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*

03-09-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Wine Tariffs Still Up in the Air

Is wine getting worse?

The 30 Best Bourbons for 2026

 

The Wine World Has a Snob Problem

When hierarchy masquerades as expertise and consumers quietly opt out

https://mollybossardt.substack.com/p/the-wine-world-has-a-snob-problem?utm_campaign=post&triedRedirect=true

 

 

Is it all over for alcohol in the US?

U.S. alcohol consumption has fallen sharply in recent years, which has market questioning if long period of growth has ended.

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/is-it-all-over-for-alcohol-in-the-us-4501134

 

 

Who Is America’s Most Wine-Savvy President?

One of America’s Fouding Fathers believed the United States could produce wines as good as European wines

https://www.vaildaily.com/news/who-is-americas-most-wine-savvy-president/

 

 

Suntory spirits sales fall in 2025 as demand drops

Japanese drinks group Suntory reported a 0.4% drop in alcohol sales last year due to a decline for spirits and a consumption slowdown in the US and Europe.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/suntory-spirits-sales-fall-in-2025-as-demand-drops/

 

 

English wine’s golden age faces a tiny villain

Spotted wing drosophila has gone from curiosity to complication across English and Welsh vineyards. Once the question was whether SWD had arrived; now it is about when it will bite and how quickly it might turn ripe fruit into a rot problem. James Bayley reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/english-wines-golden-age-faces-a-tiny-villain/

 

 

Why Champagne performed better in 2025 than the figures suggest

The year-end shipment figures for Champagne show a global decline in demand, but underlying consumption appears to have held up better than the headline numbers suggest.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/why-champagne-performed-better-in-2025-than-the-figures-suggest/

 

 

The Rise of New Old World Wine

Often under-represented, the wines of Central and Eastern Europe are the new kids on the old bloc.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/the-rise-of-new-old-world-wine

 

 

New Surfside

• Philadelphia’s Stateside Brands has expanded the Surfside RTD label with a new blueberry flavored lemonade. The new addition is at 4.5% abv and contains 100 calories per 12-ounce can. Surfside Blueberry Lemonade is available in 4-packs of 12-ounce cans that carry a suggested price of $11. In addition, the company has put out a new variety 8-pack featuring Surfside’s Half and Half expressions. The pack retails for around $20 and contains two cans each of Half and Half, Raspberry Half and Half, Mango Half and Half, and Blackberry Half and Half. Last year Surfside was named “2025 Spirits Brand of the Year” by Market Watch Magazine and the brand grew to 10.5 million cases in the U.S.

 

Can Wine Appellation Systems Withstand Climate Change?

Extreme weather is testing long-standing appellation rules on allowed grape varieties, vineyard locations, and more, intensifying the debate over the future relevance of geographical indications

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/can-wine-appellation-systems-withstand-climate-change/

 

 

From Olympic Powder to Alpine Pour: Inside Alto Adige Wine Country’s Mountain Terroir

Just miles from Cortina’s Olympic runs, Alto Adige’s winemakers harness snowmelt, soaring elevations, and tradition to craft Alpine wines built for endurance.

https://www.foodandwine.com/alto-adige-alpine-wine-11904805

 

 

‘I’m a sommelier – here’s my supermarket tip and why you’re really asked to taste the wine’

Sommelier Jo Radford tells the Money blog about dealing with tricky customers and the one part of the job that’s a little intimidating.

https://news.sky.com/story/im-a-sommelier-heres-my-supermarket-tip-and-why-youre-really-asked-to-taste-the-wine-13508117

 

 

New Woodford

• Brown-Forman’s Woodford Reserve has released Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Finish, the latest whiskey in the brand’s Distillery Series. The Bourbon is bottled at 45.2% abv and was finished in French oak barrels previously used to mature Cabernet Sauvignon. The release carries a suggested price of $65 for a 375-ml. bottle and is now available at the brand’s distillery and in select retailers across Kentucky. In addition, the whiskey can be shipped to consumers in Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. Woodford Reserve was at 1.5 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

 

Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola intros lower-ABV cans

Brown-Forman has upped the size and lowered the ABV for the latest SKU in its Jack Daniel’s & Coca-Cola ready-to-drink (RTD) range in the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/jack-daniels-and-coca-cola-intro-lower-abv-cans/

 

 

Crémant de Limoux: France’s First Sparkling Wine Region

Why you should swap the Champagne for Crémant, France’s first sparkling wines, which were made long before the country’s most famous fizz took centre stage.

https://francetoday.com/food-drink/wine_and_spirits/cremant-de-limoux-frances-first-sparkling-wine-region/

 

 

Beer Is Your Ticket To Eating More Salad — Here’s How

Let’s get one thing straight from the get-go –- we’re not talking about some kind of sacrificial trade-off where you forgo drinking a beer until you’ve eaten a salad.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2100846/beer-upgrade-salad-dressing-flavor/

 

 

Somms Answer Wine’s New Questions

Younger generations are asking questions that, more than ever, suggest wine lovers want biodynamics over Burgundy.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/somms-answer-wines-new-questions

 

 

A Wine Lover’s Guide to Parenting

A Satirical Blend of Sommelier Savvy and Child-Rearing Challenges

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/02/17/a-wine-lovers-guide-to-parenting-a-satirical-blend/

 

 

People who switched to cannabis drinks cut their alcohol use nearly in half

Cannabis-infused drinks could help some people trade heavy drinking for a lighter buzz.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/02/260217005806.htm

 

 

Bardstown Bourbon faces gender discrimination lawsuit

A former executive of Bardstown Bourbon Company (BBC) has filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the firm alleging gender discrimination and improper conduct.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/bardstown-bourbon-faces-gender-discrimination-lawsuit/

 

 

Proper No. Twelve unveils charred barrel Black Reserve

Proximo Spirits-owned Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey has introduced a blend finished in heavily charred American oak barrels.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/proper-no-twelve-unveils-charred-barrel-black-reserve/

 

 

5 Myths About Natural Wine

What’s True, What’s Not

https://www.raisin.digital/en/news/5-myths-about-natural-wine-whats-true-whats-not-1124/

 

 

Why Chile’s ‘forgotten’ ancestral grape is due a second renaissance

A decade ago, Miguel Torres sparked a País revival by proving Chile’s “forgotten” ancestral grape could make serious wine. Today, the producer predicts a second resurgence of the variety, thanks to its knack for withstanding climate change. Amelie Maurice-Jones reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/why-chiles-forgotten-ancestral-grape-is-due-a-second-renaissance/

 

 

The first Masters of Wine of 2026 have been announced

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) has revealed the names of four individuals who have passed all stages of the Master of Wine examination — a cohort that includes the first female MW to be based in Italy.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/the-first-masters-of-wine-of-2026-have-been-announced/

 

 

The 30 Best Bourbons for 2026

Whether you’re looking for screwtop economy bottles or high-priced allocated beauties, here are 30 of the best bourbons at every price point for 2026.

