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*

07-14-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Does Wildfire Smoke Affect Wine?

What Are Sulfites in Wine

How the wine trade can stem declining sales

Which style of alcohol-free beer is better for your health?

A new study by German scientists has compared the impact of three styles of non-alcoholic beer — pilsner, mixed beer and wheat beer — on the health of a group of young men.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/which-style-of-alcohol-free-beer-is-better-for-your-health/

How To Tell If A Sparkling Wine Is Dry Or Sweet

Although many sparkling wines look similar when poured into a glass, the reality is that this delightfully bubbly beverage comes in a variety of flavors and levels of sweetness.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1888490/decoding-sparkling-wine-vocabulary/

7 Special-Edition Chartreuse Bottlings Everyone Should Know

Originally introduced in 1737, Chartreuse is a darling of the cocktail world, starring in drinks like the Last Word, the Bijou, and more.

https://vinepair.com/articles/special-edition-chartreuse-bottlings/

The Magic (and Madness) of Head-Trained Vines

In a few pockets of the Napa Valley—and up in Lodi, along with arid parts of Spain—you can see them: old and gnarled vines, planted 60, 70, 80 years ago and standing strong and sturdy, like elder statesmen.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/advanced-studies/head-trained-vines/

Do you know how to open a bottle of wine like an expert? 3 mistakes that almost everyone makes

Uncorking a bottle of wine takes patience and practice. We take a look at the methods that give the best results and common pitfalls.

https://en.as.com/latest_news/do-you-know-how-to-open-a-bottle-of-wine-like-an-expert-3-mistakes-that-almost-everyone-makes-n/

11 Of The Biggest Beer Recalls Of All Time

Most people don’t associate beer with product recalls.

https://www.chowhound.com/1890501/biggest-beer-recalls/

Does terroir matter to vodka drinkers?

For years, vodka producers have stressed the importance of terroir, but how much attention do consumers pay to it?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/06/does-terroir-matter-to-vodka-drinkers/

Stanley Tucci under fire for sparking negative wine tourism

A new TV series by Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci explores the food and drink of Italy, but does the fame it brings to Italian cities have a darker side

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/stanley-tucci-under-fire-for-sparking-negative-wine-tourism/

New Wine

• WX Brands has launched Here by Chance, a new Paso Robles-appellate d wine brand. The brand’s Cabernet Sauvignon is made by Kip Lorenzetti, who served as lead winemaker at Paso’s Chronic Cellars. The new release is from the 2022 vintage and carries a suggested price of $25 a bottle. The new wine is rolling out across the U.S. through the summer. WX Brands’ Bread & Butter label is among the most best-selling wines in the U.S. priced above $15, growing 8% to 1.7 million cases last year, according to Impact Databank. 

Yes, You Can Keep Sake in the Fridge — for Quite a While

Many assume sake should be finished quickly once opened. But under the right conditions, it lasts far longer than expected.

https://www.foodandwine.com/does-sake-go-bad-11758804

Bordeaux vs. Burgundy: How France’s Two Wine Titans Truly Compare

The real differences between these iconic French wines, according to wine pros.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bordeaux-vs-burgundy-11760151

Lambrusco vs. Moscato: A Battle of Italian Bubblies

One word perfectly encapsulates Lambrusco and Moscato: ebullience.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/grapes-101/lambrusco-vs-moscato/

Here’s The Exact Wine List From The Bear’s Restaurant Menu (And Why It’s Actually Perfect)

While some thought attention to the wine served in the restaurant was generally missing from the last two seasons, the show revisits wine in its fourth season.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1897760/the-bear-season-4-restaurant-menu-wine-list/

Useful official advice on alcohol and your health (EU brochure)

 Sweden do take alcohol consumption really quite seriously, healthwise. The World Health Organization (WHO) would be impressed.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/06/useful-official-advice-on-alcohol-and.html

The 40 Biggest Beer Companies in the World in 2025

Breweries all over the world are facing geopolitical headwinds, rising ingredient costs, and ever-changing shifts in consumer preferences, but that hasn’t stopped them from persevering and pumping out massive volumes of beer to serve to their customers across the globe.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/40-biggest-beer-producers-2025/

Every Bottle in the Four Roses Single Barrel Collection, Explained

In the world of Kentucky bourbon, Four Roses often stands out for two reasons: its long, multifaceted history, and its use of 10 different bourbon recipes, derived from two mash bills and five individual yeast strains.

https://vinepair.com/articles/four-roses-single-barrel-collection-guide/

How the wine trade can stem declining sales

Wine’s downturn is cyclical believes Gallo CCO, Britt West, but – in an exclusive interview with db this week – he stressed that the trade needs to make changes right now to turn the tide.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/how-the-wine-trade-can-stem-declining-sales/

The Absolute Best Way To Store And Serve Grappa

Often served as a digestif after a satisfying meal, grappa has the potential to cap off your dinner on just the right note.

https://www.chowhound.com/1894811/best-way-store-and-serve-grappa/

Sparkling Wine And Coffee, Together At Last

Together they have created Panther Cuvée, a blend of Leelanau Peninsula Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Gris grapes with Panther’s Wonderland blend dark roast.

https://sprudge.com/sparkling-wine-and-coffee-together-at-last-359157.html

Oh lord, a blog from Lodi—the 2025 farewell

Farewell by Randy Caparoso

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/Oh-lord–a-blog-from-Lodi-2025

Where Does the Phrase ‘Hold My Beer’ Come From?

Most commonly, it’s uttered before attempting something dangerous or reckless, but it can also serve as a setup for one-upping someone or performing a heroic act with relative ease.

https://vinepair.com/articles/hold-my-beer-phrase-origin-story/

UnCorking the Humble Cork

The cork oak tree (Quercus Sitbe) features prominently in the native landscape around the Mediterranean Sea not only in Portugal, but also Spain, Italy, North Africa, Greece and islands in the Mediterranean.

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/2022/7/23/uncorking-how-cork-is-made-carbon-neutral-combat-climate-change-with-sustainability

Buyer Beware: The Alcohol Level on Your Wine’s Label Might Be Lying to You

Federal law allows for a margin of error on wine alcohol labeling, but are producers taking liberties that mislead drinkers?

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-label-alcohol-accuracy-11762606

Oregon Oak: Wooden It Be Nice?

Pioneers are once more heading for Oregon, but this time they are looking for wood rather than fur.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/06/oregon-oak-wooden-it-be-nice

How One Man’s Passion for French Wine Sparked a Challenge to Trump’s “Emergency” Tariffs

For nearly four decades, Victor Owen Schwartz has scoured the globe for the most authentic wine, spirits, and sake that he could find to bring back to the United States.

https://www.cato.org/free-society/summer-2025/how-one-mans-passion-french-wine-sparked-challenge-trumps-emergency

One of the World’s Largest Alcohol Companies Isn’t Giving Up on Wine

Constellation Brands is selling off its mass-market labels to focus on the high end of the industry.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/constellation-brands-winery-sale-1236845506/

Alcohol and CVD: An American Heart Association Scientific Statement

The American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement in Circulation about alcohol use and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

https://www.thecardiologyadvisor.com/news/alcohol-and-cvd-an-american-heart-association-scientific-statement/

What Are Sulfites in Wine

Sulfites in wine often spark questions and concerns, leaving many people wondering what they really are and what role they play in the winemaking process.

https://integrishealth.org/resources/on-your-health/2025/june/what-are-sulfites-in-wine

How’s California’s wine industry doing these days? (Not great)

Alcohol consumption is seeing its lowest levels since 1962, and as early as next year, Ireland will be the first country to prominently print warnings on labels linking drinking to cancer and other illnesses.

https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/good-food/wine-industry-challenges-aging-cheese-bahrain-cookbook/california-wine-industry

Blowing Up the Spritz

Italy and the world need more local wine cocktails

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/blowing-up-the-spritz-the-world-needs-more-wine-cocktails-now

The 15 Most Underrated Wine Regions Around The World, According To Experts

The world’s most well-known wine regions — like Burgundy in France, Napa Valley in California, and Tuscany in Italy — are popular for several reasons

https://www.chowhound.com/1894733/most-underrated-wine-regions-around-the-world/

How much do we pay to visit wineries?

The fees currently being charged in the USA are pretty steep

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/06/how-much-do-we-pay-to-visit-wineries.html

Casamigos enters RTD space

George Clooney’s Tequila brand has created Casamigos Margaritas, a variety pack of ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/07/casamigos-enters-rtd-space/

Can robots replace chemical herbicides in vineyards?

A company in China has launched a laser weeding robot which it claims has the ability to “replace chemical herbicides” for farmers.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/07/can-robots-replace-chemical-herbicides-in-vineyards/

How many drinks you can consume before getting a hangover

A medical professional has pinpointed the number of alcoholic drinks it takes before a hangover is likely to kick in the next day.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/07/how-many-drinks-you-can-consume-before-getting-a-hangover/

The Birthplaces of Every Popular Style of Beer

Over the centuries as beer production expanded and migrated, styles evolved and new categories emerged.

https://vinepair.com/articles/origin-of-popular-beer-styles-map/

Gen Z not shunning alcohol as much as thought, says survey

A rising proportion of Gen Z adults in several countries are drinking alcohol, a new survey has suggested, contradicting a popular image of this younger age group.

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/gen-z-not-shunning-alcohol-as-much-as-thought-says-survey-560066/

Argentina recognises Scotch with ‘first ever’ GI

Scotch whisky has secured geographical indication (GI) in Argentina, becoming the first international product to do so.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/07/argentina-recognises-scotch-with-first-ever-gi/

Irish Vs Tennessee Whiskey: What’s The Difference?

Whiskey offers a globe-spanning selection of regional varieties.

https://www.chowhound.com/1900082/irish-vs-tennessee-whiskey-explained/

New protein and superfood vodka shakes up San Antonio’s cocktail world

The vodka, bottled in Houston, is gluten- and sugar-free and entirely plant-based.

https://sanantonio.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/im-parched-protein-superfood-vodka/

Highland Vs Lowland Tequila: What’s The Difference?

For those not versed in agave spirits, tequila is just a cheap shot downed with lime or the liquor base for a margarita.

https://www.chowhound.com/1899576/tequila-difference-highland-lowland/

Why Gran Selezione Is the Most Exciting Chianti Classico You Haven’t Tried Yet

These next-level Chianti Classico wines are redefining Tuscany’s top reds.

https://www.foodandwine.com/gran-selezione-chianti-classico-wine-11764013

It’s Time We Stop Calling Wine ‘Masculine’ and ‘Feminine’

What are we really saying when we call wines “masculine” or “feminine”?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/drinks-terms-defined/feminine-masculine-wine-descriptors/

How Does Wildfire Smoke Affect Wine?

While some alcoholic beverages contain smoky notes, wildfires can impart a unique flavor to a bottle of red wine.

https://www.the-scientist.com/how-does-wildfire-smoke-affect-wine-73049

Elevating Fast Food

Junk food has a time and a place in our lives.

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/2024/7/16/fast-food-wine-pairing

Myths busted: Why rinsing your beer glass matters more than you think

Beer glass rinsing 101

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/why-your-beer-glasses-get-rinsed/

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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*

06-30-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Smaller wineries lead economic turnaround in the US

Vintner vs. Cannabis Grower: Feuding Neighbors

Why You Should Never Keep Tequila In The Freezer

Devil’s Advocate: Nintendo’s Underappreciated Gift to the Wine Industry

The Japanese gaming giant, Nintendo, has just launched its new Switch 2 console. Fans across the world are eagerly lining up to buy it. Robert Joseph wonders whether the wine industry should be paying more attention.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/opinion/devils-advocate-nintendos-underappreciated-gift-wine-industry

Why You Might Not Want To Use Whiskey Stones In Your Drinks

While an ice-cold drink is always welcome, nobody likes the idea of watering down their favorite cocktail or expensive liquor with tons of melted ice.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1876264/avoid-whiskey-stones-chill-drinks/

What Sets Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux Apart — and Why It’s Worth Knowing

Within the famed Bordeaux appellation, wines tend to fall into two categories: Left Bank and Right Bank. Here’s what the difference means to you.

https://www.foodandwine.com/left-vs-right-bank-bordeaux-11734271

California’s 5 Must-Visit Wine Regions, From North to South

More than 80 percent of all the wine made in the United States comes from California.

https://matadornetwork.com/read/california-wine-tour/

I Tried the Viral Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc Trend—And Now I’m Ready for a Hot Wine Summer

It turns out there’s even some science at work.

https://www.realsimple.com/jalapeno-sauvignon-blanc-trend-11749734

Why France is switching from red to white wine

Some French wine regions are prioritising plantings of white varieties over red in a bid to follow evolving consumer tastes. Louis Thomas reports

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/why-france-is-switching-from-red-to-white-wine/

Is It Healthy To Drink Non-Alcoholic Wine Every Day? Experts Weigh In

It’s complicated.

https://www.delish.com/food/a64958047/is-non-alcoholic-wine-healthy/

Tackling Wine’s Sexual Violence Problem

The wine industry isn’t all about magical experiences in the vineyard and winery – for some it is a nightmare

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/06/tackling-wines-sexual-violence-problem

New Tequila

• Tequila Casa Azul has shifted production to a new distillery, La Roca, NOM 1646. The move, according to the company, is a step toward achieving the brand’s sustainability goals. La Roca distillery is operated by the Montes family, who also operate the Las Américas distillery, Casa Azul’s previous home. Production of Casa Azul has already begun at La Roca, with the first Tequilas produced there set to hit the market this summer. Casa Azul’s celebrity backers include the NFL’s Rob Gronkowski and Travis Kelce, actress Eiza González, and golfers Michelle Wie West and Brooks Koepka, among others.

Bourbon Fans, Meet Your New Favorite Pour: Eagle Rare 12

More age, more punch, same layered complexity.

https://www.foodandwine.com/buffalo-trace-eagle-rare-12-11750242

Confused About the Health Risks of Alcohol? So Are the Scientists

Two official reports, two opposite conclusions — and a decision that could reshape alcohol policy worldwide. Felicity Carter reports.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/confused-about-health-risks-alcohol-so-are-scientists

Liquor laws in Massachusetts are complicated. Will these bills simplify them?

Senate bills would legalize happy hour and let cities and towns — not the state — decide how many liquor licenses they’ll issue.

https://newbedfordlight.org/liquor-laws-in-massachusetts-are-complicated-will-these-bills-simplify-them/

Alcohol is killing more Americans today than 20 years ago

The increase was particularly pronounced during the Covid pandemic

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/alcohol-deaths-us-liver-disease-b2768870.html

How AVAs and vineyard designations on labels increase your enjoyment of wines

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area; a concept first established in 1980 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, or ATF, to recognize places of origins of American wines, which appear on wine labels.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/Why-AVAs-and-vineyard-designations-on-labels-are-important

‘Prison island’ wine contract extended until 2050

A winegrowing project between Frescobaldi and the Penal Institute on Gorgona, an island in the Tuscan Archipelago, has been helping to rehabilitate inmates for more than a decade. db can exclusively reveal that the agreement has now been extended until 2050.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/latest-harvest-of-prison-island-wine-was-a-deeply-human-journey/

Tariff Threats Trouble Italian Producers

Uncertainty tariffs between Europe and the US is frustrating for Italian producers, but the reality would be a disaster.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/06/tariff-threats-trouble-italian-producers

This historic US winery can legally call its wine champagne

Dive into the 150-year old history of this unique south jersey spot

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/renault-winery-tour/

One Risk Of White Wine You’ve Never Heard Of, Research Reveals 

Many people believe wine is the “healthier” choice thanks to its antioxidant content, but a new study suggests that when it comes to cancer risk, neither red nor white wine gets a pass. And surprisingly, white wine may actually increase the risk of skin cancer, especially in women.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/research-reveals-the-link-between-white-wine-and-cancer

NA Wine & the Second Glass Test: Bolle Bubbles, LVMH’s Bet, South African Spritz

LVMH’s investment in French Bloom provides evidence, if any is needed, that NA wine is a thing.

https://wineeconomist.com/2024/11/19/na_wine/

Is this the next Tequila?

