers You Should Try if You Love Bourbon

There are two ways to view the bourbon market in 2026. The first way is through the current lens of doom and gloom, lamenting the slowdown in bourbon sales and complaining about how Gen Z doesn’t drink as much as previous generations, even though data suggests this hot take looks increasingly like a load of fertilizer.

https://vinepair.com/articles/less-popular-bourbon-producers-to-know

Top 10 best-selling world whisky Brand Champions

While North American and Japanese whiskies had a lackluster 2025, there was one Irish player that stormed to success.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/06/top-10-best-selling-world-whisky-brand-champions/5 Wine Rules That Deserve to Be Broken, According to Sommeliers

From chilled Cabernet to Riesling with rib eye, sommeliers are challenging some of wine’s most persistent myths.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-rules-to-break-11997826

Bag wines, low alc wines, no alc wines.

 It’s all happening!

Bag wines, low alc wines, no alc wines. It’s all happening!

This Is Who Chooses The Wine Selection At Costco

Despite having a large warehouse format, Costco is quite selective with the products it chooses to carry.

https://www.mashed.com/2190776/how-costco-chooses-its-wine

\

Digital influence rises, but consumers still trust people over AI, study finds

New research commissioned by drinks marketing specialist Chelsea Co. suggests digital channels are becoming increasingly important in drinks discovery, but consumers continue to place greater trust in human recommendations and real-world experiences.

Digital influence rises, but consumers still trust people over AI, study finds

The Italian region selling rosé to the French

Maremma is finding success with its fresh coastal rosé in Provence, with one producer telling db it sold 10,000 bottles to the south of France in the last year as consumers look beyond their own back yard for refreshing pink wines. Sarah Neish reports.

The Italian region selling rosé to the French

Coors Whiskey Co debuts American malt blend

The whiskey arm of brewing giant Molson Coors has launched its first namesake blended American malt whiskey expression.

Coors Whiskey Co debuts American malt blend

First Texas Cooperage Opens Doors

Standard Cooperage Offers Texas-Made Sustainable, Artisan Barrels for Wineries and Distillers

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/vendor/article/319239

Embracing White Wine Season

A Red Drinker’s Guide to the White Wine World

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/embracing-white-wine-season

Lambrusco Is the No-Brainer Wine You’ve Been Missing

A great place to start to look for good Lambrusco and its kin is in the hills just outside Modena

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/lambrusco-red-italian-sparkling-wine

Wine Is Swinging for the Fences With Sports Advertising 

 Is It Working?

https://vinepair.com/articles/wine-industry-investing-in-sports-advertising

94% of alcohol-free beer drinkers also consume booze

New research has revealed that moderation trends are changing the way people perceive no and low alcohol drinks. The data has shown that many who indulge in drinking alcohol are also seeking out non-alcoholic options as well. db reports.

94% of alcohol-free beer drinkers also consume booze

New Long Drink

• The Finnish Long Drink, part of the Mark Anthony Group portfolio, has launched a new Raspberry-flavor ed RTD. It comes in two varieties, Traditional Raspberry and Raspberry Zero Sugar, both at 5% abv, with the sugar-free version at 99 calories per serving. The new releases are exclusive to the brand’s variety packs, with Traditional Raspberry available alongside Citrus, Peach, and Pineapple in an 8-pack that retails at $19, and Raspberry Zero Sugar available in a 12-pack ($25) that includes the brand’s other Zero Sugar offerings. Last year, the gin-based Finnish Long Drink grew 20% to 3.2 million cases, earning Impact “Hot Brand” honors. 

WHAT IS MOSCATO WINE? 

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE

https://moscato.life/blogs/news/what-is-moscato-wine-beginners-guide

Alcohol cancer labels: public health measure or scare tactic?

In the second of our series on the implications of the WHO’s ‘no safe level’ agenda, Tom Bruce-Gardyne explores the battle to impose cancer warnings on drinks, and ponders the motives, whether it is really to inform consumers or simply to scare them into drinking less.

Alcohol cancer labels: public health measure or scare tactic?

Consumers prefer grocers with the better private label brand: report

Those retailers with better products, sharper execution and experience will retain customers

https://www.supermarketnews.com/private-label/consumers-prefer-grocers-with-the-better-private-label-brand-report

Are Washington wines ‘volcanic’? 