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

 

 

New On The Rocks

• Suntory Global Spirits has expanded cocktail brand On the Rocks with a new Whiskey Sour, made using Jim Beam Bourbon. The cocktail is bottled at 20% abv and is recommended to be served over ice with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry as garnishes. The Whiskey Sour is available in both 375- and 750-ml. bottles with the former retailing for around $13 and the latter for around $25. The new release is now available across the U.S. In 2025, On the Rocks was up 22% to 960,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Why Does The New York Times Keep Telling You Alcohol Will Kill You?

Why has the world’s paper of record decided to publish so many stories about how awful alcohol is — and when will it end?

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/why-does-the-new-york-times-keep

 

 

What Do Trees Really Do for Wine? More Than You Probably Think

From cooling vineyards to potentially shaping the notes in your glass, scientists and winemakers are just beginning to understand how forests influence flavor.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trees-influence-wine-vineyards-11909290

 

2026 Flavor & Food Trends Wineries Can Use

Too many wineries cling to “the way we’ve always done it,” and it is obviously not working for many winery operations right now. Traditional winemaking has its place, but tradition alone won’t help you stand out among thousands of competing brands in today’s challenging market.

https://www.dgwinemaking.com/2026-flavor-food-trends-wineries-can-use/

 

 

Scaling up: Japan’s new wave of whisky distilleries

With new distilleries multiplying at home, Japanese whisky is entering a more competitive and regulated era – one that will test its biggest names and its newcomers.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/scaling-up-japans-new-wave-of-whisky-distilleries/

 

 

New Bourbon

• Luxco’s Penelope Bourbon has released Barrel Strength 7-Year, the latest cask strength whiskey from the company. This whiskey is distilled from a mash of 70% corn, 23% rye, 5% malted barley, and 2% malted rye and bottled at 57.6% abv. Barrel Strength 7-Year is rolling out now in select markets across the U.S. The whiskey carries a suggested price of $60 a bottle, with Penelope releasing 13,000 6-packs.

 

A Year of Scanning: What You’re Really Drinking

Label scanning can tell a lot about wine, according to our Head of Advanced Solutions John Buckwell – and it says even more about you.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/a-year-of-scanning-what-youre-really-drinking

 

 

A Historic Supreme Court Decision Just Ended Trump’s Tariffs — With Far-Reaching Effects on Wine and Food Imports

The ruling overturns the administration’s use of emergency powers and opens the door to refund battles over more than $150 billion in duties paid by U.S. importers.

https://www.foodandwine.com/trump-tariffs-us-supreme-court-ruling-11910767

 

 

‘Impossible to describe:’ Importer who challenged Trump tariffs hails Supreme Court win

With wines and spirits arriving from 16 countries, nearly every corner of Schwartz’s supply chain was touched by the new tariffs

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/wine-importer-who-challenged-trump-tariffs-celebrates-supreme-court-win

 

 

While corporate America stayed silent, a small wine importer risked his business to challenge Trump’s tariffs

Schwartz became the face of the fight to overturn Trump’s most sweeping tariffs — and he won, in a case that was decided by the Supreme Court on Friday.

https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/21/business/vos-selections-trump-tariffs-lawsuit-risk-takers

 

 

This $55 Whiskey Is America’s Best Rye, According to the 2026 World Whiskies Awards

The award rounded out a strong performance for Heaven Hill Distillery, whose Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye likewise received a Gold Medal.

https://www.foodandwine.com/elijah-craig-toasted-rye-best-rye-in-america-world-whiskies-awards-2026-11909643

 

 

Wine is good for your health if consumed in moderation and within the per diem expenses

Moderate wine consumption in people who closely follow the per diem expenses reduces mortality by up to 33%

https://biotech-spain.com/en/articles/wine-is-good-for-your-health-if-consumed-in-moderation-and-within-the-per-diem-expenses/

 

 

The global glut: vintners being paid to dispose of wine

Changing tastes, a fall in demand and overproduction of wine from the boom years have left vineyards with a problem

https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/the-global-glut-vintners-being-paid-to-dispose-of-wine-633vq8kn9

 

 

Microplastics in my wine!?

Does the tiny plastic liner that secures a seal between the closure and the bottle afflict our wine with invisible yet scary microplastics?

http://wineloverspage.com/2026/02/microplastics-in-wine/

 

 

How do people under 40 find their way into fine wine?

The fine wine sector has been operating on a series of false assumptions about how and why people engage with the category and become wine collectors, a new report from fine wine think tank Areni Global has claimed.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/how-do-people-under-40-find-their-way-into-fine-wine/

 

 

New Whiskey

• Heaven Hill Brands is introducing BernheimOriginal Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey 20th Anniversary Limited Edition. Bernheim’s 20th Anniversary Limited Edition is made from a special selection of barrels aged 10 years and is bottled at 115 proof (57.5% abv). It was produced at the Bernheim distillery and aged in rickhouses in Bardstown, Kentucky. Rolling out in limited quantities nationwide, the special edition wheat whiskey retails at $85 a bottle.

 

EU Council backs new no-alcohol wine definitions and updated labeling

EU rules being updated means better access to information on wine bottles, including ingredients and new digital label options, which makes it easier for consumers to choose products based on taste, nutrition, or personal preferences.

https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/eu-wine-policy-labeling-reform.html

 

 

U.S. Census Report Shows Wine and Beer Exports Collapsed by $472 Million in 2025

Those exports fall under the Census Bureau’s “Wine, beer, and related products” sector, which includes sparkling and still wine, beer, vermouth, cider, alcohol-based ready-to-drink (RTD) products, and other fermented beverages. For wine alone, exports dropped by $428 million — a 33.5 percent loss from 2024, according to Robb Report.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/census-report-us-alcohol-imports-decline-by-millions/

 

 

‘Nearly a quarter in the drinks trade are thinking about leaving because of the culture’

Nearly a quarter of drinks professionals have considered leaving the industry because of harassment or discrimination, according to new data from Drinks United. Michelle Brampton, CEO of the WSET, and founding member of the Drinks United Programme Board, says the scale of the findings surprised even her and warns that junior staff are paying the highest price.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/nearly-a-quarter-in-the-drinks-trade-are-thinking-about-leaving-because-of-the-culture/

 

 

Rhode Island’s Wine Shipping Law: Why It Limits Consumer Choice

Other States Are Moving Forward, but the Ocean State Remains Behind

https://freethegrapes.org/rhode-island-wine-shipping-law/

 

 

Is wine getting worse?