While Tequila continues to be the choice of many across the world, a lesser known spirit is stepping out of obscurity and onto the global stage.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/06/is-this-the-next-tequila/

Why Mexican hops could soon take off

Mexico, one of the world’s biggest beer producing countries, has always imported hops. But times are changing. db finds out more

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/why-mexican-hops-could-soon-take-off/

10 of the Most Absurd Drinking Gadgets Throughout History

Here, we’ll break down 10 accessories that each fall into one of those camps — or in some cases, all three.

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-drinking-accessories/

Tablas Creek Vineyard Becomes First U.S. Winery to Bottle All 14 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grapes as Single-Varietal Wines

Tablas Creek Vineyard has announced the completion of a decades-long project: bottling all 14 traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape grape varieties from the Château de Beaucastel collection as single-varietal wines.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/304081

Beer Aficionados Named the ‘Worst’ Beer in the World

The offending beer was called ‘thin, flavorless, and odd smelling.’

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/beer-aficionados-named-the-worst-beer-in-the-world

Blue Moon, the orange-flavored beer, is being turned into a lip balm

The vibrant burst of orange flavor emanating from a Blue Moon is so lip-smacking good that it’s being turned into a lip balm.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/11/food/blue-moon-lip-balm

Nine words the wine industry has beaten to death

The wine industry loves to use certain words and phrases to describe vineyards, wines, wineries, and other things.

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2025/06/nine-words-the-wine-industry-has-beaten-to-death.html

Is organic wine really better for you? Here’s what the experts say

Organic wine may sound like the healthier choice, but does it live up to the hype? Industry experts weigh in on additives, sulphites, and whether it’s worth making the switch.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/is-organic-wine-really-better-for-you-heres-what-the-experts-say/

What do you look for in a wine?

Straightforward question, difficult to answer

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/what-do-you-look-for-in-a-wine?utm_medium=newsletter

Treasury Wine Estates opens new low- and no-alcohol wine facility

Sarah Parkes, general manager of sales and marketing for TWE’s global premium division, said the technology at the site “has helped us solve the flavor puzzle”.

https://www.just-drinks.com/news/treasury-wine-estate-australia-facility/

8 Things You Should Know About Ridge Vineyards, the Winery Behind California’s Iconic Monte Bello Bottle

From Monte Bello to Geyserville and Lytton Springs, Ridge Vineyards works with some of the most iconic vineyard sites in the history of American wine.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-ridge-vineyards/

Virginia’s Largest Winery Is Owned By A President’s Son

In Charlottesville, Virginia, Trump Winery spans a substantial 1,300 acres and sits beautifully at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1881420/largest-winery-virginia-local/

Sobering up with the latest wine trends

The global wine industry is evolving rapidly in response to growing health-conscious and moderation-driven drinking trends

https://www.foodprocessing.com.au/content/processing/news/sobering-up-with-the-latest-wine-trends-969676916

Hidden chemistry of wine: What actually shapes its texture?

The new Condensed Tannin Fragmentation Fingerprinting method tags every tannin fragment as it shatters inside a high‑resolution mass spectrometer.

https://www.earth.com/news/hidden-chemistry-of-wine-what-actually-shapes-its-texture/

Why You Should Never Keep Tequila In The Freezer

Freezing tequila can mute its aromas and flavors

https://www.chowhound.com/1882692/should-you-keep-tequila-freezer/

Ever Mixed Red Wine And Cola? Spain Did – It Is Called Kalimotxo

Think red wine has only one kind of charm? A bold Spanish twist might just change how you see your next pour.

https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/ever-mixed-red-wine-and-cola-spain-did-it-is-called-kalimotxo-8667116

Can you pick a wine based on the animal on the label?

These days, it’s hard to find a bottle of wine that hasn’t been given five stars by someone or placed in some sort of awards category. But could the winemaker’s choice of animal picture tell us anything about the wine’s quality, value, or both?

https://www.rnz.co.nz/life/food/can-you-pick-a-wine-based-on-the-animal-on-the-label

3 Tips That Will Instantly Level Up Your Sparkling Wine Game

It’s not all about Champagne.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-to-buy-better-sparkling-wine-11753903

The No. 1 Wine Varietal of the Summer, According to Sommeliers

Plus, five other styles to sip this season, including a varietal “full of personality” and perfect for picnics and potlucks.

https://www.bhg.com/best-summer-wine-varietal-2025-11746540

Some Federal Agencies Are Actually Getting More Efficient

Downsizing pushed the Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to adopt tech solutions that it could have tried years ago.

https://reason.com/2025/06/14/some-federal-agencies-are-actually-getting-more-efficient/

Glass bottles found to contain more microplastics than plastic bottles

Drinks including water, soda, beer and wine sold in glass bottles contain more microplastics than those in plastic bottles,

https://phys.org/news/2025-06-glass-bottles-microplastics-plastic.html

Brown Rice in Your Whiskey? Jim Beam’s Latest Whiskey Breaks All the Rules

A once-obscure experiment is now the backbone of a top-shelf release.

https://www.foodandwine.com/little-book-whiskey-chapter-9-none-for-granted-11756481

Debunking wine myths

• Jack Costa Umpqua Valley Winegrowers Association for The News-Review

https://www.nrtoday.com/a_and_e/debunking-wine-myths/article_f02639bc-dfd4-413f-bba6-0d54e19d28af.html

Vintner vs. Cannabis Grower: Feuding Neighbors in Wine Country

A Buellton-area winemaker is asking the courts to allow his class-action lawsuit over the “strong stench” of pot to proceed to trial.

https://www.edhat.com/news/vintner-vs-cannabis-grower-feuding-neighbors-in-wine-country/

The ‘Olympics of Beer’ Just Crowned Its Champions — and These Trends Are Clear

The World Beer Cup featured 8,375 entries from breweries across 37 countries, highlighting key trends in style, strength, and the growing role of cider.

https://www.foodandwine.com/beer-and-cider-trends-world-beer-cup-2025-11756649

The plummeting demand for wine has many in the industry worried. But is the situation so dire?

According to the Silicon Valley Bank’s annual wine industry report, revenues for U.S. brands tumbled by 3.4 percent in 2024

https://www.montereycountynow.com/news/cover/the-plummeting-demand-for-wine-has-many-in-the-industry-worried-but-is-the-situation/article_6915dc31-35d6-4768-8732-a154590092b2.html

Smaller wineries lead economic turnaround in the US

According to the 2025 Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) direct to consumer shipping report, small wineries are helping the US wine industry to bounce back. Roger Morris reports

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/smaller-wineries-lead-economic-turnaround-in-the-us/

Josh Cellars Announces National Launch of Non-Alcoholic Sparkling

 Josh Cellars, the #1 selling premium wine brand in the U.S., today announced the national rollout of its first-ever non-alcoholic offering,

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/06/17/josh-cellars-announces-national-launch-of-non-alcoholic-sparkling/

Natural Wine Democratized ‘Winespeak.’ But Does It Make Any Sense?

Natural wine has exploded in recent years, with sales continuing to rise even as the global wine industry slumps.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/drinks-terms-defined/natural-wine-language-approachable/

Light Beer Continues To Reign In The US. Why Is It So Darn Popular?

There is no single reason that light beers have such a dominant hold on the American palate — at least not one that can be easily quantitatively pinned down.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1884239/why-light-beer-so-popular/

Fizzled out: French winemaker risks prison over champagne fraud

Prosecutors in eastern France on Wednesday requested a winemaker accused of producing and selling fake champagne in an elaborate scam be sentenced to four years in prison, with three years of the term suspended.

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250611-fizzled-out-french-winemaker-risks-prison-over-champagne-fraud

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

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Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

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We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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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*

06-16-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

What Does the Pope Drink?

Real Wine Lovers Swallow

How Much Sugar Is Usually In A Glass Of Red Wine?

Want to sound like a wine pro? The wine buzzwords of 2025 you ought to know

The descriptors you should comprehend

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/wine-buzzwords-to-know-2025/

Europe’s wine regions facing most severe climate impact, study finds

Europe’s wine regions have experienced the most significant climate shifts among global viticultural areas, according to a new study published in PLOS Climate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/europes-wine-regions-facing-most-severe-climate-impact-study-finds/

What’s the Difference Between French and American Oak in Wine?

All oak is not created equal. Here’s why the type of barrel used to age your wine matters and how it impacts what’s in your glass.

https://www.foodandwine.com/french-american-oak-difference-11743054

New Rum

Retired baseball legend David Ortiz has entered the spirits business with Ozama, a new rum brand distilled in the Dominican Republic. The brand is launching with three expressions—Blan co, Añejo, and Gran Añejo—all bottled at 40% abv and made from Dominican sugarcane. 2% of Ozama’s profits will be dedicated to cleaning up the rum’s namesake river and the surrounding communities. To launch the brand, Ortiz partnered with Drink2Success, led by industry veteran and former Avaline CEO Abbott Wolfe. Ozama’s three expressions retail between $30 and $45 a 700-ml. and are rolling out now in the Northeastern U.S. and Florida. 

A Complete Guide to Zweigelt, Your New Favorite Summer Red Wine

This affordable Austrian grape makes fresh and fruit-forward red wines.

https://www.foodandwine.com/zweigelt-red-wine-guide-11743390

What is an UGA?

Perhaps you’ve seen these letters on a bottle of Italian wine. But what does UGA mean? Filippo Bartolotta explains everything you need to know.

https://www.decanter.com/learn/what-is-an-uga-553601/

What Does ‘Intensity’ Mean in Wine?

When used to describe a wine, the term “intensity” refers to the strength or concentration of aromas on the nose and flavors on the palate.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/drinks-terms-defined/intensity-wine/

Paso Robles winery earns federal approval to bottle Balkan grape 

Opolo releases first American bottling of Montenegro-grown variety

https://pasoroblesdailynews.com/paso-robles-winery-earns-federal-approval-to-bottle-balkan-grape/211626/

The Best Value Merlots of 2025

When it comes to the best value Merlots of 2025, we check out this year’s stable.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/05/the-best-value-merlots-of-2025

Wine Inventory Tightens Across the US

SipSource shows declines in volume and SKUs as retailers and restaurants rethink the value of new product launches. Jeff Siegel reports.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/wine-inventory-tightens-across-us

New Vodka

Diageo has expanded Smirnoff vodka with a new offering, Electric Guava. The 25% abv drink is made with guava and ginger flavorings. It carries a suggested price of $13 a 750-ml. and between $1 and $1.25 for a 50-ml. Smirnoff Electric Guava is available across the U.S. Last year, Smirnoff was down 6% to just under 8 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 

Is Kosmic Kitty Wines the Next Liquid Death?

Meet Kosmic Kitty Wines, the cosmic-cool new label from Castle Rock Winery that’s rewriting the rules of wine: playful, premium, and unapologetically bold.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/05/27/is-kosmic-kitty-wines-the-next-liquid-death/

5 Regions Where You Can Easily Find Aged Wines

One of wine’s most alluring properties is its ability to evolve over time.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wine-regions-for-aged-wines/

Why Consumers Really Buy Eco-Friendly Wines: New WMC Study Uncovers Surprising Insights

Sheep in the Vineyard as Part of Sustainable & Organic Viticulture. Getty

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/303631

How Much Sugar Is Usually In A Glass Of Red Wine?

We were curious too, so we turned to the experts to find out more.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1875513/how-much-sugar-glass-red-wine/

How England is emerging as a source of fine white wine

Had you asked me a decade ago whether England was capable of making fine, age-worthy, barrel-influenced white wine, my response would probably have been to shake my head – but now, I’ll answer with a nod

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/how-england-is-emerging-as-a-source-of-fine-white-wine/

How important is the wine label?

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then it makes sense more New World wineries are creating bottles with designer label treatments. Rebecca Lo looks into the role of the label in telling a wine’s story.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/06/how-important-is-the-wine-label/

Should You Be Putting Jalapeños in Your Sauvignon Blanc? A Wine Expert Weighs In

The latest TikTok trend wants to spice up your glass of white wine.

https://www.foodandwine.com/jalapenos-sauvignon-blanc-trend-11745102

Scientist claims you should only drink one glass of wine a YEAR

The human body can only safely consume one ‘large’ glass of wine every 12 months because it is too ‘toxic’, according to Professor David Nutt, a leading drug researcher at Imperial College London.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14765201/Scientist-drink-one-glass-wine-YEAR.html

The Best Value Tequilas of 2025

We look to Mexico for this week’s instalment of our search for the world’s best-value bottles.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/05/the-best-value-tequilas-of-2025

Real Wine Lovers Swallow

The old spit-versus-swallow debate kicks off again as one group claims spitters don’t get the full impact of a wine.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/06/real-wine-lovers-swallow

These Forgotten Whiskeys Survived Prohibition — and Now They’re Up for Auction

A historic whiskey collection is being uncorked — metaphorically — for the world to bid on.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pre-prohibition-american-whiskeys-sothebys-auction-june-2025-11749193

10 Expert-Recommended Red Wines That Taste Better Chilled

Stop putting ice cubes in your red wine this summer.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/cookware-reviews/g64917937/expert-recommended-chilled-red-wines/

No Cork, No Problem – The Perfect Fix For Fresh Wine Is Probably Already In Your Kitchen

Single winos like myself often go to great lengths to preserve the quality of our wine once a bottle has been opened

https://www.thetakeout.com/1877127/keep-leftover-wine-fresh-mason-jar/

The secret varietals hiding in your glass of Champagne

By now, you’re probably aware that Champagne is a sparkling wine produced in a specific region of France

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/champagne-grapes-guide/

What Does the Pope Drink? Inside the Vatican’s Quietly Influential Wine Scene

That’s right: The Vatican has a wine scene

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/wine-enthusiast-podcast/vatican-city-wine-culture/

New Whisky

Heaven Hill has released Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond,  a new permanent addition to the brand’s largely seasonal lineup of limited releases. The new whiskey is made from a mash of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley and, as a bonded whiskey, is bottled at 50% abv. The release carries a suggested price of $60 a 700-ml. and will be available across the U.S. To celebrate the launch, Heaven Hill will host a series of activations and partnerships. 

This Wine Opener Removes the Fear From Popping a Bottle of Bubbly

Don’t be nervous about popping the cork ever again.

https://www.foodandwine.com/game-changers-champop-11738866

Everything You Need to Know About Washington State Wine

Only California produces more wine in America than the Evergreen State.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/lists/washington-state-wine-explainer-1236778452/

The Best Sonoma Wineries for First Time Visitors

400 wineries? No sweat. Here’s a cheat-sheet of our favorites.

https://www.sonomamag.com/best-sonoma-wineries-for-first-time-visitors/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

06-02-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

A History of Winery Consolidation in America

Challenging the WHO “no safe level” dogma

How to Pick the Right Wine With Your Meal

The Industry Is Struggling, but Regional Vintners Think Wine Can Still Win

How lower demand, generational shifts in alcohol and potential Trump tariffs are affecting winemakers

https://www.comstocksmag.com/longreads/industry-struggling-regional-vintners-think-wine-can-still-win

Has Champagne become too expensive?

When considering the reasons for the declining demand for Champagne over the past two years, some blame price increases. So has this high-end fizz become too expensive?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/has-champagne-become-too-expensive/

Why You May See Kirkland Signature Products On Local Liquor Store Shelves

This unusual circumstance stems from alcohol monopolies. If you’ve seen a rogue Kirkland scotch on the shelves, chances are you live in a control state.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1852266/why-kirkland-products-liquor-stores/

What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?

Mezcal is more than just a smoky version of tequila.

https://www.foodandwine.com/tequila-vs-mezcal-differences-11731197

Whoopi Goldberg Is Launching Her Namesake Prosecco

The wine is a DOCG-certified, 100% organic Prosecco made from organic Glera grapes

https://www.marketwatchmag.com/whoopi-goldberg-is-launching-her-namesake-prosecco/

Here’s Why XXL Wine Is So Popular

XXL Wines are making waves across the wine world.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1851595/why-is-xxl-wine-popular/

New Wine

Wente Family Vineyards is debuting a permanent addition to the winery’s core portfolio, the 2024 Pacific Mist Pinot Grigio. Retailing at $18 a bottle, Pacific Mist is sourced from sustainable vineyards on California’s Central Coast, and follows other recent additions to the Wente range like Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend and the Baily Hill Pinot Noir (both $20). Wente notes that super-premium California Pinot Grigio is up 21.7% in the last 52 weeks at retail, according to scan data from Circana. 