Yes, no, and maybe.

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2026/06/are-washington-wines-volcanic-yes-no-and-maybe.html

The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Burgers With Wine

No longer are burgers relegated to just backyard barbecues. Now, patties populate menus at restaurants of all statures, and gourmet versions get dressed up with high-end cheeses, perfectly proofed buns, and quality accouterments. Of course, something as meaty and rich as a burger requires a palate cleanser: wine

https://vinepair.com/articles/burger-wine-pairing-guide

Moving Beyond “Organic”

Here is your regional guide to the holistic sustainability certifications changing the wine world from New York to Chile.

https://sandraetaylor.substack.com/p/moving-beyond-organic

California wineries request US$32 million to fight vineyard pest

Senators have requested the immediate release of emergency funds from the US Department of Agriculture to “contain and eradicate” the glassy-winged sharpshooter before it decimates vineyards across California.

California wineries request US$32 million to fight vineyard pest

Frost and hail threaten 2026 US and French wine harvests

Severe frost and hail have already caused extensive vineyard damage across parts of the United States and France, raising concerns over another difficult harvest year. Growers are reporting losses of up to 90% in some regions, with months of weather risks still ahead.

Frost and hail threaten 2026 US and French wine harvests

Do Pickles Actually Belong in Your Sauvignon Blanc?

Another year, another wacky wine trend.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/pickle-wine

Why European Wine Brands Struggle in the U.S. Market

European wine brands often enter the United States expecting quality and heritage to carry them. The wine earns respect, but the brand stalls. The reason is rarely the wine. It is that the U.S. market runs on different rules than most international producers expect. Below are direct answers to the questions producers ask most.

Why European Wine Brands Struggle in the U.S. Market

Can you taste history? 

We try George Washington’s original beer

https://www.npr.org/2026/06/19/nx-s1-5843321/george-washingtons-original-beer-nypl

Stemmed vs stemless wine glasses

Which style is best?

https://westgarthwines.com/blogs/news/stemmed-vs-stemless-wine-glasses-which-style-is-best

Why the World Cup is a ‘make or break’ moment for alcohol

The World Cup might face another hurdle: A years-long decline in drinking.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/08/food/world-cup-spirit-sales

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

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Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-15-2026

Liquor Industry News

New Products

What Is abv And Why Does It Matter?

Who is really driving the public health debate?

The World’s Best Value Bourbon

King Valley prosecco producers prepare for upcoming export label change for Italian wine variety

Australia is the only country outside Italy that can use the prosecco name, but in 10 years, Australian prosecco exports will be rebranded

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-24/prosecco-name-remains-in-australia-export-label-change-coming/106700276

America’s Most Popular RTDs

Ranked by Alcohol Content

https://vinepair.com/articles/popular-rtds-abv-ranked-infographic

BuzzBallz, BeatBox, and Cutwater, Oh My! 

Why We Can’t Get Enough of Boozy RTDs

https://vinepair.com/articles/buzzball-beatbox-cutwater-rtd-popularity

The Only Wine Glass Guide You’ll Ever Need 

(And Yes, It Matters)

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/wine-glasses-guide-what-you-need-at-home

New Rittenhouse

• Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill has announced RittenhouseUnited States 250th Anniversary Commemorative Edition, a new 10-year-old rye whiskey released to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentenni al. The 50% abv rye is blended from 90 barrels and carries a suggested price of $100 a 750-ml. The whiskey is rolling out this month in limited quantities in select markets across the U.S. and joins commemorative releases from Evan Williams as part of Heaven Hill’s celebration of the U.S.’s 250th anniversary. Rittenhouse has U.S. volume of 70,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

Champagne’s future lies in innovation, says De Saint-Gall

From climate adaptation to changing consumer habits, cellar master of Champagne De Saint-Gall Cédric Jacopin outlines the pressures shaping Champagne today.