Or at least much more limited in choice

https://fionabeckett.substack.com/p/is-wine-getting-worse

 

 

New Bourbon

Louisville, Kentucky-based Michter’s has announced the latest batch of its 10-year-old Bourbon. The limited edition release is bottled at 47.2% abv with the distillery noting that many of the whiskies used in the blend are aged beyond 10 years. Michter’s 10 Year Bourbon carries a suggested price of $195 and will be available in limited quantities across the U.S. In addition to the 10-year-old Bourbon, Michter’s also offers limited edition bottlings like Michter’s 10 Year Rye and, even more rarely, 20-year-old whiskies.

 

 

Wine Tariffs Still Up in the Air

Doubt is the only certainty a bewildered wine industry can rely on as President Trump looks for alternatives to tariffs.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/wine-tariffs-still-up-in-the-air

 

 

Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

Promoting women’s ownership in wineries can boost sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.

https://news.wsu.edu/press-release/2026/02/25/women-more-likely-to-choose-wine-from-female-winemakers/

 

 

MGP’s FY whiskey sales sink 52%

Third-party producer MGP Ingredients saw sales drop by nearly a quarter last year as demand for its whiskey plunged.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/mgps-fy-whiskey-sales-sink-52/

 

 

No-Alcohol Wine Boom not so Boomy

No-alcohol wine is all the rage, if the hype is to be believed, but does it actually sell?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/no-alcohol-wine-boom-not-so-boomy

 

 

How the alcohol industry is rethinking R&D amid falling global consumption

The global alcohol industry is in structural retreat as global consumers continue to drink less. Producers are scrambling to reformulate beverage R&D and regain their falling profits.

https://www.foodingredientsfirst.com/news/alcohol-decline-wine-spirits-beer-trends.html

 

 

Here’s the Secret Code on Your Wine Label That Changes Everything

From Pommard to Dijon, the tiny clone number attached to your favorite grape may matter more than where it’s grown.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-grapes-vines-clones-11913083

 

 

15 Reasons Cruising is Ideal for Serious Wine Fans

First, you need to choose the right cruise line. Different lines target different demographics. Some target young families. Others target people who like dressing up for dinner.

https://allthingscruise.com/15-reasons-cruising-is-ideal-for-serious-wine-fans/

 

 

Heaven Hill unveils commemorative Deatsville Bourbon

Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands has sourced a limited edition 13-year-old Bourbon from its Deatsville campus.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/heaven-hill-unveils-commemorative-deatsville-bourbon/

 

 

The Surprising Origin Story of the Jell-O Shot

Part of the Jell-O shot’s charm is its subversive nature. It’s a silly, sneaky booze delivery system cleverly wrapped up in a classic dessert that likely evokes a childhood memory or two

https://vinepair.com/articles/jell-o-shot-origin-story/

 

 

A book review of, “Greek Wine Explained 2026″

It’s no surprise to me as, Yiannis Karakasis has done it again with his latest work, the excellent, “Greek Wine Explained” that’s been published for 2026.

https://www.hudin.com/a-book-review-of-greek-wine-explained-2026/

 

 

Why Layoffs Are Spreading In California Wine Country

Experts are still debating the reasons for a fall in wine profits. But in the wine industry reset, workers pay the price with their jobs.

https://patch.com/california/healdsburg/why-layoffs-are-spreading-california-wine-country

 

 

 

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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*

02-23-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Curling Became the ‘Drinking Man’s Sport’

The Truth About Vegan Wine

Bourbon Loses its Charm Overseas

 

 

7 Alternatives to Chartreuse, the Perpetually Hard-to-Find Green Liqueur

With its signature bright green color and easy-to-read label, a bottle of Chartreuse isn’t hard to spot on liquor store shelves or bar racks.

https://vinepair.com/articles/green-chartreuse-herbal-liqueur-alternatives/

 

 

How to Choose the Perfect Sparkling Wine for Valentine’s Day 2026

Valentine’s Day calls for bubbles—there’s something undeniably romantic about the pop of a cork and the effervescence of sparkling wine.

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-perfect-sparkling-wine-for-valentines-day-2026

 

 

The Refined Shape of New Zealand Pinot Noir

That’s particularly impressive for a grape that very nearly disappeared from the country altogether in modern times.

https://www.vinography.com/2026/01/the-refined-shape-of-new-zealand-pinot-noir

 

 

Vinho Verde and the White Wine Resurgence

There are certainly many reasons for the “red shift” to white.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/02/03/new-white-wines/

 

 

Beyond Chianti: A Guide to the Best Red Wines for Italian Meat Dishes

When people think of Italian red wines, Chianti is often the first name that comes to mind. And for good reason: its bright acidity and deep connection to Tuscan cuisine make it a classic. Yet, focusing only on Chianti means missing the extraordinary diversity that defines Italy’s food and wine traditions.

https://villamosconi.com/italian-food-wine/best-italian-red-wine-pairing-meat/

 

 

Red Wine vs. White Wine: Which Is Better For Your Heart?

When deciding whether to open a bottle of red wine vs white wine, you may wonder which is the healthier choice. Red wine is known for its heart-healthy benefits, but white wine also contains beneficial antioxidants.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/red-wine-vs-white-wine-11881584

 

 

Can Non-Alcoholic Tequila Replicate the Real Thing?

The boom in tequila and non-alcoholic drinks have fueled an inevitable crossover, but recreating tequila’s flavor without alcohol isn’t easy

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/can-non-alcoholic-tequila-replicate-the-real-thing/

 

 

Bourbon brings more than $10bn to Kentucky

The Bourbon sector generates US$10.6 billion for Kentucky’s economy annually and supports nearly 24,000 jobs, a new report has revealed.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/bourbon-brings-more-than-10bn-to-kentucky/

 

 

The Wine Connoisseur: Don’t judge a wine by its screw cap

While screw capped wines might appear to be a modern trend, they were actually introduced in the United States by the E.&J. Gallo Winery during the 1950s and 1960s.