Hail destroys large portion of vineyards in Jumilla

On the 10th of May, a massive hailstorm ripped through the Jumilla wine region, a ‘super autonomous’ denomination of origin in Spain spanning both Castilla-La Mancha and Murcia.

https://www.hudin.com/hail-destroys-large-portion-of-vineyards-in-jumilla/

R.H. Drexel: Kelli White Has Entered the Chat

Now, a decade later, White has re-entered the wine book firmament with a much more down-to-earth offering. Her latest, Wine Confident, finds White’s voice relaxed, purposeful, focused.

https://jebdunnuck.com/2025/05/r-h-drexel-kelli-white-has-entered-the-chat/

Tequila’s purity problem under scrutiny

As a legal case challenges what “100% agave” really means, producers and regulators face growing calls for greater transparency. Industry veteran Brent Hocking weighs in on the standards, semantics and future of premium tequila.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/tequilas-purity-problem-under-scrutiny/

The Rise And Fall Of The Nostalgic Boone’s Farm Drink

Boone’s Farm was lower in alcohol at around 5% to 7.5% ABV, and it was only $2 a bottle.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1858040/nostalgic-boones-farm-drink-history/

Craving A Great Wine On A Budget? Here’s What To Look For On The Label

You’re looking for a delicious wine. You walk into the store and head straight for the sections for countries that you know will have a terrific selection.

https://www.chowhound.com/1860343/portugal-wine-cheaper-same-quality/

What to Serve with Red Wine

But if you want to make the most of it, knowing what to serve with red wine can make all the difference. The right food pairing doesn’t just taste better – it lifts the wine too.

https://london-post.co.uk/perfect-pairings-what-to-serve-with-red-wine/

9 of the best wine-tasting holidays in France

Want to glug a glass of perfectly pink rosé in Provence or stockpile bottles of shiraz in the Rhône Valley? These are the country’s best spots for a sip or two

https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/europe-travel/france/best-wine-tasting-holidays-in-france-g3q7r79t0

Wines by the glass: How some restaurants do it right

A great selection of wines by the glass is in the long-term interests of the teetering restaurant and wine industries.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/wines-by-the-glass/

Italy approves major changes to Vino Nobile di Montepulciano rules with new “Pieve” designation and stricter production standards

Amendment highlights historical parishes, enhances labeling transparency, and reinforces traditional winemaking practices for Tuscany’s renowned wine

https://www.vinetur.com/en/2025051687684/italy-approves-major-changes-to-vino-nobile-di-montepulciano-rules-with-new-pieve-designation-and-stricter-production-standards.html

More Woe for US Wine Industry

Changes at some well-known California brands bode ill for the wine industry’s future.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/05/more-woe-for-us-wine-industry

Gallo Winery practices threaten Fresno drinking water, regulators say

Central Valley water regulators want the world’s largest winery to stop using its wastewater on local crops — a decades-old waste management practice — because it’s threatening Fresno’s drinking water supply.

https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article306005076.html#storylink=cpy

How Many Bottles Of Champagne Do You Need For 100 Guests?

When it comes to planning a big party, there are a lot of details to figure out.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1855294/how-many-champagne-bottles-100-guests/

The Latest on the Tequila Industry and a Push for Additive-Free Transparency

We spoke with Grover Sanschagrin, one of the founders of Tequila Matchmaker

https://www.insidehook.com/spirits/additive-free-tequila-transparency

What Sets Left Bank and Right Bank Bordeaux Apart — and Why It’s Worth Knowing

Within the famed Bordeaux appellation, wines tend to fall into two categories: Left Bank and Right Bank. Here’s what the difference means to you.

https://www.foodandwine.com/left-vs-right-bank-bordeaux-11734271

What’s the Difference Between Bourbon and Whiskey?

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon — this is what sets it apart.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bourbon-and-whiskey-differences-11734282

Is Red Or White Wine Healthier For You? Experts Weigh In

It all comes down to the skins.

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a64724038/red-vs-white-which-is-healthier/

Drinking Wine May Worsen GI Disorder Symptoms, New Study Says

Plus, how drinking may affect specific gastrointestinal disorders.

https://www.eatingwell.com/wine-gi-disorder-11734203

How to Pick the Right Wine With Your Meal

Grand Amari wine director Catherine Stratton Wenger has tips on sips.

https://www.wweek.com/drink/2025/05/13/how-to-pick-the-right-wine-with-your-meal/

The Difference Between Agave Spirits And Tequila

Tequila is undoubtedly the best known of the agave spirits

https://www.thetakeout.com/1854905/agave-spirits-vs-tequila-difference/

6 Signs Your Alcohol Has Gone Bad And Needs To Be Thrown Out

When it doubt, throw it out.

https://www.southernliving.com/when-to-throw-away-alcohol-11704939

Why Mexican Beer Is Traditionally Served With A Slice Of Lime

Order yourself a great-tasting Mexican lager (say, a crisp Dos Equis, Victoria, or Bohemia) and odds are it’ll arrive with a wedge of lime perched on the rim.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1855095/mexican-beer-lime-wedge/

What happens to wine as it ages?

Though the most dramatic changes wine undergoes occur during fermentation and élevage (the period between fermentation and bottling), wine remains dynamic until the moment of its consumption.

https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/what-happens-wine-it-ages

The “Napa Valley” Of Missouri Was The USA’s First Wine Region—So Why Haven’t You Heard Of It?

When we think of amazing US wine regions, we think of Napa Valley in California, the Columbia Valley in Oregon, or even the Napa Valley of the Rockies in Colorado. However, none of these is the original wine region of the US. In fact, that honor goes to a relatively unknown American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Missouri.

https://www.thetravel.com/napa-valley-of-missouri-augusta-first-wine-region-usa/

Wine, Beer or Cocktails: Which Is Healthiest?

Let’s be honest — many of us enjoy a drink now and then.

https://hartfordhospital.org/about-hh/news-center/news-detail?articleId=63900

Guess What? There’s Actually Good News for the Wine Industry

The wine industry has been plagued with capital-B Bad headlines as of late.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/bmo-wine-market-report/

A World of MAGA Liquor Is Exploding Online. But What If It’s Not Real?

A weird and winding investigation into the makers of Let’s Go Brandon Bourbon, Redneck Riviera, and 4547 Patriot Edition whiskey.

https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/drinks/a64838651/maga-liquor-online-boom/

The Best Beers to Bring to a BBQ, According to 14 Pitmasters

The time has come to build your seasonal roster of excellent beers for picnics, barbecues, and other summertime gatherings, and to find out exactly which brews match up best with ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and other BBQ favorites,

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-beers-for-summer-bbq/

Jose Cuervo: additive-free narrative ‘overstated’

The parent company of Jose Cuervo believes there is a “misconception” about the use of additives in the Tequila industry, claiming they are “not harmful”.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/05/jose-cuervo-additive-free-narrative-overstated/

What’s driving the RTD boom?

The ready-to-drink (RTD) sector is changing, but what is leading the charge: spirits and mixers, hard seltzers, or pre-mixed cocktails?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/05/whats-driving-the-rtd-boom/

Challenging the WHO “no safe level” dogma

A tale of weak associations and methodological issues.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/no-safe-level-alcohol-consumption

A trademark expert weighs in on recent Yellow Tail counterfeit operation

One of the targeted wine brands – and the one receiving the most media attention – is Yellow Tail. Casella Family Brands has since confirmed that the counterfeit issue was localised to independent stores and did not extend to any of the major UK supermarkets.

https://www.drinkstrade.com.au/news/a-trademark-expert-weighs-in-on-recent-yellow-tail-counterfeit-operation/?utm_source=AfternoonBrief&utm_medium=newsletter

From The Chair: Are We Trying Too Hard To Explain Wine?

Since wine is an experiential product, wine writers have latitude to use personal insights and observations to create pieces that are impressionistic, opinionated and characterful.

https://www.circleofwinewriters.org/from-the-chair-are-we-trying-too-hard-to-explain-wine/

Tequila Isn’t the Only Spirit to Use Additives. Why Aren’t We Talking About the Others?

Spirits additives have been in the news a lot lately, almost solely in relation to tequila.

https://vinepair.com/articles/examining-additives-in-spirits/

To Find The Best German Wine, Look For The Grape Eagle

It’s not always easy to decipher German wine labels, but when in doubt, just look for the eagle to guide your next glass choice.

https://www.foodandwine.com/german-wine-quality-vdp-11737282

Why popularity of big wine styles is the trade’s ‘elephant in the room’

The wine trade, led by wine writers, have been talking up lighter, fresher, low alcohol styles of wine in recent years – but is that what the public actually wants?

https://www.the-buyer.net/opinion/popularity-big-wine-styles-keay

A History of Winery Consolidation in America

Today, the top 100 companies control almost 90% of US production, according to Wine Business Monthly figures.

https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/jeff-siegel/posts/a-history-of-winery-consolidation-in-america

Barbera d’Asti gains trademark

The term ‘Barbera d’Asti’ has gained a collective trademark from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/barbera-dasti-gains-trademark/

Wine vending machines land in Provence, stirring debate among French producers

Vineyards in southern France are trialling roadside wine vending machines – but the move is proving controversial in a country where personal service and tradition are key to wine culture.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/wine-vending-machines-land-in-provence-stirring-debate-among-french-producers/

Why You Shouldn’t Store Whiskey Outside Of Its Original Bottle

We received this advice from Matt Klette, the head of advocacy for whiskey at Proximo Spirits,

https://www.thetakeout.com/1866336/whiskey-storage-mistake-keep-original-bottle/

The Supreme Court Said States Can’t Discriminate in Alcohol Sales. They’re Doing It Anyway.

Two decades after Granholm v. Heald was supposed to end protectionist shipping laws, states and lower courts continue to undermine the decision.

https://reason.com/2025/05/24/the-supreme-court-said-states-cant-discriminate-in-alcohol-sales-theyre-doing-it-anyway/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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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*

05-19-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Study finds toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in beer

Why Alcohol Hits Women Harder

Drinking Wine Really is Good for You

Paris Cafés Caught Ripping Off Tourists With Cheap Wine

Part of the allure of visiting Paris is the idea of sitting at a busy sidewalk café casually sipping a glass of French wine.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/paris-cafes-cheating-tourists-cheap-wine/

Most popular beer in America revealed in new study

See the favorite beer in your state: ‘Surprising patterns’

https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/most-popular-beer-america-revealed-new-study

China’s Non-Alcoholic Wine Booms Is All Business

As non-alcoholic wine rides a wave of popularity across Europe and North America, China is seeing its own boom — but for very different reasons

https://vino-joy.com/2025/04/28/chinas-non-alcoholic-wine-booms-is-all-business/

The most valuable wine brands over recent years

Things are a bit unsettled in the global wine world at the moment, for reasons of which you are presumably well aware

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-most-valuable-wine-brands-over.html

A beginner’s guide to sherry wine, an incredibly misunderstood drink

Sherry deserves another chance. Here’s a breakdown of the classic fortified wine

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/what-is-sherry-wine-beginners-guide/

On Italian wine labels, do the words ‘Classico’ or ‘Riserva’ mean better quality?

How to Drink Better: In most cases, a wine from the Classico region will be better; the same cannot be said of Riserva wines

https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2025/04/27/on-italian-wine-labels-do-the-words-classico-or-riserva-mean-better-quality/

Ever experienced a headache from drinking red wine? Researchers may have identified a reason

Quercetin, a bioactive flavonoid present in red wine, can impair alcohol metabolism

https://peterattiamd.com/quercetin-and-red-wine/

Why Alcohol Hits Women Harder

Alcohol use among women has surged to match men’s rates, but women face far greater health risks even at lower consumption levels.

https://neurosciencenews.com/women-aud-neuroscience-28810/

Massachusetts has top ranked craft brewing, but the state’s favorite beer is more basic

States like Colorado and Oregon may be well known for their love of beer, but Massachusetts is home to the second best craft brewing company in the US, according to The Brewers Association.

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/news/2025/05/04/massachusetts-favorite-beer-states-top-craft-brewing-boston-beer-co/83371309007/

What Is Agave Syrup And Is It Better For You Than Sugar?

This is what you need to know about agave syrup.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1849726/what-is-agave-syrup/

New On The Rocks

Suntory Global Spirits has extended cocktail brand On the Rocks into canned cocktails with three new sparkling options. The trio—Sparkling Lime Margarita, Mango & Mint Mojito, and Cucumber & Lemongrass Mule—are at 10% abv and come in 355-ml. cans. Like all of On the Rocks’ cocktails, the new canned varieties are made with Suntory spirits brands, with the Margarita using Tres Generaciones Tequila, the Mojito using Cruzan rum, and the Mule using Effen vodka. The new On the Rocks cans are now available in 4-packs across the U.S. On the Rocks grew 7% to just under 800,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

Is Your Local Wine Actually Local? It’s Not So Simple

Consumers don’t necessarily parse the provenance of grapes—or site of production—when they enter a winery, and it can be misleading when grapes are not locally sourced.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/emerging-wine-regions-texas-outside-wineries/

Do You Know the ‘20 Minute Rule’ for Serving Wine?

While it’s not an exact science, there’s a very helpful tip to keep in mind when serving wine at home known as “the 20 minute rule.”

https://vinepair.com/articles/wine-20-minute-rule-explained/

Australian wine exports drop to 20-year low, excluding sales to China

Exports to markets excluding China have declined to their lowest volume in more than 20 years as consumers drink less.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-01/australia-global-wine-exports-decline-excluding-china/105228348

Drinking Wine Really is Good for You

The science keep piling up: wine is good for your health, no matter what the temperance lobby says.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/05/drinking-wine-really-is-good-for-you

New RTD

• Spirit of Gallo has launched Lucky One Lemonade, the latest spirits-based RTD from the company. The 4.5% abv cocktail comes in four flavors—Original , Peach, Blueberry, and Raspberry—all at 100 calories per 355-ml can and available in individual flavor 4-packs ($11) and variety 8-packs ($20). The new brand is a collaboration with business personality Dave Portnoy and his dog, Miss Peaches, and the brand has pledged to raise $1 million for rescue dogs in the U.S. The brand is working with LifeLine Animal Project and Best Friends Animal Society as part of the “Our Pack Gives Back” program, running through September 1st. Lucky One Lemonade is now available across the U.S. 

Alaska introduces cancer warnings to bars and liquor stores

Alaska will become the first US state to introduce signage with health warnings linking excessive alcohol consumption to colon and breast cancer.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/alaska-introduces-cancer-warnings-to-bars-and-liquor-stores/

No One Wants to Talk About the Oversupply of Scotch and Bourbon

Across the industry, a pool of surplus whiskey is growing.

https://vinepair.com/articles/global-whiskey-oversupply/

Champagne could reduce risk of cardiac arrest, study suggests

The moderate consumption of white wine and Champagne could lower the risk of a sudden cardiac arrest, according to a new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/champagne-could-reduce-risk-of-cardiac-arrest-study-suggests/

Beer and whisky waste to be made into leather alternative

Arda Biomaterials has received US$5.25 million in funding to turn beer waste into an eco-friendly leather alternative.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/beer-and-whisky-waste-to-be-made-into-leather-alternative/

What the Trump Tariffs Mean for the US Fine Wine Market

Even fine wine isn’t immune to the effects of tariffs, finds Jeff Siegel. That’s why those working in fine wine are holding their breath.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/what-trump-tariffs-mean-us-fine-wine-market

Why Blaufränkisch Wine Is a Sommelier Favorite

Industry pros call this underrated Austrian red wine ‘seriously fun.’

https://www.foodandwine.com/blaufraenkisch-red-wine-guide-11730132

The Official Guide to Ouzo — Greece’s National Drink

This anise-flavored aperitif will transport you to seaside summers in Greece.

https://www.foodandwine.com/guide-to-greek-ouzo-11729164

I Cook For A Living & I’m BEGGING You To Stop Using Cooking Wine

Here’s what you should use instead.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/kitchen-secrets/a64689022/stop-using-cooking-wine/

Devils River Distillery files for bankruptcy

Dave Bautista-backed Devils River Distillery in Texas has become the latest whiskey maker to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/05/devils-river-distillery-files-for-bankruptcy/

Diageo sued over ‘100% agave’ Tequila claims

Global drinks giant Diageo is facing a new legal challenge over the purity of two of its most celebrated tequila brands, Casamigos and Don Julio.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/05/diageo-sued-over-100-agave-tequila-claims/

The Famous Italian Wine Grape that is Not (Yet) Famous

Who’s heard of the Italian white variety Famoso, which means famous in Italian?