Champagne’s future lies in innovation, says De Saint-Gall

The Napa Cabs You Should Try if You Don’t Like Big, Jammy Wines

In their heyday, Napa Cabs were nothing like today’s stereotypical version. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/napa-winemakers-light-style-cabernet-sauvignon

12 Bartenders Pick Their Favorite Bourbons Under $50

Quality bottles of bourbon aren’t just for those with deep pockets. Here are 12 bartender-recommended picks that won’t break the bank

https://whiskyadvocate.com/bartenders-bourbon-recommendations-under-50-dollars

The wine industry’s Gen Z problem isn’t what you think

Benjamin Jack, son of Bruce Jack, has spent the past year moving between industry tastings, festivals and wine events. What he found was not a generation turning away from wine, but a trade increasingly out of step with how people discover and enjoy culture.

The wine industry’s Gen Z problem isn’t what you think

T

he World’s Best Value Bourbons

Our search for value takes us deep into the Kentucky countryside as we check on Bourbon’s best-value bottles.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/05/the-worlds-best-value-bourbons

Understanding Sparkling Wine Sweetness

Complete Wine Guide

https://vinovistara.com/blogs/production/understanding-sparkling-wine-sweetness-complete-wine-guide

Wine industry searches for answers as US alcohol sales slide

The US wine industry is grappling with falling sales, shifting consumer habits and intensifying competition from alternative drinks categories. But while traditional consumption patterns continue to weaken, pockets of growth suggest wine’s future may depend on reinvention rather than retreat. Kathleen Willcox reports.

Wine industry searches for answers as US alcohol sales slide

French vineyard prices fall again as Bordeaux leads decline

French vineyard values fell for a second consecutive year in 2025, according to new figures from Safer, with Bordeaux suffering some of the steepest losses as structural pressures continue to weigh on the country’s wine sector.

French vineyard prices fall again as Bordeaux leads decline

Court says Uncle Nearest was ‘haemorrhaging money’

Uncle Nearest will remain under the control of a receiver after a judge rejected co-founder Fawn Weaver’s appeal.

Court says Uncle Nearest was ‘haemorrhaging money’

The 20 Best Mezcals for 2026

To say mezcal is a complex spirit is a bit of an understatement. 

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

Bourbon’s Global Soft Power Is Fading as Trump Tariffs Reshape the Industry

Bourbon is facing a crisis of global proportions. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/american-politics-hurt-bourbon-global-market

POUR THE WHY, NOT JUST THE WHAT: Tasting Flights that Fly

POUR THE WHY, NOT JUST THE WHAT: Tasting Flights that Fly

Craft Breweries Are Betting Big on the 2026 World Cup

If you’re into soccer, you might consider watching the world’s greatest teams play live in a nearby stadium sometime in the next month and a half. 

https://vinepair.com/articles/craft-breweries-bet-big-on-2026-world-cup

The 8 Best Naturally Low-Alcohol White Wines, According to Experts

Consumer demand for lighter, fresher wines has put the spotlight on naturally low-alcohol whites. Here are eight bottles wine professionals across the country recommend

A

n Interview with an Average Wine Buyer

Here’s How My Sister Chooses Wine. You Are Not Going to Like It

https://thecorruptwinewriter.substack.com/p/an-interview-with-an-average-wine

The Most Popular Beer Brand Among Boomers In 2026 Isn’t Heineken Or Corona

The Baby Boomer generation includes people born between 1946 and 1964. 

https://www.tastingtable.com/2181509/beer-brand-boomers-most-popular-guinness

Guinness v alcohol-free Guinness 0

We held a blind taste test to see if we could spot the fake

https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/may/30/guinness-v-guinness-0-non-alcoholic-taste-test

What Is Lambrusco? 

It’s Your Next Summer Sip

What Is Lambrusco? It’s Your Next Summer Sip

2 Creative Ways To Use Wine In Your Cooking

Wine can elevate a dish, adding everything from zingy brightness to deep, rich, complex notes, depending on the wine you use and how you cook it.

https://www.mashed.com/2181860/creative-ways-use-wine-cooking

11 Grapefruit Cocktails to Shake Up All Summer Long

Bright, bitter, and refreshing, these sunny cocktails are easy and delicious.

https://www.foodandwine.com/grapefruit-cocktails-we-love-11987251

Bardstown and Mars create Japanese-Bourbon blend

Kentucky’s Bardstown Bourbon Company has partnered with whisky maker Mars to develop a limited edition blend that combines Bourbon and Japanese single malts.