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/the-wine-connoisseur-dont-judge-a-wine-by-its-screw-cap/

 

 

RTD Cocktails Swallow US Drinks Market

Pre-mixed cocktails in a can are dominating the US drinks market, as consumers worry about the economy

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/rtd-cocktails-swallow-us-drinks-market

 

 

Explore Chile with These 8 Top-Rated Wine Values

New reviews of 90+ rated Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Sauvignon Blanc and more

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/new-chile-red-white-wine-reviews-cabernet-carmenere-sauvignon-blanc

 

 

Mexico arrests mayor of Tequila for extorting distillers in alleged cartel scheme

The case exposed the dangers firms face when operating in Mexico, particularly in the tourist and industrial hub that props up a multi-billion-dollar sector but is also plagued by cartel violence.

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/mexico-arrests-mayor-tequila-extorting-distillers-alleged-cartel-scheme-2026-02-05/

 

 

New Long Drink

• The Finnish Long Drink, which jumped 20% to 3.3 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank, is adding a raspberry flavor to its portfolio. The new entry is gluten-free and canned at 5%-5.5% abv. The flavor is also launching in a Raspberry Zero Sugar extension. Long Drink’s raspberry offshoots are debuting exclusively in new variety packs. The brand’s regular 8-pack includes Citrus, Pineapple, Peach, and Raspberry, with a Zero Sugar 12-pack featuring the same lineup.

 

Sober shift: the bartenders choosing sobriety

With Dry January now firmly in the rear-view mirror, one cohort of drinks industry professionals shares why they’ve chosen to abstain from alcohol for good – and how they navigate sobriety in a world filled with booze

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/sober-shift-the-bartenders-choosing-sobriety/

 

 

Spirits sales fall 2.2% in US in 2025

US spirits sales declined by 2.2% in value last year, with only ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails in growth, according to a new report.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/spirits-sales-fall-2-2-in-us-in-2025/

 

 

Gallo to buy Four Roses from Kirin for $775m

Japan-based Kirin Holdings has agreed to sell Kentucky Bourbon distillery Four Roses to Gallo for up to approximately US$775 million.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/gallo-to-buy-four-roses-from-kirin-for-775m/

 

 

The Bell’s Beer Conundrum

When the beloved craft brewery was sold to a beverage giant, fans had grievances—and theories. The saga says a lot about the industry now.

https://slate.com/life/2026/02/beer-craft-alcohol-bells-brewery-two-hearted.html

 

 

Chinese Wine Is No Longer Imitating Europe — It’s Defining Itself

As Ningxia and its sister regions shed imitation and embrace terroir, a confident new generation of Chinese wines is earning its place on the global stage.

https://www.foodandwine.com/chinese-wine-quality-evolution-11893069

 

 

The NFL’s Drunkest Fans This Season, Ranked (2026)

Fans of the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Chargers got the drunkest at National Football League (NFL) games this season,

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/nfl-drunkest-fans-2026/

 

 

Gen Z: anti-alcohol or anti-boring brands?

Are younger consumers really swerving the booze or are they simply avoiding boring brands?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/gen-z-anti-alcohol-or-anti-boring-brands/

 

 

Cellar Tracker: the ‘doom and gloom narrative’ of wine’s falling consumption is ‘a little overplayed’

According to Cellar Tracker’s CEO, the aptly named Eric LeVine, wine consumption is still in a healthy place, with dry January showing no inroads in the wine community. He talks to Arabella Mileham about the app’s insights and what it says about today’s collecting, buying and drinking habits.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/cellar-tracker-the-doom-and-gloom-narrative-of-wines-falling-consumption-is-a-little-overplayed/

 

 

Can Wine Save Our Broken Attention Spans?

The act of swirling, smelling, analyzing, and identifying the layered aromas in wine demands your undivided attention. It’s an offline, physically and mentally engaging practice.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/wine-attention-spans/

 

 

Dry January drives shift from alcohol to cannabis in the US

As more Americans cut back on alcohol, Dry January is increasingly becoming a moment of substitution rather than abstinence. Cannabis drinks and edibles are gaining ground as consumers rethink intoxication, ritual and wellbeing, writes Kathleen Willcox.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/dry-january-drives-shift-from-alcohol-to-cannabis-in-the-us/

 

 

Is 3.4% ABV ‘the new normal’ for beer?

Australian lager Foster’s, owned by Asahi Group Holdings but distributed in the United Kingdom by Heineken UK, will see its alcohol content lowered to 3.4% from this week. The brand joins a host of other best-selling beers who have joined the 3.4% gang.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/is-3-4-abv-the-new-normal-for-beer/

 

 

WE DON’T NEED ARTICLES LIKE THIS

During a time when the industry is having trouble selling wine, why would we want to “disappear” wines that people like.

https://foodandwineaesthetics.com/2026/02/03/we-dont-need-articles-like-this/

 

 

Why Publix Keeps Its Liquor In Completely Separate Stores

When it comes to alcohol sales, the United States is a pretty quirky place, as laws about where beer, wine, and liquor can be sold differ from one state to the next.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2090652/publix-liquor-separate-store/

 

 

The Supreme Court Is Poised To Remind States That the Constitution Doesn’t Stop at the Liquor Store

Lower courts keep inventing loopholes to uphold discriminatory booze regulations.

https://reason.com/2026/02/07/the-supreme-court-is-poised-to-remind-states-that-the-constitution-doesnt-stop-at-the-liquor-store/

 

 

Why Winter is the Perfect Season for White Wine: Breaking the Red Wine Myth

Ask most wine drinkers what they reach for in winter, and the answer is almost always the same: red wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah—bold, warming reds that seem perfectly suited for cold weather.

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/why-winter-is-the-perfect-season-for-white-wine-breaking-the-red-wine-myth

 

 

Does Wine Actually Need To Breathe?

What’s better than enjoying a glass of your favorite type of wine at the end of the day?

https://www.mashed.com/2092324/does-wine-need-to-breathe/

 

 

Bourbon Loses its Charm Overseas

The sale of Four Roses Bourbon to Gallo suggests Japanese owners might be losing faith in American whiskey.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/02/bourbon-loses-its-charm-overseas

 

 

Redbreast Expands Its Iberian Series With Its First-Ever Moscatel Cask Release

Master blender David McCabe blended single pot still whiskey aged nine to 11 years, then finished it for 16 months in Moscatel-seasoned casks from Spain’s historic Bodegas Quitapenas.

https://www.foodandwine.com/redbreast-moscatel-wine-cask-edition-single-pot-still-irish-whiskey-11902072

 

 

How Four Roses’s Sale to a Wine Company Could Affect the Bourbon Distillery’s Future

The sale is not yet finalized, but this well-respected bourbon distillery could see some changes.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/four-roses-bourbon-sale-gallo-winery-1237560914/

 

 

What Doctors Want You To Know About the New Federal Guidelines for Alcohol Consumption