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/famoso-white-wine-grape-nearly-extinct-romagna-italy-rediscovered

Wine Fraud Rocks Switzerland

Fast cars, espionage, forgery and fake blends all crop up in Swiss fraud cases involving Spanish bulk wine.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/05/wine-fraud-rocks-switzerland

Study finds toxic ‘forever chemicals’ in beer

A new RTI study finds toxic “forever chemicals” in many beers, linking PFAS contamination to municipal water used in the brewing process and raising concerns about everyday exposure.

https://www.wral.com/lifestyle/food/beer-forever-chemicals-may-2025/

To Be a True Wine Connoisseur, Do You Need to Triple Blind Taste?

You might think that a tasting can’t get any blinder than that, but indeed it can: “Triple blind tastings” up the ante.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/advanced-studies/triple-blind-tasting/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

05-05-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Sweet vs. Dry Vermouth: What’s the Difference?

How to be an eco-conscious wine consumer

Prohibitionists Still Writing Alcohol Rules

What Is Fortified Wine And Why Is It So Cheap?

If you’re a devoted wine enthusiast who gets super-hyped at the chance to explore different wines from around the globe, then at some point, you’ve likely crossed paths with fortified ones.

https://www.chowhound.com/1832036/what-is-fortified-wine/

How Ukraine has tamed the “wild horse” Odesa Black grape variety

Once regarded as the “wild horse” of all Ukrainian grape varieties, winemakers have over the last few years worked how to tame Odesa Black

https://www.the-buyer.net/insight/how-ukraine-has-tamed-wild-horse-odesa-black-to-make-quality-wines?utm_source=AfternoonBrief&utm_medium=newsletter

What Exactly Is A Bourbon Neck Pour? The Science (And Myth) Behind The Phenomenon

There are several bourbon myths that can be debunked, but the “bourbon neck pour” is one that is fiercely debated between bourbon experts.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1828741/what-is-bourbon-neck-pour/

Champagne Sales Are Slumping. Is Prosecco to Blame?

The overarching trend for the past 25 years is a clear line sloping downward

https://vinepair.com/articles/is-prosecco-growth-fueling-champagne-slump/

What exactly is beer salt?

Beer salt, flavored salt that has been designed to complement beer, has become more of a prevalent trend of late. db finds out more.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/what-exactly-is-beer-salt/

A wine writer needs a wine education

Words doth not issue without the seeds of learning.

https://newsletter.hudin.com/p/a-wine-writer-needs-a-wine-education

How long does alcohol stay in your system?

Alcohol typically stays in your system for about 1 hour per standard drink consumed

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/04/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your.html

Sonoma-Cutrer Releases First Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc

Driven by strong market demand, this new white wine will be a permanent addition to Sonoma-Cutrer’s core wholesale portfolio.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/newreleases/article/300800

13 Kentucky Derby Cocktails for All-Day Revelry 

Read on for 13 delicious cocktails that will have you off to the races.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/recipes/cocktail-recipes/kentucky-derby-drinks/

How Is Non-Alcoholic Wine Made?

Non-alcoholic wine is having a serious moment.

https://www.chowhound.com/1834135/how-non-alcoholic-wine-is-made/

Global wine consumption falls to six-decade low as inflation bites

World wine consumption fell 3.3% last year to the lowest in more than six decades, with inflation weighing on purchasing power, the International Organisation of Vine and Wine reported.

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/global-wine-consumption-falls-to-six-decade-low-as-inflation-bites-554774/

What Is Carbonic Maceration in Winemaking and How Does It Work?

This technique can make a wine taste like a watermelon Jolly Rancher.

https://www.foodandwine.com/carbonic-maceration-in-winemaking-11714795

Tequila sector tussles over additive-free claims

Factions in the Tequila industry are at loggerheads over the use of additives in the liquid as Mexican regulations prevent brands from labelling their products with the term, causing outcry among the smaller players.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/04/tequila-sector-tussles-over-additive-free-claims/

Wine Parties Like It’s 1961

Wine production is at its lowest since 1961, but that’s okay – consumption has also fallen to a 55-year low.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/04/wine-parties-like-its-1961

How To Take Advantage of ‘Share & Pair Sundays’

The campaign is the latest endeavor by the founders of the “Come Over October” campaign created in 2024 by three wine industry professionals: wine writer Karen MacNeil, author of the Wine Bible,

https://www.winewithourfamily.com/post/take-advantage-share-pair-sundays

A new era for Champagne tourism

Champagne is now embracing a new identity: that of a world-class, welcoming wine destination. As cellar doors open and luxury experiences unfold, both historic Maisons and passionate growers are redefining the region for modern wine lovers.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/a-new-era-for-champagne-tourism/

America’s struggling wine industry is getting crushed by global tariffs and Canada’s retaliation to them

Even if the tariffs were to be reversed tomorrow, one wine business leader said, it would take “at least a year, if not longer, for my industry to recover.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/american-wine-global-tariffs-canada-boycott-rcna201296

Millennials Aren’t Killing the Wine Industry. They’re Changing It.

They are also powerful. With 83 million millennials in the U.S., and annual retail expenditures of $1.9 trillion, when they speak with their wallets, the wine industry should listen.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/millennials-wine-collecting/

How to Read a Wine Label: A Beginner’s Guide to Decoding Your Bottle

If you’re new to drinking wine or simply don’t know what all those terms on the label mean, here’s a quick guide to explaining everything.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/how-to-read-a-wine-label-a-beginners-guide-to-decoding-your-bottle/

Rethinking Wine’s Red Blends

Red blends can be weird, but also beautiful, and they can also create moments of joy and delight.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/04/rethinking-wines-red-blends

Three-tier Parity

In the liquor world the lack of parity between the tiers is obvious to someone with firsthand knowledge of the industry.

https://irishliquorlawyer.com/liquor-industry-insights/three-tier-parity/

It’s not tariffs, but this is the main reason why sales are falling for America’s favorite beer

Modelo’s First Sales Dip in Over a Decade

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/its-not-tariffs-but-this-is-the-main-reason-why-sales-are-falling-for-americas-favorite-beer/articleshow/120384991.cms?from=mdr

A Beginner’s Guide to the Agave Species Used to Make Mezcal

Tequila can only be made from Blue Weber agave, while mezcal can be made from a variety of different species.

https://www.foodandwine.com/mezcal-agave-species-guide-11717207

What is the best way to open sparkling wine?

How to Drink Better: Never point the bottle at anyone as a popping cork can injure or blind; this happens more often than you think

https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2025/04/20/john-wilson-what-is-the-best-way-to-open-sparkling-wine/

Champagne’s Heavy-handed Herbicide Habit

Despite repeated promises to cut back on herbicide use in Champagne, the message doesn’t appear to be getting across.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/04/champagnes-heavy-handed-herbicide-habit

What is triple sec? The underrated hero of your favorite cocktails

What exactly is triple sec?

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/what-is-triple-sec/

Sommeliers Say You Should Never Pair Wine With This Vegetable — Are They Wrong?

Four things to keep in mind when pairing wine with artichokes

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-to-pair-wine-with-artichokes-11719999

Inside the High-Tech Arms Race to Make the Coldest Martini

Making a cold martini and keeping it that way was once as easy as throwing half of it in a sidecar, a simple-yet-effective carafe that sits nestled in ice until it’s time to refill.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/coldest-martini/

How Trump’s tariffs could affect CA wine

But tariffs don’t just affect wine sellers. Winemakers could face higher costs on bottles, since glass is mostly imported from China, as well as labels, corks, wooden stakes for vines and more.

https://calmatters.org/newsletter/trump-tariff-wine-ports-newsletter/

New White Claw

RTD and spirits brand White Claw has launched ClawTails, a new line of cocktail-inspired malt-based seltzers. ClawTails are at 7% abv and come in four flavors: Strawberry Cosmo, Mango Margarita, Blackberry Mojito, and Tropical Mai Tai. The company notes that the new releases are made with no artificial sweeteners and are made with fruit juice. ClawTails are available in a variety 12-pack of 12-ounce cans as well as individual 19.2-ounce cans for the Strawberry Cosmo and Mango Margarita flavors

Are consumers ready to embrace AI-powered drinks picks?

44% of US consumers would trust artificial intelligence (AI) to choose a bottle of wine or spirits for their own personal enjoyment, according to a new study from alcohol e-commerce platform Drinks.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/are-consumers-ready-to-embrace-ai-powered-drinks-picks/

4 of the Most Cringeworthy Sparkling Wine Fails on TV

When it comes to sparkling wine, there’s always a lot of pressure to open the bottle correctly, and maybe even with a bit of style.

https://vinepair.com/articles/biggest-sparkling-wine-fails-on-television/

Fame on the rocks: 8 celebrity liquor brands you can try right now

From Beyoncé’s whiskey to The Rock’s tequila, here’s how Hollywood is pouring profits

https://qz.com/celebrity-liquor-brands-beyonce-the-rock-jason-momoa-1851777530

Prohibitionists Still Writing Alcohol Rules

Joe Biden’s influence remains strong in a secret plan to get prohibitionists to write US government policy on alcohol.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/04/prohibitionists-still-writing-alcohol-rules

New Long Drink

• The Finnish Long Drink has released the Zero Sugar Variety Pack, the latest lower calorie option from the spirits-based RTD brand. The new 12-pack features three flavors—Citrus, Peach, and Pineapple—all at 5% abv and 99 calories per can. The Peach and Pineapple flavors are currently exclusively available in the 12-pack, which is now in retailers across the U.S. In addition, the brand is accompanying the launch with a new marketing tagline “Not a Seltzer” to help differentiate it from other RTDs. Last year, the Finnish Long Drink was at 2.7 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 

Why German beer is disappearing

Germany, historically revered for its brewing prowess, is seeing its beer reputation wane. db finds out why.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/why-german-beer-is-disappearing/

See how much your CT town made from ‘nip’ bottle sales in the last 6 months

Over the last six months, between Oct. 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025, 48.9 million nips were sold in Connecticut, totaling 13,000 gallons, enough to fill a standard, backyard, in-ground swimming pool.

https://www.ctinsider.com/connecticut/article/ct-nips-nickel-per-nip-fireball-smirnoff-vodka-20288213.php

Expertise in Wine Matters Now More Than Ever Before

Now is not the time to advocate for playing tennis without the net.

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/expertise-in-wine-matters

‘Alarming’ increase in levels of forever chemical TFA found in European wines

Wines produced after 2010 showed steep rise in contamination of trifluoroacetic acid, analysis finds

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/apr/23/alarming-increase-forever-chemical-tfa-european-wines

New RTD

Agave Boom Margaritas, a new line of wine-based RTD cocktails, have launched in the U.S. The brand is launching with eight flavors—Cucumber -Jalapeño, Lime, Mango-Chamoy, Passion Fruit, Piña-Coco, Watermelon, White Peach, and Strawberry—all at 13.9% abv and made from Agave wine. Agave Boom Margaritas are produced at Casa Maestri distillery and imported by Platinum Brands LLC. Each flavor is available in a 200-ml. plastic bottle that’s shaped like an agave piña.

Why Gen Z is drinking less alcohol

A report by Rabobank has shunned the narrative that Generation Z is consuming less alcohol because of health concerns linked to social media, calling it “greatly overblown”.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/04/why-gen-z-is-drinking-less-alcohol/

Freisa: Piedmont’s forgotten grape making a comeback

Long overshadowed by Nebbiolo, Freisa is reclaiming its place among Piedmont’s prized native grapes. With a bold personality and growing support from pioneering winemakers, this once-overlooked variety is drawing new attention both at home and abroad.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/freisa-piedmonts-forgotten-grape-making-a-comeback/

Which wine regions are finding success in India, and why?

As international brands set their sights on new horizons, Sonal Holland MW decodes the consumer trends and taste preferences of India’s fast-evolving wine market.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/which-wine-regions-are-finding-success-in-india-and-why/

How to be an eco-conscious wine consumer

Our purchasing decisions sometimes do go beyond what’s in the glass

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/how-to-be-an-eco-conscious-wine-consumer?utm_medium=newsletter

Vino Incognito: Can Private Label Wines Help Ease Bulk Surplus?

Retailers should take advantage of cheap bulk wine to create private label entries.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/04/22/vino-incognito-can-private-label-wines-help-ease-bulk-surplus/

Vermont lawmakers look at proposed new alcohol tax

A new bill might put an additional tax on the booze you buy.

https://www.wcax.com/2025/04/22/lawmakers-look-proposed-new-alcohol-tax/

Why Chinese Food Doesn’t Care About Your Wine Rules 

The issue of what drink to pair with Chinese food is an interesting and ongoing debate for wine enthusiasts.

https://vino-joy.com/2025/04/22/why-chinese-food-doesnt-care-about-your-wine-rules/

We Tried ‘Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc’ So You Don’t Have To

A new, semi-sacriligious beverage trend is taking off on TikTok

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/jalapeno-sauvignon-blanc-trend-tiktok/

Sweet vs. Dry Vermouth: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a guide to these essential Manhattan and Martini ingredients — plus where bianco fits in.

https://www.foodandwine.com/sweet-vs-dry-vermouth-11721692

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

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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*

04-21-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Are the Wine Tariffs Gone? Not So Fast

Trump tariff explainer: the main takeaways

How to Beat Wine Tariffs

8 Things You Should Know About Louis Jadot, One of Burgundy’s Largest Producers

Founded in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot, Maison Louis Jadot is easily one of the most recognizable French wine brands in the United States.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-louis-jadot/

Trump tariff explainer: the main takeaways

After weeks of speculation, Trump has announced his global roll-out of tariffs. db distills the latest from the President’s executive order.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/trump-tariff-explainer-the-main-takeaways/

How the Latest Wine Tariffs Could Crush the Wine Industry

New tariffs could create financial chaos for wine importers, ultimately raising prices for consumers.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trump-wine-tariffs-11708031

Ozempic Curbs Drinking—So What Does That Mean for the Alcohol Industry?

An estimated 15 million Americans are currently taking semaglutide weight loss drugs, which are proven to impact alcohol consumption. Could this be the latest threat to the beverage industry?

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/ozempic-curbs-drinking-so-what-does-that-mean-for-the-alcohol-industry/

Texas White Oak Used to Age Texas Wine

Nobody is more proud of their home state than Texans. So Bending Branch’s new wines aged with Texas white oak should find a receptive market.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/300270

New Bourbon

• Jefferson’s Bourbon, part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio, has announced a new cask strength, limited edition whiskey. The 8-year-old Bourbon is bottled at 65% abv and carries a suggested price of $70 a 750-ml. Jefferson’s Reserve Cask Strength is rolling out now in limited quantities across the U.S. Last year, Jefferson’s was at 139,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 

Top 10 style trends in Champagne

Following an extensive blind tasting for the Champagne Masters last month, I’ve have picked out my top 10 trends in Champagne style right now.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/top-10-style-trends-in-champagne/

How to Beat Wine Tariffs

Some creative “solutions” from the land of creativity

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/how-to-beat-wine-tariffs-italian-style

Mexican Vs American Lager: What’s The Difference?