Bardstown and Mars create Japanese-Bourbon blend

Who is really driving the public health debate?

A century ago, America was in the grip of Prohibition. When it ended in failure in 1933, the campaign to demonise drink appeared to be dead and buried. But it’s back in a coalition of NGOs, public health officials and temperance crusaders under the banner of the WHO. In the first of a new series, Tom Bruce-Gardyne explores how we got here.

Who is really driving the public health debate?

How Carmen DO preserves Chile’s viticultural legacy

Carmen DO spans Chile’s wine regions, with a range that foregrounds unique terroirs, varieties with history and – crucially – the growers that serve as vineyard custodians over generations.

How Carmen DO preserves Chile’s viticultural legacy

Best canned craft beers available everywhere

Because beer tastes better in a can

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/best-canned-craft-beers-available-everywhere

Why Wine Investors Need to Rethink Everything They Know Before Buying Whisky

Think your wine investment skills translate to whisky? Think again. Why does identical whisky in different bottles sell for a million pounds apart?

Why Wine Investors Need to Rethink Everything They Know Before Buying Whisky

Wine Losing the Class War

While much of the equality buzz has been around gender and sexuality, class is the forgotten battlefield for wine.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/06/wine-losing-the-class-war

The Empty Chair

What Sports Betting, Cannabis, and Weight-Loss Drugs Taught Me About the Wine Business

The Empty Chair: What Sports Betting, Cannabis, and Weight-Loss Drugs Taught Me About the Wine Business

Distillers Give Their Favorite Stills Nicknames

Here Are the Best Ones.

https://vinepair.com/articles/distillers-favorite-still-names

Scientists to brew beer with yeast from mummified remains

Researchers have said they plan to brew beer from the yeast strains collected from the corpse of Ötzi, the man whose body was preserved in the frozen Alps of northern Italy during the Copper Age.

Scientists to brew beer with yeast from mummified remains

Espolòn launches Extra Añejo in the US

Campari Group has added an extra añejo to the Espolòn Tequila range in the US, which has been finished in French Chardonnay casks.

Espolòn launches Extra Añejo in the US

Chaos revisited: US tariff refunds get complicated

A US Supreme Court ruling says many of president Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal, meaning firms are trying to claw back money. But where does this leave consumers?

Chaos revisited: US tariff refunds get complicated

What Is abv And Why Does It Matter?

Reviews: Aubaine, Avennia, Cynthian, Hors Catégorie, No Girls & Wine of the Week

https://paulgregutt.substack.com/p/what-is-abv-and-why-should-it-matter

A Certified Cicerone’s Guide to Beer for Wine Lovers

From reading freshness dates to recognizing beer styles, these practical tips make navigating the beer aisle easier.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-beers-for-wine-lovers-11990694

What does that even mean?

A few pet peeves and a good cheap pink

https://lettiewine.substack.com/p/what-does-that-even-mean

Why diversity is Grüner Veltliner’s ace in the hole

Grüner Veltliner first won attention as a characterful indigenous grape, flying the flag for Austria on the international stage, but its real strengths are its diverse styles and versatility.

Why diversity is Grüner Veltliner’s ace in the hole

Whiskey House of Kentucky cuts 30% of staff

Almost a third of the workforce has been reduced at custom distillery Whiskey House of Kentucky.

Whiskey House of Kentucky cuts 30% of staff

The 15 Beers That Defined American Craft Brewing  

Where They Are Now

https://vinepair.com/articles/american-craft-brewing-defining-beers-today

The 10 Best High-Proof Tequilas

One way tequila producers are targeting spirits nerds is with high-proof expressions. 

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/10-best-high-proof-tequilas

America’s First Low-Alcohol Craft Brewery Is Here

Dad Strength is a 2.9% IPA that’s built for weeknights.

https://www.foodandwine.com/game-changers-dad-strength-brewing-11979326

Sazerac launches AJ Bond Tennessee whiskey

Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac has entered the Tennessee whiskey market with its first flagship expression from AJ Bond Distillery.

Sazerac launches AJ Bond Tennessee whiskey

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

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Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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