Gone are the old daily drink limits, as the update leans on broader guidance shaped by emerging science.

https://www.foodandwine.com/doctors-decode-federal-alcohol-consumption-guidelines-11902380

 

 

5 Jobs in Whiskey You’ve Never Heard Of

With hundreds of millions of bottles produced every year, the global whiskey industry is enormous, valued at approximately $28 billion

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-whiskey-jobs/

 

 

One in five Scotch distilleries in financial distress

Data from restructuring firm BTG has found that 19% of distilleries in Scotland are facing financial distress.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/one-in-five-scotch-distilleries-in-financial-distress/

 

 

They Say All Politics Is Local. So Is Wine Appreciation
As you’ve no doubt read ad nauseum the industry is shrinking.

https://paulgregutt.substack.com/p/they-say-all-politics-is-local-so

 

 

New Whiskey

• Sazerac has announced Traveller Whiskey Full Proof, the latest release from brand created by musician Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley. The whiskey takes the original Traveller blend and dials the abv up from 45% to 60.5%, a proof point chosen by Stapleton and his bandmates following a concert. The new release carries a suggested price of $40 a bottle and is now available across the U.S.

 

Tariffs drag Scotch exports to US down by 15%

Global Scotch whisky exports declined by 0.6% in value and 4.3% in volume in 2025, with a 15% drop in bottles shipped to the US since the 10% tariff was implemented, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA)

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/tariffs-drag-scotch-exports-to-us-down-by-15/

 

 

Champagne’s image tarnished by unpunished herbicide deviators

Breaking the law and skirting the cahier des charges remains unpunished. It does however chip away at Champagne’s image…

https://terroirchampagne.substack.com/p/champagnes-image-tarnished-by-unpunished

 

 

New Bourbon

• Lofted Spirits’ Green River Distilling Co. has added a new high-proof wheated Bourbon to its portfolio, beginning February 13. The whiskey is made from a mash of 70% corn, 21% wheat, and 9% malted barley, with batches coming in between 54.5% and 58% abv. The first batch of Green River Wheated Full Proof Bourbon comes in at 54.65% abv and is aged between five and seven years. The new whiskey carries a suggested price of $50 a bottle and will launch in 25 markets across the U.S.

 

What Does the Latest Wine and Wellness Consumer Data Say About Organics?

A recent presentation from the Wine Market Council shows a growing portion of the market favors organically grown wines over sustainable. But are producers connecting with buyers?

https://organicwineuncorked.substack.com/p/what-does-the-latest-wine-and-wellness

 

 

The French appellation system, AOC, turns 90

The French system has since become a model for similar regulations in other countries (Italy, Spain, etc.). However, you could say that it turned 90 both last year and this year. The law was passed in 1935 and came into force in 1936.

https://www.bkwine.com/news/appellation-system-aoc-turns-90/

 

 

The Truth About Vegan Wine

Get ready for a shock if you thought you were drinking ethically

https://themorningclaret.com/p/the-truth-about-vegan-wine?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=e3aedc9f8cea8aab46eca9eac339e64e69929bf0

 

 

Heaven Hill challenges ‘100% agave’ lawsuit

Kentucky-based Heaven Hill Brands has filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit alleging that its Lunazul Tequila is falsely marketed as ‘100% agave’.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/heaven-hill-challenges-100-agave-lawsuit/

 

 

How Curling Became the ‘Drinking Man’s Sport’

This sport is based around camaraderie

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pop-culture/curling-beer-whiskey-history/

 

 

 

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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Browse Our Product List

Upcoming Events

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Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

02-09-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Would you drink beer made with bear poop?

Do De-Alcoholized Wines Deliver?

California Awash with Unsold Wine

 

Is ‘additive-free’ rum about to boom?

As the Tequila sector cracks down on ‘additive-free’ claims, one producer is predicting rum will soon be under similar scrutiny.
https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/is-additive-free-rum-about-to-boom/

 

 

Investor group eyes Uncle Nearest purchase

NexGen 2780, a Georgia-registered investor group, has expressed interest in acquiring Uncle Nearest’s assets and settling the distiller’s US$108 million debt to Farm Credit Mid-America

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/investor-group-eyes-uncle-nearest-purchase/

 

 

POLL FINDS A RECORD NUMBER OF AMERICANS SEE MODERATE DRINKING AS A HEALTH RISK

Fewer Americans are reporting that they drink alcohol amid a growing belief that even moderate alcohol consumption is a health risk, according to a new Gallup poll released in August.

https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/newswire/poll-finds-record-number-americans-see-moderate-drinking-health-risk/

 

 

The 10 Most Overrated Liquor Brands

Being overrated doesn’t automatically mean a spirit is bad. Many of these brands are technically well-made and can be enjoyable in moderation or in cocktails.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2075551/most-overrated-alcohol-brands/

 

 

New Rebel

• Luxco’s Rebel Bourbon has announced the return of Rebel Root Beer to the brand’s portfolio. The 35% abv flavored whiskey is made with Rebel’s wheated Straight Bourbon whiskey and blended with the flavor of root beer before bottling. It carries a suggested price of $20 a 750-ml. and $0.99 per 50-ml. and is now available across the U.S. Rebel is part of Luxco, MGP’s branded arm, alongside brands like Ezra Brooks, Yellowstone, and Penelope, among others. 

 

What wine to pair with risotto?

Risotto, a nurturing Italian dish, treats us to a whole host of possible flavors. When choosing a wine to pair with it, focus on extenuating the main ingredient or flavor of the dish.

https://www.idealwine.info/what-wine-to-pair-with-risotto/

 

 

New Maker’s

• Suntory Global Spirits has launched new packaging for Maker’s Mark Cask Strength, with the new label featuring an age statement for the first time. The whisky is bottled between seven- and eight-years-old and at ABVs ranging from 53.5% to 57%. Maker’s Mark Cask Strength carries a suggested price of $50 a 750-ml. and the new packaging is now rolling out across the U.S. Last year, the Maker’s Mark brand was at an estimated 2.25 million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

 

Reconsidering a Dry January

Could Drinking Wine be Beneficial to Your Health?

https://winereviewonline.com/reconsidering-a-dry-january-could-drinking-wine-be-beneficial-to-your-health/

 

 

Calories, Sugar Fears, and ‘Eco’ Appeal Are Reshaping Wine Consumption

Consumers Cut Back on Alcohol for Health–But Still See Wine as the “Healthier” Choice

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/313114

 

 