Lagers may not be as simple as you think, though, and the easy drinking brew is a popular beer variety that can be crafted in an American and Mexican style.

https://www.mashed.com/1818719/mexican-v-american-lager-dfferences/

Is Japanese whisky struggling to fight fakes?

The industry body representing Japanese whisky has announced plans to register the spirit for geographical indication (GI) and reinforce labelling standards for the category to combat consumer “confusion”.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/04/is-japanese-whisky-struggling-to-fight-fakes/

Italian Wine Podcast Special Report: “Is Prosecco Still America’s Darling? New Insights from Somm.ai”

Prosecco continues to tickle the American taste buds, holding strong as the preferred sparkling wine in restaurants across the U.S., according to a new market analysis from the Italian Wine Podcast in collaboration with Somm.ai, a leader in wine industry data and analytics.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/300090

Does Bourbon Really Get Better With Age?

Bourbon is a story captured in a bottle.

https://www.mashed.com/1818854/bourbon-better-with-age-truth/

What Does It Mean When A Beer Is Dry?

Moisture is, famously, the essence of wetness, and, to further borrow a phrase, wetness is the essence of beer. So how the heck can some beer varieties be categorized as “dry”?

https://www.chowhound.com/1825483/what-is-dry-beer/

What Does The Proof Of Alcohol Mean And How Is It Related To ABV?

When shopping for spirits, you might see two different values on labels: “ABV,” or alcohol by volume, and “proof.”

https://www.tastingtable.com/1822366/what-does-proof-mean-alcohol-vs-abv/

Why Food Tastes Better When You’ve Had A Little Booze

Anyone who drinks alcohol will swear that pasta doesn’t taste the same when it’s not accompanied with wine or that beer makes a burger that much more satisfying.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1822988/why-food-tastes-better-drunk

How Will Tariffs on Every Imported Bottle of Wine Impact U.S. Consumers?

President Trump’s global trade strategy means higher wine prices—10 percent for New Zealand, 20 percent for Italy, France and Spain, 30 percent for South Africa—at a time when the industry is already hurting

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/trump-tariff-plan-hits-every-imported-bottle-of-wine

How A Classic British Cocktail Became A New Orleans Icon

As we move into the spring season, many Southern areas are already experiencing warm weather conditions that will only get hotter as we head into summer.

https://www.southernliving.com/what-is-pimms-cup-11704838

Expert Tips for Finding High-Quality Wine on a Budget

We got advice from a professional sommelier on finding a great bottle of wine on a budget.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/expert-tips-for-finding-high-quality-wine-on-a-budget/

The Genius Wine-Chilling Trick We Wish We’d Known About Sooner

We’ll toast to this smart tip!

https://parade.com/food/how-to-chill-prosecco-fast

More medical results suggesting that wines are usually safe to drink

As I have noted before: There are NO scientific experiments saying: don’t drink alcohol.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/04/more-medical-results-suggesting-that.html

What to Know About 6 Newly Proposed AVAs

These six regions in Texas, Washington, and California—including one AVA that has already been approved—have exciting potential for the U.S. wine industry

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/what-to-know-about-6-newly-proposed-avas/

National Association of Wine Retailers Statement on Tariffs

It is for this reason that NAWR strongly urges the Trump administration to reconsider and remove the across-the-board tariffs recently put in place.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/04/07/national-association-of-wine-retailers-statement-on-tariffs/?utm_source=AfternoonBrief&utm_medium=newsletter

For the First Time in 70 Years, Maker’s Mark Is Releasing a New Type of Whiskey

The iconic brand is branching out from bourbon.

https://www.foodandwine.com/makers-mark-star-hill-farm-whisky-11710788

Seeking closure once and for all? Cork versus screwcap versus Diam 

Sarah Marsh MW reports from a revealing and surprising comparative tasting of wines aged under different types of closure.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/cork-screwcap-diam-what-is-best

Great Wine Capitals Launches New E-Book Showcasing Global Excellence in Wine Tourism

This engaging resource highlights award-winning wine tourism practices, inspiring case studies, and insights from the 12 prestigious wine regions that make up the Network

https://www.greatwinecapitals.com/industry-resources/great-wine-capitals-launches-new-e-book-showcasing-global-excellence-in-wine-tourism/

Wine labels Part 1: An intriguing history

Long before concepts like “terroir”, “Grand Cru”, “First Growth”, and AVA entered the wine lexicon, there was the humble wine label.

https://westgarthwines.com/blogs/news/wine-labels-part-1-an-intriguing-history

7 of the most interesting wine pairings you can try tonight

From Girl Scout cookies to Hot Pockets to Takis, these unexpected wine pairings will delight your palate

https://qz.com/interesting-wine-pairings-takis-girl-scout-cookies-1851774853

Why taking a bath in wine is idiotic and wasteful

Of course a wine bath isn’t good for you. What are you thinking?

https://www.zmescience.com/medicine/wine-bath-repubz/

New Wine

A new wine brand linked to the Archie Comics franchise, Archie Wine Collection, is debuting in the U.S. Initially including a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($23) and a red blend from southwestern France’s Roussillon ($25), the portfolio will also eventually include a domestic red blend, a Cabernet, and a Prosecco as well. Industry veteran David Biggar, who’s leading the launch, is aiming for the Archie brand to be in 40 states within a year, and says production can be ramped up quickly to meet demand. While the Archie wines are targeted at Gen Z and millennial consumers, Biggar adds that they’re expected to appeal widely across the demographic spectrum.

Is Orange Wine the Same as Skin Contact Wine?

The wine terms are used interchangeably but are they the same?

https://www.foodandwine.com/orange-wine-skin-contact-wine-explainer-11710257

Are the Wine Tariffs Gone? Not So Fast

While the White House has paused tariffs on foreign wines at 10 percent for now, the trade battle is far from over

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/wine-tariffs-are-sticking-around

U.S. Wines Priced Out: China’s New Tariffs Could End $50M Trade

The move threatens to effectively wipe out the nearly US$50 million U.S. wine trade with China, as the tax burden on American wines rockets to a staggering 218.91%.

https://vino-joy.com/2025/04/11/u-s-wines-priced-out-chinas-new-tariffs-could-end-50m-trade/

Colorado to stop issuing new licenses for grocery stores to sell hard alcohol after governor reluctantly signs bill

The bill is truly a victory for independent retail liquor stores and the craft beverage industry and the economy it supports from the farm to the table

https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorado-to-stop-issuing-new-licenses-for-grocery-stores-to-sell-hard-alcohol-after-governor-reluctantly-signs-bill/

Alcohol Retailers Say Only They Should Be Able To Legally Sell Marijuana Products

A new policy memo from an American alcohol retail industry group argues that marijuana should be regulated more like booze

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/alcohol-retailers-say-only-they-should-be-able-to-legally-sell-marijuana-products/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

04-07-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Dark Vs White Rum: What’s The Difference?

Is the ritual of wine facing extinction?

How to Tell if a Wine Is ‘Dry’ or ‘Sweet’

Yellow Tail changes its branding for the first time in 20 years, as Gen Z rejects cheap wine

The budget-friendly Australian wine brand is updating its look in moment of decline for the wine industry.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91298025/yellow-tail-branding-kangaroo-update

Avoiding Sugary Wines? Here’s What To Look Out For

The only thing dry during my January was my wine.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1809533/how-to-avoid-sugary-wines/

Why young Americans are turning away from alcohol

It’s a question vexing booze boardrooms: is the younger generation turning away from alcohol? If so, is it a permanent trend or will “normal” patterns eventually re-establish themselves?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/why-young-americans-are-turning-away-from-alcohol/

Why It’s Illegal To Add Sugar To Wine In California

First of all, let’s be clear that it’s impossible to make wine without sugar

https://www.thetakeout.com/1810116/adding-sugar-wine-california-chaptalization/

Here’s the Real Reason You Taste Wine Before the Waiter Pours

Want to impress your friends at a fancy restaurant? Here’s what you’re looking for when a server offers a taste of that newly opened wine.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/heres-the-real-reason-you-taste-wine-before-a-waiter-pours/

The Best Red Wines for Chilling 

Cold red wine, you ask? That’s right.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-red-wines-for-chilling/

What Is Malolactic Fermentation in Winemaking?

Hint: It’s key to those big, buttery Chardonnays.

https://www.foodandwine.com/malolactic-fermentation-wine-explainer-11699822

How Constellation Brands’ Wine Exit Reflects a Changing Industry

After 80 years, the giant US company is exiting the wine business. Jeff Siegel reports.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/how-constellation-brands-wine-exit-reflects-changing-industry

Could Elon Musk learn from the fall of Bud Light?

Speculation surrounding Elon Musk’s Tesla challenges are being compared to those faced by AB InBev during boycotts of its Bud Light brand.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/could-elon-musk-learn-from-the-fall-of-bud-light/

The 4-Digit Number You Should Look For When Buying Your Next Bottle Of Tequila

Head to a liquor store for some tequila, and the selection can feel intimidating.

https://www.chowhound.com/1810814/what-is-a-tequila-nom/

What to do about creeping prohibitionism

Why are there perpetually conflicting reports on either the health benefits or health risks of wine?

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/What-to-do-about-creeping-prohibitionism

Sparta vs. Athens: The Cultural Divide Over Wine and Its Impact on Greek History

The ancient rivalry between Sparta and Athens represents one of history’s most fascinating dichotomies

https://grapecollective.com/articles/sparta-vs-athens-the-cultural-divide-over-wine-and-its-impact-on-greek-history

J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon Achieves Certified California Sustainable Designation

. Lohr Vineyards & Wines surpasses sustainability milestone with 36 J. Lohr wines, totaling more than 20 million bottles that feature the Certified California Sustainable seal 

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/03/19/j-lohr-estates-seven-oaks-cabernet-sauvignon-achieves-certified-california-sustainable-designation/

Putting a Cork in the Wine Closure Argument

The objection to non-cork closures remains curiously persistent, especially among wine people who should know better.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/putting-a-cork-in-the-wine-closure-argument

Moderate alcohol intake boosts cardiovascular health, meta-analysis finds

A new meta-analysis of human intervention studies has reinforced the argument that moderate alcohol consumption plays a beneficial role in cardiovascular health.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/moderate-alcohol-intake-boosts-cardiovascular-health-meta-analysis-finds/

How to Tell if a Wine Is ‘Dry’ or ‘Sweet’

Acidity, alcohol, and even tannins can influence our perception of sweetness. Here’s your guide to understanding how sweetness really works in wine.

https://www.foodandwine.com/dry-and-sweet-wine-guide-11699474

The 6 Grapes That Define Alsatian Wine

Alsace is a land of precision and poetry—where German structure meets French soul, and where the wines, like the people, are shaped by both discipline and exuberance.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/grapes-101/alsace-wine-grapes/

New JD

Brown-Forman has launched Jack & Coca-Cola Vanilla, the newest offshoot of the brand’s line of RTDs. It’s exclusively available in a new Flavors Pack, a 6-pack in which it’s paired with two cans each of the original and Jack & Coca-Cola Cherry. All three are at 7% abv and the suggested retail price of the Flavors Pack is $18 a 6-pack. Last year, Jack Daniel’s RTDs (excluding the malt-based Country Cocktails) were down 13% to 902,000 cases according to Impact Databank. 

Zing Zang creates Dill Pickle Bloody Mary mixer

Dill Pickle is the first flavour Chicago-based brand Zing Zang has launched for its Bloody Mary mixer range.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/03/zing-zang-creates-dill-pickle-bloody-mary-mixer/

How Tariffs on Everything From Aluminum to Barley and Malt Will Impact Beer Pricing

Your favorite beer is about to get more expensive.

https://www.foodandwine.com/aluminum-tariffs-impact-beer-pricing-11698307

Regional power: Extended geographical mentions on labels

Subzones and single vineyard names on wine labels may mark out an elite, and often more expensive, class of wines but with important winemaking regions using more general identifiers, how do extended geographical mentions impact how a wine is perceived? Jacopo Mazzeo explores.

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/regional-power-extended-geographical-mentions-on-labels-552437/

Cupcake Vineyards Expands Portfolio With Ready-to-serve Mimosas And Alcohol-removed Sauvignon Blanc

New Innovative and Quality Driven Offerings Reinforce Cupcake Vineyards as a Go-To for All Occasions and Joyful, Everyday Celebrations

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/newreleases/article/299536

Contrary to WHO, recent medical research shows that wine is safe for cancer

I thought that it might be interesting to gather together references to publications that refute these claims, or at least suggest that they are exaggerated; and that is what I have done here and in the next post.

https://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/03/recent-science-reports-suggesting-that.html

Corona Island opens to the public

AB InBev has officially opened the eco-protected luxury destination it calls “Corona Island” to the public.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/corona-island-opens-to-the-public/

The Story Behind The Oldest Wine Shop In The US

While Acker lays claim to the title of America’s oldest operational wine seller, Acker’s story is also one that represents the American dream.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1813674/oldest-wine-shop-us-ackers/

Self-service wine vending machine approved for French roadsides

Innovative machines offer convenient wine access while adhering to alcohol laws

https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/self-service-wine-vending-machine-approved-for-french-roadsides/712375

Why Vatican City is the world’s top wine importer per capita

Tucked behind the colonnades of St Peter’s Basilica lies the world’s most surprising wine powerhouse. With sacred rites, papal palates and duty-free Prosecco all in the mix, James Bayley investigates how Vatican City became the globe’s top wine importer per capita – and why Italy’s grip on its cellar remains unshaken.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/why-vatican-city-is-the-worlds-top-wine-importer-per-capita/

11 Little-Known Ways Prohibition Hurt The US

Prohibition was enacted in 1920 and repealed in 1933.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1812664/how-prohibition-impacted-us/

10 Reasons to Take a California Wine Trip Along the San Andreas Fault Line

Ray Isle explores the distinctive character of some of California’s best wines at stops along a destructive fault line.

https://www.foodandwine.com/san-andreas-fault-line-wine-trip-11701019

Man’s Bedroom Invention Could Radically Change How Americans Drink Beer

The self-cooling can could have broad implications for drinkers and the planet alike.

https://www.newsweek.com/mans-bedroom-invention-could-radically-change-how-americans-drink-beer-2046946

12 Common Rude Behaviors To Avoid At A Wine Bar

I’ve highlighted some of the most common rude behaviors you’ll want to avoid the next time you go.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1817670/wine-bar-etiquette-tips/

What Technical Terms on Alcohol Labels Actually Mean

Unlike other food and drink products, alcohol products are not required by law to have each and every ingredient listed on the label.

https://vinepair.com/articles/what-alcohol-labels-actually-mean/

Is Ordering the Second-Cheapest Bottle of Wine a Rookie Move?

And no, your server isn’t judging you.

https://www.foodandwine.com/second-cheapest-bottle-of-wine-11705009

Welcome to the New World of Agave With Vodka, Wine, and Zero-Proof Spirits

This new crop of agave-made products have a tequila swagger.

https://www.foodandwine.com/agave-made-wines-vodkas-na-spirits-11703784

How Mechanical Harvesting Impacts Wine Quality

As labor becomes even scarcer, even ultra-premium wineries are expected to turn to mechanical harvesters. Will wine quality suffer?

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/how-mechanical-harvesting-impacts-wine-quality/

The WHO is lying to you about alcohol

Quite simply, the WHO is lying to you. The question is, why?

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2025/03/the-who-is-lying-about-alcohol.html

Ozempic may reduce alcohol craving and consumption, new study finds

A new clinical trial suggests that semaglutide — the active ingredient in the widely used drugs Ozempic and Wegovy — may help reduce alcohol consumption and cravings in people with alcohol use disorder.

https://www.psypost.org/ozempic-may-reduce-alcohol-craving-and-consumption-new-study-finds/

Why the wine rarely vanishes – the truth about cooking with alcohol

It is a claim often whispered across chopping boards and tasting menus alike – don’t worry, the alcohol all cooks off. But as with so many culinary myths, this one dissolves under scrutiny.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/why-the-wine-rarely-vanishes-the-truth-about-cooking-with-alcohol/

Is the ritual of wine facing extinction?