7 Things You Should Know About Castle & Key, the Kentucky Distillery Housed in a Stunning Castle

Important figures in the drinks world often leave massive legacies behind their names — think Veuve Clicquot and Jack Daniel’s. But significant parts of their stories can easily go unnoticed, and reviving those lost details is largely the ethos behind Castle & Key.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-castle-and-key/

 

 

Chateau Ste. Michelle overhauls packaging following acquisition

The flagship brand of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates has been given a fresh new look after being acquired by The Wyckoff Family in December. The update marks the first time its bottle design has been revamped in decades.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/chateau-ste-michelle-overhauls-packaging-following-acquisition/

 

 

Genetic study finds no overall cancer link for alcohol intake

A major genetic analysis reports no association between alcohol consumption and overall cancer risk, offering a more nuanced view than some headline health warnings. The findings arrive as global policy debates intensify over alcohol affordability and taxation.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/genetic-study-finds-no-overall-cancer-link-for-alcohol-intake/

 

 

An Intro to Champagne Wine Labelling

Champagne, the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine, comes exclusively from the Champagne region in northeastern France

https://mywinepal.com/2026/01/21/an-intro-to-champagne-wine-labelling/

 

 

More Bourbon Distilleries Are Closing.

So What Happens to the Whiskey?

https://vinepair.com/articles/bourbon-boom-leftover-whiskey/

 

 

Global Champagne shipments fall by 2% in 2025

The number of bottles of Champagne shipped worldwide, including the domestic market, totalled 266m in 2025 ­– representing a decline of 5m bottles, or a drop of 2% on the previous year.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/global-champagne-shipments-fall-by-2-in-2025/

 

 

New documentary tells Old Forester’s story

The 156-year history of Old Forester Bourbon in Louisville, Kentucky, is the subject of a new documentary.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/new-documentary-tells-old-foresters-story/

 

 

California prepares for record grape shortage

The 2025 California grape harvest is expected to be the lowest produced by the US state for nearly 50 years, down 24% on last year’s crop, writes Ron Emler.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/california-prepares-for-grape-shortage/

 

 

Rats Can Differentiate Between Two White Wine Varieties

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have unveiled that rats possess the remarkable ability to not only differentiate between two varieties of white wine but also to generalize their taste preferences across these two distinct classifications

https://scienmag.com/rats-can-differentiate-between-two-white-wine-varieties/#google_vignette

 

 

Exploring Champagne Through Iconic Film Scenes

Champagne lights up classic films as a sign of joy, wealth, and love.

https://glassofbubbly.com/exploring-champagne-through-iconic-film-scenes/

 

 

These 5 Wines Are Considered the “Healthiest” by Nutrition Experts

Ready to raise a glass? Here are the top RD-approved wine options.

https://www.realsimple.com/healthiest-wines-11888389

 

 

Does Storytelling Really Sell Wine?

Great storytelling can help illustrate a product, but it perhaps takes a little more to paint the whole picture.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/does-storytelling-really-sell-wine

 

 

Early warning for wine spoilage glows in the dark

Researchers built a living biosensor made of bacteria that lights up when it detects acetic acid, the main chemical signal that wine is starting to spoil.

https://phys.org/news/2026-01-early-wine-spoilage-dark.html#google_vignette

 

 

Spain’s Sparkling Wine Revolution

Will the vintners staging a sparkling rebellion in Spain spark a real revolution?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/spains-sparkling-wine-revolution

 

 

8 Worst Celebrity-Owned Liquor Brands

It’s easy to be a little snobby about celebrity-owned liquor brands.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2082789/worst-celebrity-liquors/

 

 

How Gen Z is influencing low-and-no

While the idea that Gen Z has turned its back on alcohol is misplaced, according to research, many drinkers across the board are mindful of what they consume. What does this mean for low-and-no brands?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/how-gen-z-are-influencing-low-and-no/

 

 

How smoothie beers are helping to boost sales

A polarizing beer trend is boosting beer sales in the US. But what is a smoothie beer and how can it help the brewing sector? db looks at how one niche beer style has taken off on a  global scale and is now reaping the success of consumer demand.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/how-smoothie-beers-are-helping-to-boost-sales/

 

 

The worst places to store wine at home

From the top of the fridge to the back of the garage, many homes unwittingly subject wine to conditions that hasten its decline. In the first of a two-part series, two experts explain to db where bottles suffer most and why good intentions so often end in disappointment.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/the-worst-places-to-store-wine-at-home/

 

 

New Grey Goose

Bacardi has launched Grey Goose Berry Rouge, the first new flavored addition to the vodka’s portfolio in 10 years. The 40% abv vodka is made with strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries flavors and does not contain any added sugar. Grey Goose Berry Rouge is now available across the U.S., retailing at $26 a 750-ml. The new flavor sits alongside Grey Goose’s other flavored offerings, including Le Citron, La Poire, and L’Orange. Last year, Grey Goose was at 2.5 million cases in the U.S., down 2.2%, according to Impact Databank.

 

 

Can you pair Champagne & Chocolate?

What might have been a confrontational question several years back within the industry, one to spark a heated debate, today the subject is very approachable.

https://glassofbubbly.com/can-you-pair-champagne-chocolate/

 

 

Kentucky Bourbon Trail adds 10 new stops

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail has added 10 new distillery experiences and satellite tasting room locations, bringing the total to 68 stops.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/kentucky-bourbon-trail-adds-10-new-stops/

 

 

Average price of a bottle of US wine hits $56.78

The price of American wine sold DTC shot up 11% last year to more than $50 per bottle, reveals numbers crunched by Sovos ShipCompliant. But which regions saw the highest leaps? Sarah Neish investigates.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/average-price-of-a-bottle-of-us-wine-hits-56-78/

 

 

That Drinks Business headline claiming the average price of a bottle of US wine hit $56.78 in 2025 is… just not true

One of the UK’s most important beverage trade journals shared a shocking statistic: that the average price of a bottle of American wine had risen 11% in 2025, to $56.78. The only problem? It wasn’t true.

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/01/that-drinks-business-headline-claiming-the-average-price-of-a-bottle-of-us-wine-hit-56-78-in-2025-is-just-not-true/

 

 

How To Market Wine Like Taylor Swift

You, too, can be cool, subtle, relevant. Believe.

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/how-to-market-wine-like-taylor-swift

 

 

What does sustainability in spirits mean today?

Despite ‘sustainability’ being a nebulous phrase, many spirits brands are determined to demonstrate their commitment to doing better by the environment.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/what-does-sustainability-in-spirits-mean-today/

 

 

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Unveils Luxury Kosher Champagne

Isiah Thomas, owner-operator of Cheurlin Champagne, is redefining the luxury kosher wine category with the launch of his premium kosher Champagne collection, created in collaboration with the historic Cheurlin Champagne House.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/01/28/nba-hall-of-famer-isiah-thomas-unveils-luxury-kosher-champagne/

 

 

Is Wine Really Healthy? Experts Summarize the Research

The Answer Isn’t Simple and May Depend on a Variety of Factors

https://www.ucdavis.edu/magazine/wine-really-healthy-experts-summarize-research

 

 

California Awash with Unsold Wine

A small harvest this year likely won’t be enough to reduce the huge oversupply facing the California wine industry.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/california-awash-with-unsold-wine

 

 

Do De-Alcoholized Wines Deliver?

As new nonalcoholic options enter the market, we blind-tasted 50 bottles to test which—if any—can stand in for the real thing

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/best-nonalcoholic-dealcoholized-wine-2026-blind-tasting-na

 

 

Would you drink beer made with bear poop?

This Oregon brewery is betting you will

https://www.oregonlive.com/trending/2026/01/beer-collab-from-two-portland-companies-that-will-be-served-outside-the-super-bowl-uses-actual-bear-poop.html

 

 

Tabasco maker sues Stoli ahead of Absolut launch

McIlhenny Company has filed a trademark lawsuit against Stoli Group’s new jalapeño vodka as the Tabasco maker announces a spicy vodka collaboration with Absolut.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/tabasco-maker-sues-stoli-ahead-of-absolut-launch/

 

 

Survival of the smallest: limited-production wineries fare best

Bigger players producing more than 500,000 cases per year saw the largest slump in sales during 2025, reveals shipping company Sovos, while smaller producers were more shielded from the downturn. However, while sales of lower-priced wines plummeted, this “shouldn’t be labelled as premiumisation”, the report cautioned. Here’s why…

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/survival-of-the-smallest-small-us-wineries-fare-best/

 

 

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*

01-26-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

The Curse Of Low And No Alcohol Wine

Is the Worst Almost Over?

Rocky Road Ahead for US Wine

Major Argentinian Winery Faces “Mega Bankruptcy”

In the first news round-up of 2026, we take a deep-dive into the various troubles facing Argentina’s Bodega Norton.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/major-argentinian-winery-faces-mega-bankruptcy

A defense of wine writing

Does an object of beauty deserve to be written about beautifully?

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/a-defense-of-wine-writing

Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark

While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start with Kim and Mark introducing themselves and their background in the wine industry.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/01/exploring-wonderful-world-of-wine.html

The trade is ‘cleansing’ but lemonade won’t replace wine

A well-publicised surplus in the global wine trade is causing a ‘cleansing’ of the sector – but consumers won’t ever mark major celebrations with soft drinks, believes industry veteran and Joseph Phelps CEO David Pearson.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/the-trade-is-cleansing-but-lemonade-wont-replace-wine/

The 20 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2026

In the past decade, the non-alcoholic (NA) drinks category has exploded — and NA beer is leading the charge. According to NielsenIQ, the U.S. market for non-alcoholic beverages is valued at approximately $1 billion, with NA beer accounting for over 80 percent of all sales. With the influx of innovation, there’s never been a better time to dip your toe into the category.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-non-alcoholic-beers-2026/

Introducing New Michelob ULTRA Zero Lime

A Refreshing Alcohol-Free Brew With A Citrus Twist

https://www.anheuser-busch.com/newsroom/MichelobULTRAZeroLime

Why I’m skipping Dry January

As a public health scientist, I weighed the evidence

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/01/dry-january-moderate-drinking-research/

Washington Brewers Federal Lawsuit Challenges Rules on Labeling Cider, Mead & Fruit Wine

Federal Lawsuit Challenges TTB Rule Blocking Vintage Labels on Cider, Mead, and Fruit Wine

https://newschoolbeer.com/home/2026/1/washington-brewers-challenge-ttb-rule-blocking-vintage-labels-on-cider-mead-and-fruit-wine

Canadian Whisky Gets Political

In reaction to Diageo’s latest moves, Ontario takes Crown Royal off province shelves.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/canadian-whisky-gets-political

France expands the range of wines to which saccharose may be added

Federmosti to Italian wine producers: make a clear choice for purity and highlight it on the label, or open up to the use of exogenous ingredients that are cheaper than Rectified Concentrated Grape Must?

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/312435

7 Things You Should Know About BeatBox, the Colorful RTD Brand Popular With Gen Z

In the alcohol industry’s current climate, few brands have experienced success quite like BeatBox. Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages have experienced rapid growth, but according to a report from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, the wine-based sector is one of the least represented sectors in the category. That’s the BeatBox sweet spot.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-beatbox/

Sazerac wins partial victory in LIV Golf trademark dispute

The European Union’s IP office has partially upheld American spirits company Sazerac’s trademark complaints against the LIV Golf tour.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/sazerac-wins-partial-victory-in-liv-golf-trademark-dispute/

Did Ancient Greeks Cheat the Romans With Knock-Off Wine?

An article published in The Conversation suggests that the ancient Greeks on Crete may have cheated the Romans by exporting “knock-off” versions of their highly prized raisin wine.

https://greekreporter.com/2026/01/07/ancient-greeks-crete-cheat-romans-wine/

Elton John breaks into drinks sector with 0% blanc de blancs

Legendary British singer-songwriter Elton John has entered the drinks category with the launch of a 0% ‘blanc de blancs’ bearing his name – and db is the first to learn about it.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/elton-john-breaks-into-drinks-sector-with-0-blanc-de-blancs/

US health department drops daily alcohol limits

In its new five-year dietary guidance report, the US Department of Health has removed recommendations that Americans limit alcohol consumption to two drinks a day.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/us-health-department-drops-daily-alcohol-limits/

Mexico’s whisky market could grow 62% by 2034

According to a new study by IMARC Group, the whisky market in Mexico is projected to grow from US$905.2 million in 2025 to US$1.47 billion by 2034.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/mexicos-whisky-market-poised-for-62-growth/

Irish whiskey exports fall 5% in 2025

Exports of Irish whiskey declined by 5% in value last year after the US hindered the category’s performance.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/irish-whiskey-exports-fall-5-in-2025/

Wine Shipping Might Get Another Court Date

Another interstate shipping case could be the tipping point needed for a Supreme Court decision on the thorny issue.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/wine-shipping-might-get-another-court-date

Why Wine Education Needs to Leave the Screen

Wine teams don’t need more information. They need physical, fast, reusable tools that work in the chaos of service, not just in quiet moments behind a screen.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/01/07/expert-editorial-why-wine-education-needs-to-leave-the-screen/