Traditional wine rituals are falling by the wayside as Gen Z embraces convenience over ceremony. With corkscrews and decanters gathering dust, is this the end of wine’s romance – or the start of a new era?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/is-the-ritual-of-wine-facing-extinction/

Does Amaro Actually Help with Digestion?

All of these elixirs are renowned for their digestive qualities, supposedly soothing the stomach after a feast. But are these benefits real? Or just romantic?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/does-amaro-actually-help-with-digestion/

83% OF CRAFT BEER FANS WANT BEER SHIPPED DIRECTLY TO THEIR DOORS

Nearly eight out of 10 (81%) of regular craft beer drinkers have tried a beer while traveling that they wish they could purchase but it’s not available near their home.

https://www.americancraftbeer.com/83-of-craft-beer-fans-want-beer-shipped-directly-to-their-doors/

New Jim Beam

• Jim Beam is extending its flavor lineup with a Pineapple variant. A blend of pineapple flavor with Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the new entry is Beam’s first flavor launch in four years and is recommended to be served with lemon-lime soda or in a Pica y Piña with lime juice, simple syrup, jalapeños, and a tajin rim. Jim Beam Pineapple (32.5% abv) is now available nationwide at select retailers for a suggested retail price of $20 per 750-ml. bottle. Jim Beam had U.S. volume of 5.5 million cases last year, including flavors but excluding RTDs. 

Dark Vs White Rum: What’s The Difference?

Although both white and dark rum are made from sugarcane, they can possess vastly different flavor profiles and nuances.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1814036/dark-rum-vs-white-rum-difference/

How Is French Sauvignon Blanc Different From New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc?

Not sure if you love or loathe this popular white wine? It might be the region.

https://www.foodandwine.com/french-vs-new-zealand-sauvignon-blanc-11702181

12 of the Most Underrated Dessert Wines, According to Sommeliers

Top wine pros share the sweet wines they think deserve more love, from Pedro Ximénez Sherry to Moscato d’Asti

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/underrated-dessert-sweet-wines-2025

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

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We Are On Pointy

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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)

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

03-24-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Finland’s Iconic ‘Long Drink’ Got Its Name

What It’s Like To Be a Pregnant Bartender

5 Wine Industry Trends to Watch in 2025

Wine Labeling Up in the Air

The TTB is looking for input on wine labeling, but no one is sure it will even go ahead

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/wine-labeling-up-in-the-air

128 Years of Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey

Bottled-in-Bond whiskey sales declined starting in the 1950s because of the changing taste of consumers.

https://bourbonveach.com/2025/03/03/128-years-of-bottled-in-bond-whiskey/

Which Wines Pair Well with … Mac and Cheese?

Find out how to fine-tune a classic to match your favorite wines. Plus, get four recipe variations and 6 great wine picks

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/what-wine-pairs-best-with-mac-and-cheese

The 7 Best Wines from Women Winemakers, According to Buyers

Retailers and wine directors highlight standout bottles from their favorite women winemakers, including a low-intervention white Malbec and a juicy rosato-style Sangiovese

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-7-best-wines-from-women-winemakers-according-to-buyers/

Why the Swedish wine movement is only going to get bigger

Something that isn’t talked about enough is the Swedish wine movement.

https://news.wine.co.za/news.aspx?NEWSID=44906

What Exactly Makes Wine Dry?

Terminology around wine can sometimes seem complicated, and one word that oftentimes gets used to describe a bottle is the term “dry.”

https://www.thetakeout.com/1801122/what-makes-wine-dry-sugar/

5 Wine Industry Trends to Watch in 2025

From tariffs to climate change, the wine industry will face significant challenges in the year ahead, but changing consumer preferences could also bring opportunities

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/5-wine-industry-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

12 Things You Didn’t Know About Wild Turkey Bourbon

Wild Turkey Bourbon has been around (by name) since the 1940s, with its distillery located on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1795701/wild-turkey-bourbon-facts/

How Many Glasses of Wine Are in a Bottle? The Answer Might Surprise You

It’s a more complicated question than you might think.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-many-wine-glasses-in-a-bottle-11692524

Why Wine Service Sucks Right Now (but Doesn’t Have To)

There’s been a ton of chatter lately about how wine service, especially in NYC, is kind of a mess right now.

https://vinepair.com/articles/why-wine-service-sucks-right-now/

Is red wine a healthier choice than white wine? Uncorking the cancer risks

Epidemiologists in the School of Public Health conducted a meta-analysis to assess whether red wine protects against cancer, comparing the cancer risks of red wine vs. white wine.

https://sph.brown.edu/news/2025-03-06/red-and-white-wine-cancer-risk

CRT sues Additive Free Alliance

The regulatory body for Tequila has filed a lawsuit against the Additive Free Alliance (AFA) for allegedly misleading consumers by running an ‘unauthorized’ certification program

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/03/crt-sues-additive-free-alliance/

What’s With All The Hate Against Screw Top Wine?

Many people tend to judge a wine by its closure, believing that a bottle with a twist-off top signals low-quality, mass-produced wine that’s more about convenience than craftsmanship.

https://www.chowhound.com/1801214/why-people-avoid-screw-top-wine/

Veuve Clicquot and Champagne’s Leading Lady, Barbe-Nicole

This is the story of Madame Clicquot Ponsardin and her vision for Veuve Clicquot. Affectionately referred to as the “Widow Clicquot,” Barbe-Nicole revolutionized Champagne and made it the unique star it is today.

https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/veuve-clicquot-champagne-lady-barbe-nicole/

How to Host the Best Wine Tasting Party at Home

If you just can’t make it out of the house in these temps we’re here to tell you exactly how to host the best wine tasting party ever – in the comfort of your own home. .

https://www.3brotherswinery.com/blogs/news/how-to-host-the-best-wine-tasting-party-at-home

There’s “There” in That Glass

More than ever, wine needs a sense of place

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/how-should-we-talk-about-wine-start-with-sense-of-place

A Casual guide to Missouri Wine

Before Prohibition, Missouiri’s winemaking industry was one of the largest in the country, producing 100,000 gallons a year

https://kansascitymag.com/a-casual-guide-to-missouri-wine/

Crystal Light Answers Decades-Long Call from Fans with First-of-Its-Kind Vodka Refreshers

As the category leader for over 40 years, Crystal Light delivers the lowest-calorie vodka refresher on the market

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250304438236/en/Crystal-Light-Answers-Decades-Long-Call-from-Fans-with-First-of-Its-Kind-Vodka-Refreshers

New Baileys

Diageo has extended Baileys Irish Cream with a new line of oat milk-based non-dairy liqueurs. The duo—in Coffee Toffee and Cookies & Creamy flavors—are at 17% abv and join Almande in the brand’s collection of dairy-free liqueurs. Baileys Non-Dairy Liqueur Made with Oat Milk is available nationally for a suggested price of $25 a 750-ml. The releases are also available 100-ml. 3-packs and 50-ml. individual servings for around $12 and $3, respectively. Last year, Baileys was above 1.3 million cases in the U.S., according to an estimate from Impact Databank.

Wine consumption is changing. The industry hopes new trends will help it survive

Global wine production last year is expected to have slipped around 2% to hit its lowest levels since 1961, while consumption has also fallen.

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/05/wine-consumption-is-changing-the-industry-hopes-new-trends-will-help-it-survive.html

Will Champagne see a turnaround in 2025?

After two years of declining shipments of Champagne, the region’s top producers are hopeful for a turnaround in 2025. We look at the basis for optimism

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/will-champagne-see-a-turnaround-in-2025/

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates drops more wine grape acreage in Washington state

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates — one of the largest wine producers in the U.S. — is holding a series of meetings with its growers across Washington. The producer is curtailing or breaking their wine grape growing contacts

https://www.nwpb.org/2025/03/04/ste-michelle-wine-estates-drops-more-wine-grape-acreage-in-washington-state/

Constellation Eyeing Exit from Wine Business

Constellation Brands Inc. (STZ) is in negotiations to sell its entire wine portfolio to two other top producers in a deal that would see the fifth largest U.S. company throw in the towel on what’s been a brutal fight for share in a decreasing wine market.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/299062

Small wine regions band together to form new wine alliance

Nine wine regions from as far away as California, Mexico, Hungary, Brazil and Texas have banded together to form a new wine alliance to share ideas and exchange information.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/small-wine-regions-band-together-to-form-new-wine-alliance/

Italy Most Exposed to US Wine Tariffs

There’s really only one story this week – the threat of massive US tariffs on European wine.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/italy-most-exposed-to-us-wine-tariffs

Attitudes About Drinking Are Changing. What Does That Mean for the Booze Business?

• Young American adults are consuming less alcohol than prior generations, and beverage-company executives have different ideas about what’s driving the change.
• 
• https://www.investopedia.com/what-do-changing-attitudes-about-drinking-mean-for-the-booze-business-11695889

Does Your Wine’s Vintage Really Matter, or Is It Just a Marketing Ploy?

When should you care about the year on your wine bottle, and when can you ignore it?

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-vintage-explainer-11694809

The Invisible Crisis in Germany’s Wine Industry

Two-thirds of independent German wine producers are in trouble, according to industry experts. What brought on this crisis, and how are wineries adapting to stay afloat?

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-invisible-crisis-in-germanys-wine-industry/

Why Wine And Spirits Tariffs Are Bad For American Business

For centuries, wine and spirits have been a bridge between cultures, economies and industries

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicadupuy/2025/03/14/why-wine-and-spirits-tariffs-are-bad-for-american-business/

Has Champagne become too expensive?

When considering the reasons for the declining demand for Champagne over the past two years, some blame price increases. So has this high-end fizz become too expensive?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/has-champagne-become-too-expensive/

Why Is Fortaleza Tequila So Hard to Find?

This classic lowlands tequila is one of the most sought-after bottles. How did we get here?

https://www.foodandwine.com/fortaleza-tequila-demand-11695252

Masterclass – understanding Italian wine labels

These certifications should help consumers navigate the vast selection of Italian wines, ensuring they meet specific standards related to production methods, grape varieties, and geographical origins. So what do they mean?

https://www.raisin.digital/en/news/masterclass-understanding-italian-wine-labels-1018/

The Decanting Hack That Might Actually Be Ruining Your Wine

Let’s face it — it can feel like there are a lot of tedious steps to enjoying a nice glass of wine.

https://www.chowhound.com/1804792/blender-decanting-hack-ruins-wine/

The Truth About Myths

There’s a myth in the wine industry, and it goes like this

https://timatkin.com/the-truth-about-myths/

Champagne’s Loss is California’s Gain

Champagne sales are struggling and Golden State producers are picking up the slack

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/champagnes-loss-is-californias-gain

A Cheat Sheet to the Types of Glass Used in Stemware

Have you been considering upping your glassware game but don’t know where to start?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-serve/glassware-materials-used-in-stemware/

This California Winery Spent $50,000 Cloning its Vineyard Dog

With their playful energy and cheery demeanor, winery dogs are a trip highlight for many visiting wine country

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/sonoma-winery-cloned-dog-stella/

Captain Morgan debuts ‘sweet and spicy’ rum

Diageo-owned Captain Morgan rum has rolled out a chilli and lime-flavoured expression in the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/03/captain-morgan-debuts-sweet-and-spicy-rum/

What It’s Like To Be a Pregnant Bartender

When some bartenders learn they’re pregnant, they know they have to find a new job immediately.

https://imbibemagazine.com/what-its-like-to-be-a-pregnant-bartender/

The Story of Susana Balbo, Argentina’s First Female Winemaker

When I think about trailblazers in the wine world, Susana Balbo’s name immediately comes to mind.

https://www.dallaswinechick.com/the-story-of-susana-balbo-argentinas-first-female-winemaker/

Recent science reports suggesting that wine alcohol is usually safe to drink

I thought that it might be interesting to gather together references to publications that refute these claims, or at least suggest that they are exaggerated; and that is what I have done here and in the next post.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/03/recent-science-reports-suggesting-that.html

How Finland’s Iconic ‘Long Drink’ Got Its Name

The Finnish long drink is not the only one of its kind.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1796942/finland-long-drink-origins/

High Vs Low Elevation Wine: Is There Really A Difference?

Yes, it’s true — elevation plays a significant role in a wine’s final composition.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1805623/high-vs-low-elevation-wine-differences/

What Are Legs In Wine And Do They Affect The Quality?

When we watch a connoisseur going through the complicated assessment of a glass of wine, we see a whole ritual that involves sniffing and sipping

https://www.thetakeout.com/1797573/good-legs-wine-explained/

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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2025 Tasty Award Winner!

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

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 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

03-10-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Is Vodka Actually Gluten-Free?

What Happened to Boone’s Farm

Why Are Beer Koozies Called That?

How to read a wine label: Decoding symbols, numbers, and certifications

What to look for on the bottle

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/how-to-read-a-wine-label/

What Does ‘Old Vine’ Wine Mean, and Is It Really Better Than Young?

Wine pros break down one of the most commonly used terms in the world of high-end wine.

https://www.foodandwine.com/old-vine-wine-vs-young-vine-11683112

Are Winemakers Still Stomping On Grapes To Make Our Wine?

According to dedicated grape-treaders, the practice allows them to have greater control of what their wine tastes like.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1789558/grape-stomping-wine-explained/

Brenae Royal, trailblazing vineyard manager, launches her own wine

Brenae Royal never expected to dip her toes into winemaking. A transformative year made her pursue a new path.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/lifestyle/brenae-royal-wine/

Bronco Wine Update

• Bronco Wine Co. has acquired a set of brands and a production facility from California’s Wine Hooligans at auction. Previously Bronco was the majority shareholder in Wine Hooligans but has now taken full control of the Portlandia, Shortbread, Broadside, and Sea Monster brands, as well as a production facility in Santa Rosa. According to Bronco, most of Wine Hooligans’ employees will stay onboard. Wine Hooligans’ volume has been around 200,000 cases in recent years. The portfolio now joins Bronco’s stable, which includes brands such as Charles Shaw, Crane Lake, and Redwood Vineyards, among others.

Why Whiskey And Bourbon Glasses Aren’t Quite The Same

The type of glass you use actually makes a difference in how you experience both spirits.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1787774/difference-bourbon-vs-whiskey-glasses/

8 Ways to Tell You’ve Been Poured a Great Guinness, According to an Expert

Tracking down a bar that serves Guinness isn’t hard, but finding where to get a truly exceptional, well-executed pint of Guinness is another story.

https://vinepair.com/articles/signs-of-great-on-tap-guinness-pour/

This Is the World’s Best Selling Spirit. Why Don’t We Drink It in the U.S.?

Although the liquor’s pungent flavors might overwhelm some drinkers, it’s on the cusp of a breakthrough.

https://www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/what-is-baijiu

New Bulleit

Frontier Whiskey has revealed its first bottled in bond Bourbon that was distilled and matured at Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky. It was distilled in Spring 2017, the year the distillery opened, aged seven years, and bottled at 50%. Bulleit Bottled in Bond maintains the brand’s signature high-rye mashbill of 68% corn, 28% rye, and 4% malted barley. The first bottling is available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $55, with further batches to be released annually, differentiated by the distilling seasons on the label. Whisky Advocate has more.

A book review of, “Wine Confident”

This is why the newest book from Kelli White (author of Napa Valley Then & Now and Director of Education for The Meadowood),

https://www.hudin.com/a-book-review-of-wine-confident/

An Illustrated Timeline of Napa’s Most Famous Cabs

Napa Valley is America’s premier wine region.

https://vinepair.com/articles/napa-valley-most-famous-cabernet-timeline-infographic/

The cocktail coming for Espresso Martini’s crown

In 2023, the Espresso Martini became the sixth most-popular cocktail in the US, and according to Pernod Ricard, online searches for the serve were up by 26% last year – but now Google data is suggesting that a new coffee-based serve may be about to take its crown.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/02/the-cocktail-coming-for-espresso-martinis-crown/

Recent study shows that alcohol does have an important benefit in older age

This post is about alcohol, dementia and old age.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/02/recent-study-shows-that-alcohol-does.html

Why are more consumers seeking out Austrian wine?

The world of Austrian wine is evolving, driven by younger generations’ emphasis on innovation and environmental awareness.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/why-are-more-consumers-seeking-out-austrian-wine/

Why Are Beer Koozies Called That?

These oh-so-handy foam or fabric sleeves that keep beverages cold are an emblem of summer picnics, lakeside gatherings, and beach drink accessories.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1788678/beer-koozie-name-origin/

Tequila Never Expires, But Here’s How To Keep It In Peak Condition

But here’s the thing: if you want to enjoy your tequila at the peak of its quality, you best get to finishing it fast.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1791961/does-tequila-expire-how-to-store/

Does Canned Wine Taste Different From Boxed Wine?

The appeal of the pop of a cork cannot be denied or overstated.

https://www.chowhound.com/1791674/canned-boxed-wine-taste-difference/

How Much Of Your Average Beer Is Just Water?

One of the first things you learn when trying to brew beer at home — aside from how easy it is to make a colossal mess — is that beer is mostly water.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1790342/how-much-water-in-beer/

NEW Nutrl

New Anheuser-Busch’s vodka soda RTD brand Nütrl has launched a new lime flavor and expanded its “Keep It Tasty” marketing campaign. Nütrl jumped 35% to 2.7 million cases last year, according to Impact Databank. Like all of Nütrl’s seltzers, the lime flavor is at 4.5% abv and 100 calories per 12-ounce can. The new release is rolling out nationwide in 4-packs. The “Keep It Tasty” campaign is focused on high-energy occasions and will run a series of four 15-second ads and five six-second ads across television, digital, OOH, social, radio, and retail. It was created by the Martin Agency, in partnership with ManvsMachine.

Why have Champagne shipments dropped by almost 55m bottles in two years?

Aside from the 2020 Covid-induced blip, Champagne shipments have dropped to a level not seen since the turn of the century – so what are the causes of decline? We find out from the region’s key players.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/why-have-champagne-shipments-dropped-by-almost-55m-bottles-in-two-years/

What’s The Difference Between Young And Old Bourbons?

As bourbon ages, distillers must determine when it’s ready for consumption.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1793570/young-vs-old-bourbon-differences/

The 25 Biggest Wine Suppliers in the U.S.

Digging into the data, it’s clear that the top suppliers dominate the market. Gallo — the wine giant behind top wine brands like Barefoot, La Marca, Mark West, Louis M. Martini, Massican, and more — is far and away the largest wine supplier in the nation, topping the list with 32.6 percent of the total market share

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/americas-25-biggest-wine-suppliers/

Everything You Need to Know About the Paso Robles Wine Region

Overshadowed by the regions to its north, this AVA has plenty of great bottles for wine lovers.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/wine/gallery/paso-robles-wine-region-explained-1236242886/

Pabst Brewing Co. Taps Familiar Creatures to Launch New Light Beer Brand

Pabst Brewing Co. is the latest player to enter the booming business of light(er) beers,

https://lbbonline.com/news/pabst-brewing-co-taps-familiar-creatures-to-launch-new-light-beer-brand

Everything you need to know about the acidity of Lodi’s extraordinary range of varietals

When wine lovers talk about acidity in wine, they are not talking about anything mysterious or highfalutin

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/Everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-acidity-of-Lodi-s-extraordinary-range-of-varietals

Puppy Pairings, Potato Chips and PB&J: Here’s How Napa Wineries Are Attracting a Younger Audience

Recently, we’ve been seeing more out-there tasting offerings, ranging from sour cream and chive potato chips to chocolate dirt to cotton candy fluff.

https://www.sonomamag.com/puppy-pairings-potato-chips-and-pbj-heres-how-napa-wineries-are-attracting-a-younger-audience/

The Three Faces of the American Wine Dilemma

We live in a time when problems we face are complicated but many of the answers proposed to address them are very simple

https://wineeconomist.com/2025/02/25/3-faces/

Virginia sparkling wine movement gains momentum

The home of Thomas Jefferson is making a name for itself in traditional method sparkling wine, reports L.M. Archer.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/virginia-sparkling-wine-movement-gains-momentum/

What Wine Can Learn From Coca Cola. Interview with Courtney O’Brien

The wine industry often focuses on brand awareness, but Courtney O’Brien argues that brand desire is what truly drives success. From testing new concepts to breaking out of the ‘serious and stuffy’ mould, she shares insights on what wine brands must do to stand out.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights-interviews/what-wine-can-learn-coca-cola-interview-courtney-obrien

10 Colleges With Winemaking Programs

These schools train students to enter the wine industry through hands-on experience.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/colleges-with-winemaking-programs

China’s Wine Delivery App Scores 50M

Here’s Why On-Demand Alcohol Is Exploding

https://vino-joy.com/2025/02/26/chinas-wine-delivery-app-scores-%C2%A550-million-heres-why-on-demand-alcohol-is-exploding/

What Happened to Boone’s Farm, Gen X’s Favorite ‘Wine’?

There is perhaps no drink that carves out a space in your memory the way your first sip of alcohol does.

https://vinepair.com/articles/boones-farm-wine-history/

Boston Beer charged with unfair labour practices

The union representing workers from Boston Beer Company has demanded fair contracts for its members and has filed an unfair labour practice (ULP) charge against the brewer.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/boston-beer-charged-with-unfair-labour-practices/

Bulleit debuts Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Diageo-owned Bulleit has debuted its first bottled-in-bond expression, showcasing its own-make distillate.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/02/bulleit-introduces-first-bottled-in-bond-whiskey/

Decoding the Vintage Chart in an Age of Climate Chaos

There is no region in the wine world that is untouched by climate chaos

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/wine-enthusiast-podcast/vintage-chart-climate-chaos/

Can U.S. Supermarket-Branded Wine Follow Europe’s Blueprint for Success?

But western European counterparts — boasting an impressive 36 percent — have given the American numbers a reality check.

https://vinepair.com/articles/can-us-supermarket-wine-mimic-european-success/

Midnight Cellars Marks 30 Years of Hard Work, Harvests, and Winemaking Excellence

Founded in 1995 by the Hartenberger family, Midnight Cellars was built from the ground up – vine by vine, barrel by barrel – into the respected winery it is today.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/02/27/midnight-cellars-marks-30-years-of-hard-work-harvests-and-winemaking-excellence/

‘Organic farming is about so much more than avoiding pesticides’

With the Organically Grown Wine Conference debut set to take place in Oregon at the end of March, industry leaders aim to stress the synergy between wine quality and organic practices.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/organic-farming-is-about-so-much-more-than-avoiding-pesticides/

How to Use an Electric Corkscrew

The easiest, quickest and most convenient tool for opening a bottle?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-use-an-electric-corkscrew/

What Is the Guinness Widget and How Does It Work?

In the past few decades, Guinness revolutionized both draft beer systems and how stouts are canned. The key? Nitrogen, and a modified ping pong ball.

https://www.foodandwine.com/guinness-widget-explained-11687258

Is Vodka Actually Gluten-Free?

While that seems like a hard pass, the truth is that pure distilled vodka actually doesn’t contain any gluten at all.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1798517/is-vodka-gluten-free-explained/

What Makes Port Wine Unique, And When You Should Drink It

Port has a history as rich as the drink itself.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1776982/port-wine-explained/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 860 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*

02-24-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How to Use a Waiter’s Corkscrew

5 Ways To Pair McDonald’s Food With Wine

Stressed and Worried, Young People Need Wine

Here’s How Much Sugar Is In A Single Glass Of Red Wine

You’ve heard Mary Poppins say that “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down,” but does it help a glass of red wine go down, too?

https://www.thetakeout.com/1758611/how-much-sugar-red-wine-glass/

Acidity: The Source of Wine’s Superpowers

Acidity is wine’s most distinctive feature and one of the only wine components tasted with the tongue alone.

https://beveragedynamics.com/2025/01/31/acidity-the-source-of-wines-superpowers/

Box Wine Sales Volume Down More than 1% Versus Last Year

Sales of box wines priced more than $4 grew more than 6% to $124 million as total box wine sales increased 3% in the latest four weeks.

https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/297358

The Absolute Best Wine To Serve With Beef Tenderloin, And The Styles You Should Always Avoid

To really draw wows from the crowd, you’ll want to pair it with the perfect wine.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1771686/best-wine-serve-beef-tenderloin/

Is Dealcoholized Wine Completely Alcohol-Free?

In short, no. “Dealcoholized” refers to a wine that has gone entirely through the winemaking process and is then taken through another process (usually reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation) to remove the alcohol from the wine.

https://www.chowhound.com/1772440/is-dealcoholized-wine-alcohol-free/

What We Know About New Tariffs on American Alcohol

After President Donald Trump enacted 25 percent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico on February 1, the U.S. alcohol industry was slammed with retaliatory tariffs. Here’s the latest in this new trade war

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/what-we-know-about-new-tariffs-on-american-alcohol/

Wine: It’s what the young consumer wants. They just don’t know it.

We are in this very strange place where consumers who we need to influence tomorrow, have values that align or should align with wine

https://svbwine.blogspot.com/2025/01/wine-its-what-young-consumer-wants-they.html

Whose Job Is It To Put The Shine Back On Wine?

While discussing the many woes (or challenges) facing the wine industry, one topic of particular interest to wine writers is ‘what can we (the critics) do to help?

https://paulgregutt.substack.com/p/whose-job-is-it-to-put-the-shine?utm_medium=newsletter

Absolut Expanding Its RTD, RTS Lineups

Pernod Ricard-owned Absolut vodka is extending its ready-to-drink and ready-to-serve ranges with new offerings. On the ready-to-serve side the brand will add new Espresso Martini and Classic Cosmopolitan expressions at 20% abv, retailing at $17 a 375-ml. The new ready-to-drink options under the Absolut Ocean Spray partnership include Vodka White Cran•Peach and Vodka Cran•Mango. Those are at 4.5% abv and are debuting in the Absolut Ocean Spray 12-pack ($23), which also includes the existing Vodka Cranberry and Vodka Cran•Pineapple offerings. Finally, the Absolut Cocktails 8-pack is introducing three new flavors—Classic Mule (7% abv), Half & Half Tea and Lemonade (7%), and Classic Cosmo (10%)—along with the existing Berry Vodkarita. The core Absolut brand, including flavors but excluding RTDs, declined 4% to 2.7 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank. But the RTD portfolio saw strong growth, nearly doubling to 813,000 cases.

Stressed and Worried, Young People Need Wine

New Wine Institute Initiative Aims to Cure the Loneliness Epidemic

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297869

How beer sludge is being turned into vegan milk and leather

Scientists and industry are finding unusual new uses for brewers’ spent grain – the beer industry’s largest waste product.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250206-how-brewers-spent-grain-is-being-turned-into-vegan-barley-milk-leather-and-cakes

What is Malbec Wine and What are the Best Malbec Food Pairings?

Today, there is even white Malbec wine, made by removing the skins early in winemaking.

https://bottlebarn.com/blogs/news/malbec-wine

New Survey Sheds Light on AI Use in the Wine Industry

Results from a joint survey conducted by The Wine Market Council with WineBusiness Monthly show the status of the oft-mentioned technology.

https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/297359

Consume with Confidence

New book makes wine more approachable

https://www.oregonwinepress.com/article?articleTitle=consume-with-confidence–1738341489–3818–&utm_source=AfternoonBrief&utm_medium=newsletter

Dispelling Myths About Wine and Health

Turning The Tables on Tony Edwards

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/02/05/dispelling-myths-about-wine-and-health-turning-the-tables-on-tony-edwards/

Love natural wine?

Add these bars to your bucket list

https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/best-natural-wine-bars.html

New Screwball Size

• Pernod Ricard-owned Skrewball Whiskey is extending with a 1.75-liter bottle. Retailing at $51, the new size is rolling out nationally ahead of the Super Bowl and is aimed at game-day parties and big-batch cocktail-making.  A peanut butter-flavored whiskey brand in which Pernod acquired a majority stake in 2023, Skrewball slipped 0.9% to 485,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

U.S. Winery Count Declines Slightly

California Sees 4% Drop in Total Number of Wineries

https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/297350

The Major Bourbon Storage Mistake You Need To Stop Making

Leaving a bottle of bourbon on one side brings the precious amber liquid into contact with the cork. If a bottle is left on its side, even for just a few hours, the elements of the cork can unintentionally taint the bourbon

https://www.thetakeout.com/1774262/bourbon-mistake-storing-sideways/

When Tasting Wine, Don’t Let Water Be an Afterthought

In my years of working in restaurants and selling wine, I’ve always been mindful of the waters I serve

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-taste/when-tasting-wine-dont-let-water-be-an-afterthought/

Scientists solve the mystery of when and where wine grapes originated

The research team unearthed fossilized seeds from nine different species of grapes, ranging in age from approximately 20 million to 60 million years old.

https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/scientists-solve-the-mystery-of-when-and-where-wine-grapes-originated/

How Zinfandel is Becoming Asia’s Unlikely Wine Star

For decades, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay have been the stars of California’s wine exports to Asia.

https://vino-joy.com/2025/02/04/how-zinfandel-is-becoming-asias-unlikely-wine-star/

Red vs. white wine: New study finds little difference in overall cancer risk

New research finds no overall difference in cancer risk between red and white wine, but white wine is linked to a higher cancer risk in women and an increased risk of skin cancer.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250203/Red-vs-white-wine-New-study-finds-little-difference-in-overall-cancer-risk.aspx

Police Bust Fake Rioja Ring

Fraud, regulations and tariffs – it’s just another week in the wine world

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/02/police-bust-fake-rioja-ring

40 years ago Austria wineries got caught sweetening wine with antifreeze, nearly killing the industry (and their customers)

In 1985, Austrian winemakers faced a problem: Their wines weren’t sweet enough for the German market’s taste.

https://boingboing.net/2025/02/07/40-years-ago-austria-wineries-got-caught-sweetening-wine-with-antifreeze-nearly-killing-the-industry-and-their-customers.html

How a German-Style Peppermint Liqueur Became a Bartender’s Handshake (and Mouthwash)

But others seemingly come out of nowhere. If there’s one that falls into the latter camp, it’s Rumple Minze peppermint schnapps.

https://vinepair.com/articles/rumple-minze-bartenders-handshake-shot-mouthwash/

The History Of Draft Beer Goes Back Further Than You Think

Draft beer delights with a special kind of smooth satisfaction.

https://www.chowhound.com/1779481/history-of-draft-beer/

Lightest Crush in 20 Years: California Crushed 2.84 Million Tons of Wine Grapes in 2024

It was the lightest California wine grape crush since 2004 when 2.76 million tons of wine grapes were crushed.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/298194

Church bans non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free bread from holy communion

Anger at ‘injustice’ of church decision

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/holy-communion-non-alcoholic-wine-gluten-free-b2695181.html

Is beer good for bone health?

Medical experts are querying a recent animal rights organisation advert which claims that beer consumption could improve bone health.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/is-beer-good-for-bone-health/

When Americans Wanted A Little Cocaine In Their Wine

It’s always a trip to look back in time to the days when the effects of certain drugs weren’t widely understood.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1784867/vin-mariani-coca-wine/

5 Ways To Pair McDonald’s Food With Wine

Pairing greasy treats from the world’s most prolific fast food restaurant with a classy bottle of vino may not seem like the most obvious choice, but it can be a delicious combination of high and low culture that’s ripe for experimentation.

https://www.chowhound.com/1789696/mcdonalds-food-and-wine-pairings/

What’s The Difference Between Añejo And Extra Añejo Tequila?

Tequila comes in many forms, but when it comes to añejo and extra añejo, the distinction is largely rooted in time.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1785390/anejo-vs-extra-anejo-tequila-differences/

The Fishy Ingredient That May Be Hiding In Your Beer

Isinglass is a type of collagen derived from the swim bladders of fish.

https://www.chowhound.com/1780760/unexpected-fish-ingredient-in-beer/

Yes, the Sales Reports Are Scary, but Here’s Why I Believe the Wine Biz Will Bounce Back

A conversation with Alecia Moore — aka P!nk — made me feel rosier about the future of the industry.

https://www.foodandwine.com/the-state-of-wine-and-pink-11680224

You Should Know the Difference Between Vermouth and Vermouth di Torino

A new classification is seeking to change the way you drink vermouth.

https://www.foodandwine.com/vermouth-di-torino-italy-explainer-11679396

W.H.O. Calls For Cancer Warnings Labels on Alcohol

A new report released today calls for urgent action by the European Union

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/298401

Had Enough ‘Domestic’ Beer? Maybe You’d Like an ‘American’ One

Not all beer companies find “domestic” so hard to swallow.

https://www.investopedia.com/had-enough-domestic-beer-maybe-you-d-like-an-american-one-11679594

How to Use a Waiter’s Corkscrew

The waiter’s corkscrew, also known as a wine key, is the most traditional wine opener, largely preferred by restaurant and hospitality professionals. Its name comes from its popularity with waiters.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/how-to-use-a-waiters-corkscrew/

New App for Early Detection of Brettanomyces in Wine

French researchers from the Rhodanien Institute in the Rhône Valley have developed a free app that detects Brettanomyces yeasts in wines at an early stage.

https://magazine.wein.plus/news/new-app-for-early-detection-of-brettanomyces-in-wine-french-researchers-develop-tool-previbrett

Why are more consumers seeking out Austrian wine?

The world of Austrian wine is evolving, driven by younger generations’ emphasis on innovation and environmental awareness.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/why-are-more-consumers-seeking-out-austrian-wine/

Are French wine and spirits exports really as bad as they seem?

At first glance, French wine and spirits exports in 2024 paint a dark picture for the industry. But is the situation really all doom and gloom? Eloise Feilden reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/are-french-wine-and-spirits-exports-really-as-bad-as-they-seem/

New Three Finger Jack

Delicato Family Wines is extending its Three Finger Jack brand with a new Wild Country Red Blend. Retailing at $18 a bottle, Wild Country is a Lodi-sourced blend with an abv of 15.5% and is billed as red cherry-forward in flavor profile. Debuting nationally next month backed by a “Jacks Run Wild” in-store and digital consumer sweepstakes, it joins East Side Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon and Gold Mine Hills Chardonnay in the Three Finger Jack portfolio. 

Why You Shouldn’t Actually Remove The Cage On Sparkling Wine

If you remove the cage and try to twist the cork with your hand, it’s easy for the smooth surface of your hand and the cork to slide against one another.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1782073/dont-remove-sparkling-wine-cage/

COME TOGETHER a Community for Wine Inc. Launches ‘Share & Pair Sundays’ Campaign

Spring Campaign Celebrates the Union of Wine and Food, Building on Success of Come Over October

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/02/11/come-together-a-community-for-wine-inc-launches-share-pair-sundays-campaign/

How are non-alcoholic beers, wines and spirits made — and how healthy are they?

After decades of hiding at the back of grocery store shelves, non-alcoholic beverages are getting their moment in the limelight.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2025-02-11/nolo-alcohol-wine-beer-spirits/104881966

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

We Are On Pointy

Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 860 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*

02-10-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Is Older Wine Better Than Younger Wine?

Wine is Bad for You? Yes, But So is Everything Else

Could cannabis sales cannibalise wine?

What’s the Difference Between High Elevation and Low Elevation Wines?

Does altitude matter? Wine experts break down how elevation impacts what’s in your glass

https://www.foodandwine.com/high-elevation-vs-low-elevation-wines-8779872

Does Labeling Mean the End of the Wine Boom?

New health advisory spurs sober-curiosity

https://www.healdsburgtribune.com/does-labeling-mean-the-end-of-the-wine-boom/

63 Historical Grape Varieties Identified in Bordeaux

As part of investigations in old vineyards of the Gironde, scientists have identified 63 historical grape varieties

https://magazine.wein.plus/news/63-historical-grape-varieties-identified-in-bordeaux-adaptability-to-climate-change-is-being-investigated

Wine is Bad for You? Yes, But So is Everything Else

For anyone who loves wine, it was quite a gut punch to hear the pronouncement that all alcohol consumption is now proven harmful for health.

https://vino-joy.com/2025/01/24/wine-is-bad-for-you-yes-but-so-is-everything-else/

The biggest problem with alcohol-free drinks? They’re too expensive

Alcohol-free versions often approach the same price as their alcoholic counterparts: and that’s hard for consumers to accept. What’s the way forward?

HTTPS://WWW.BEVERAGEDAILY.COM/ARTICLE/2025/01/23/ALCOHOL-FREE-DRINKS-WHATS-THE-ANSWER-TO-HIGH-PRICE-TAGS/

Wine sales drying up as Americans turn elsewhere

U.S. wine sales continued a multiyear decline in 2024, which experts attribute to shifting demographics, health concerns, new competition and economic forces.

https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/data-shows-wine-decline-consumers-spending-less-drinking-less-rcna187628

Five white grapes you might not expect to find in Chile

While Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay take up the lion’s share of white grape plantings in Chile, producers from across the country are experimenting with more unusual varieties.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/five-white-grapes-you-might-not-expect-to-find-in-chile/

Top 5 findings from the SVB wine report

Silicon Valley Bank’s 2025 wine industry report, which analyses the state of the US market, suggests this “isn’t like any era” the trade has faced before. Roger Morris reports on the key takeaways.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/top-5-findings-from-the-svb-report/

Stop Asking Your Sommelier For ‘Funky’ Wine

If you drink natural wine or know someone who drinks natural wine, then you’ve likely heard the term “funky.”

https://vinepair.com/articles/stop-asking-for-funky-wine/

Italian TV Turns on Tuscany

A TV investigation into Tuscan wines is long on allegations but short on evidence.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/01/italian-tv-turns-on-tuscany

Putting Warning Labels on Wine Is a Long Process

It can take many years to add new health labels to the back of the bottle.

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/putting-warning-labels-wine-long-process

Ideum presents digital Tasting Table & Wine Experience software

New interactive experience will be on show at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento

https://blooloop.com/technology/news/ideum-tasting-table-wine-experience/

How the Humble Vin de France Became a Beacon of Cool

Wine culture’s current It girl isn’t new, but it marches to its own beat, charming a new generation of wine drinker in the process.

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/vin-de-france-wine-news-trends

Healthy or Hazardous? Unpacking Wine’s Latest Ride on the Wellness Roller Coaster

Consumers, understandably, are feeling the whiplash.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wine-health-debate/

Beer sold in grocery stores drives higher sales in other categories

When a grocery store starts selling beer, its sales grow beyond just six-packs and cases: Households, and beer-purchasing households in particular, visit the store more frequently and increase their total monthly grocery expenditures, according to new Cornell research.

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2025/01/beer-sold-grocery-stores-drives-higher-sales-other-categories

Can You Turn Wine Into ‘Champagne’ With Your Sodastream?

Sorry, but that dream could quickly morph into a nightmare.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1762647/wine-champagne-hack-sodastream/

Wine Haunted by the Spirit of Premiumization

Market, younger consumers would benefit from approachable, affordable products

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297396

Under-age alcohol drinking in the modern world

Now, worldwide, 18 years is the most common minimum age for alcohol consumption (see: Legal drinking age, which has a table and a map). By contrast, the United States of America sets 21 years, instead. This potentially makes things very difficult for them, if regulators and community groups want to do something about ensuring that this limit is adhered to.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/01/under-age-alcohol-drinking-in-modern.html

Non-Alcoholic Wine: Three Questions

Is non-alcoholic wine really wine?

https://wineeconomist.com/2025/01/21/dry-2/

Champagne sales sink because people don’t want to celebrate

Champagne sales have lost their pop as people around the world aren’t in the mood to say “cheers.”

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/20/food/champagne-sales-2024/index.html

Five Farms celebrates Ireland’s cream history

When it comes to growing his Irish cream liqueur brand Five Farms, founder Johnny Harte says it’s all about telling a story. Speaking to The Spirits Business, he shares plans for world domination by way of Glastonbury Festival.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/01/five-farms-celebrates-irelands-cream-history/

Could a pink powder sabotage California wine’s organic goals?

Firefighters battling the Los Angeles blaze are dropping a pink, powdered flame-retardant from planes in a bid to contain the disaster. But experts say such chemicals may have long-reaching consequences for agriculture. db investigates.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/could-a-pink-powder-sabotage-california-wines-organic-goals/

So Long, Chilled Reds. The “Big Red” Renaissance Is Upon Us.

It goes without saying that the “chilled red” movement has gone rogue.

https://punchdrink.com/articles/big-red-wine/

The ingredients in beer that are beneficial to health: how good is it?

Beer is consumed in a large part of the world

https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/fitness/2025/01/20/678e416246163f893e8b4573.html

Wine in history: Songs of wine and wine of songs

“The happiness that wine creates emerges most joyously of all in drink-fuelled singing.”

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/drinking-song-wine

The ‘Genius’ Wine Hack That Has Us Scratching Our Heads

In a recent video, Jeff shows how he opens a bottle of wine by pushing the cork inside the bottle using a wooden spoon.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1767789/genius-wine-hack-has-us-scratching-our-heads/

The Red Flag You Should Never Ignore At A Beer Store

If you see beer bottles, cans, or cases sitting in direct sunlight, you definitely don’t want to purchase them.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1768528/beer-store-red-flag-window/

Surveys Show Anti-Alcohol Message Works …It’s Time to Respond

The damage done by Surgeon General will get worse

https://tomwark.substack.com/p/surveys-show-anti-alcohol-message-works?utm_medium=newsletter

Is organic wine a gimmick – or a saviour for the wine industry?

Why are organic wines seeing the biggest growth in the wine market – and which are the best? The Independent’s wine columnist Rosamund Hall finds out

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/organic-wine-sales-market-growth-b2685836.html

Could cannabis sales cannibalise wine?

Something about (Dry) January felt different this year. There was the usual blend of aggressively pro and con takes on the movement on social media, the expected headlines heralding a dry new era for wine overall amid shifting demographics and health concerns.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/could-cannabis-sales-cannibalise-wine/

The World’s Oldest Bourbon Was Once Owned By A Historic Celebrity

It’s full of bottles that exist in extremely limited quantities or have any number of intriguing stories or unique processes behind them

https://www.tastingtable.com/1765690/worlds-oldest-bourbon-jp-morgan/

What Do Experts Predict for the US Wine Market in 2025?

A new in-depth analysis has plenty to offer

https://www.insidehook.com/wine/experts-predict-wine-market-2025

What are lees in wine?

From that rich mouthfeel in your Chardonnay to those delicious brioche flavors in your Champagne and English sparkling wines, lees can bring significant influence to the texture and taste of a wine.

https://www.decanter.com/learn/advice/what-are-lees-in-wine-ask-decanter-377513/

What Makes Estate Wine More Expensive Than Standard?

Imagine you’re standing in your favorite bottle shop trying to figure out how to decode the wine labels and decide which one to bring home.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1763725/why-estate-wine-expensive/

The big pour: Why large wine formats are soaring in popularity

From exclusive clubs to supermarket shelves, large-format wine bottles continue to captivate wine lovers worldwide. Martin Green explores the trend.

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/the-big-pour-why-large-wine-formats-are-soaring-in-popularity-549432/

Here’s How Maker’s Mark Bourbon Got Its Famous Red Wax Drip

Standing amid an aisle of other liquor handles, consumers’ attention is immediately drawn to Maker’s Mark, whose caps are sealed with a drop of bright red wax.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1765237/makers-mark-bourbon-red-wax/

A Glimpse into the Wines of Campania

There is a beautiful array of wine selections throughout the region made predominantly of red wines from the Aglianico grape, but also a great white wine selection primarily found from the Fiano, Greco and Falanghina grapes.

https://www.vinotravelsitaly.com/2025/01/wines-of-Campania.html

Why does the world have Three-Tier systems for alcohol supply?

The United States of America has a Three-Tier alcohol distribution system, so that each commercial bottle of wine has a producer, a distributor and a retailer; and I cannot see why it is compulsory to have the distributor.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/01/why-does-world-have-three-tier-systems.html

Are heavy wine drinkers responding to health warnings?

As Dry January comes to an end (without my participation) the alcohol industries, including wine, are still beset with health alarmism – and nervous of the consequences of further reduced consumption

https://winemag.co.za/wine/opinion/tim-james-are-heavy-wine-drinkers-responding-to-health-warnings/

I’m a server at a winery. Here are 5 things I wish more people would do when they come in for a tasting.

Here are five things I wish every guest at a wine tasting would do

https://www.businessinsider.com/things-people-should-do-at-wine-tasting-server-advice

What Temperature Does Beer Typically Freeze At?

One thing that is well-known about alcoholic beverages is that they can be quite difficult to freeze depending on their alcoholic proof or ABV (alcohol by volume).

https://www.thetakeout.com/1768170/what-temp-beer-freeze/

New On The Rocks

• Global Spirits’ On the Rockshas added a new ready-to-serve cocktail, the Lemon Drop Martini. The 20% abv cocktail is made with Effen vodka and elderflower liqueur with basil, lemon, and vanilla flavorings. The new permanent addition to the On the Rocks portfolio is now available in 375-ml. bottles nationwide. On the Rocks is among the leading ready-to-serve cocktail brands in the U.S. at an estimated 800,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

The Science of Old Vines

To what degree does vine age influence wine quality? Winemakers and scientists explore the empirical and anecdotal evidence

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-old-vines/

The Japanese American experience in Lodi and California documented by Dorothea Lange

The first immigrants from Japan arrived in the Lodi area in 1869 to work in Delta sugar beet fields, and by the 1890s a growing number were playing an active role in the rapid expansion of Lodi’s vaunted agricultural industry, dominated by grapes.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/The-Japanese-American-experience-in-Lodi-and-California-documented-by-Dorothea-Lange

Alcohol app could save 4,500 lives, study finds

A smartphone app designed to help people reduce their alcohol intake could save lives and cut hospital admissions, according to experts in Sheffield.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c334rk84zn5o

Falling consumption threatens Australia’s wine export rebound, industry body says

The lifting of trade tariffs by China triggered a surge in Australian wine exports last year, but it is unclear whether Chinese demand will remain strong after buyers have restocked, an industry body said

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/falling-consumption-threatens-australias-wine-export-rebound-industry-body-says-2025-01-29/

Why Ice Wines Are So Misunderstood — Plus 5 to Try Right Now

This sweet, concentrated wine, made in below-freezing temperatures, pairs with everything from briny anchovies and foie gras to creamy custards and fruit.

https://www.foodandwine.com/ice-wine-explainer-8781931

Why You Should Drink Vodka Within One Year Of Opening

It’s best to consume the liquor within a year or two for maximum quality.

https://www.chowhound.com/1769622/why-drink-bottle-vodka-one-year/

Nearly Half of Americans Plan to Cut Back on Alcohol in 2025

Meanwhile, purchases of nonalcoholic drinks are on the rise

https://csnews.com/nearly-half-americans-plan-cut-back-alcohol-2025

A Complete Guide to the Major Champagne Houses

Champagne can be divided into two major camps: the big houses and the grower-producers.

https://vinepair.com/articles/guide-to-major-champagne-houses/

14 Absolute Best Spiced Rum Brands

While spiced rum may feel like a modern spirit, it’s older than you might think.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1765375/best-spiced-rum-brands/

Is Older Wine Better Than Younger Wine? Wine Pros Weigh In

The truth about back-vintage wines versus youthful bottles.

https://www.foodandwine.com/older-wine-versus-younger-wine-8783994

PROSECCO VS. CRÉMANT: A GUIDE TO TWO SPARKLING WINE STYLES

Prosecco and Crémant are both sparkling wines, but their differences lie in production methods, flavor, and origin. Learn about the Charmat and traditional methods, the taste profiles, and the best food pairings for each wine.

https://www.millesima-usa.com/blog/prosecco-vs-cremant-a-guide-to-two-sparkling-wine-styles.html

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