The 12 Best Non-Alcoholic Wines for 2026

Beer is the darling of the low-and-no movement, and booze-free cocktail programs continue to innovate, but non-alcoholic (NA) wine still has some catching up to do. Yet, the options available in this category continue to expand each year as brands tinker with new techniques to replicate the nuanced flavors of wine in an alcohol-free format.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-non-alcoholic-wines-2026/

Taylor Swift cameo sparks US sell-out for Sancerre

Swifties have driven a rapid sell-out of a Loire white after spotting a bottle in the pop star’s latest documentary, underlining the power of celebrity exposure for French wine.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/taylor-swift-cameo-sparks-us-sell-out-for-sancerre/

The very long and very short history of barrel-aged wine

From storing wine to shaping its style, Rod Phillips traces the evolving role of the wine barrel.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/wine-barrel-history

Virginia Wine Becomes First to Rank on U.S. Top 50 List

The wine is one of only two named to the list from outside the Pacific coast.

https://northernvirginiamag.com/food-and-drink/2026/01/06/this-virginia-wine-made-the-u-s-top-50-list/

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Do You Wish People Would Order More? (2026)

Within the vast world of cocktails, there are a few all-time favorites that land in the “greatest hits” category.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-cocktail-to-order-more-2026/

EU distilleries push for rye whisky resolution

Europe’s rye whisky makers have lobbied for renegotiation over the use of the term ‘rye whisky’, which they were prohibited from using last year.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/01/eu-distilleries-push-for-rye-whisky-resolution/

English and Welsh 2025 wine harvest delivers ‘ripest fruit ever’

After the driest summer on record, English and Welsh vineyards have delivered one of the earliest and most promising harvests seen to date. WineGB says the 2025 vintage combines ripe fruit, strong volumes and a sense of long-earned confidence across the sector.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/english-and-welsh-2025-wine-harvest-delivers-ripest-fruit-ever/

Espresso Martini

The buzzy cocktail that kicks off a night, and caps late ones

https://www.foodandwine.com/espresso-martini-cocktail-recipe-11882941

Why This Once-Popular ’70s Beer Is Now Only Found In Canada

When a beer has attracted a cult following — think Kurt Cobain wearing a shirt with an image of the can, iron-on designs, apparel like shirts and caps, antiques, and even a motion light, you know there’s a fan base that would be disappointed if the product disappeared.

https://www.tastingtable.com/2069167/olympia-beer-only-found-canada/

Wine Gourd data-blog final post, and my farewell

I had my first official taste of wine in 1975 (at age 17) in Australia.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2026/01/wine-gourd-data-blog-final-post-and-my.html

Boston Beer battle puts unusual provision in Massachusetts’ noncompete law to the test

The venture capital industry fought for years to persuade state lawmakers to impose strict restrictions on noncompete agreements.

https://www.boston.com/news/the-boston-globe/2026/01/12/boston-beer-battle-puts-unusual-provision-in-massachusetts-noncompete-law-to-the-test/

Meta changes sow confusion, concern in wine industry

Changes also appear to have impacted beer, spirits, and some non-alcohol related businesses

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2026/01/meta-changes-sow-confusion-concern-in-wine-industry.html

Anheuser-Busch Is Selling Cutwater Like Crazy — and Keeping Quiet About the Viral #Challenge

For the uninitiated, the “challenge,” such as it is, is trying to drink an entire Cutwater 4-pack, and filming the results.

https://vinepair.com/articles/hop-take-abi-keeps-quiet-on-cutwater-success/

EU warns of decade-long wine downturn

Younger consumers drinking less alcohol and a wider shift towards moderation are set to drive a structural decline in EU wine consumption and output, according to Brussels’ latest outlook.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/eu-warns-of-decade-long-wine-downturn/

Why Under-the-Radar Wine Regions Are Primed for Success in a Tough Market

Wine sales are tanking, and producers are shutting their doors. Why are some regional powerhouses (like Carboy Winery in Colorado) thriving?

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/why-under-the-radar-wine-regions

Is the Worst Almost Over?

The worst is almost over, if waiting a couple of years more for the U.S. wine slump to reach bottom counts as almost.

https://www.meininger.de/en/meiningers-international/insights/worst-almost-over-0

Rocky Road Ahead for US Wine

There are rough seas to be navigated for US wineries and not all are going to make it, according to a new report.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/01/rocky-road-ahead-for-us-wine

This Boston Pizzeria Infuses Its Pepperoni Pies Into a Negroni

The Negroni has ranked among the world’s most popular cocktails for decades now, claiming the No. 1 spot the past four years in a row

https://vinepair.com/articles/boston-restaurant-pepperoni-pizza-negroni/

Top 6 findings from the SVB Wine Report

Silicon Valley Bank’s 2026 wine industry report, which analyses the state of the US market, suggests we are entering a chapter “defined as much by challenge as by opportunity” but cautions producers that “this is not a cycle you can wait out”. Sarah Neish reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/01/top-5-findings-from-the-svb-wine-report/

The Science of Vanilla Flavor in Whiskey

Nearly every aspect of the whiskey-making process impacts the level of vanilla flavor, from the choice of wood to the climatic conditions—and it’s up to the distiller to successfully dial it in

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-vanilla-flavor-in-whiskey/

New Knob

• Suntory Global Spirits has announced the 2026 edition of Eli Manning’s Bold Pick, the collaboration between the retired NFL star and Knob Creek. This year’s release will be available across the U.S. and carries a suggested price of $70 a bottle. All of the whiskies selected for Manning’s Bold Pick are single barrels bottled at cask strength, with the bottlings ranging from 56.1% to 60.8% abv. Knob Creek Single Barrel Cask Strength Bourbon, Eli Manning’s Bold Pick: 2026 Batch is now rolling out across the U.S. and will be available for a limited time. In recent years, Knob Creek has hovered around 500,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Legislation Introduced to Strengthen “American” Wine Labeling

Current federal standards allow up to 25 percent of wine labeled “American” to be sourced from imported bulk wine produced outside the United States.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/01/14/legislation-introduced-to-strengthen-american-wine-labeling/

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OAKED AND UNOAKED WINE?

But what do they actually mean, and how much does it matter once the wine is in your glass?

https://greenskinwine.com/whats-the-difference-between-oaked-and-unoaked-wine/

The Curse Of Low And No Alcohol Wine

NoLo drinks backed by celebs aren’t just tedious. Even if it isn’t their intention or commercial purpose, they’re functionally part of an international neo-prohibitionist campaign against wine.

https://timatkin.com/the-curse-of-low-and-no-alcohol-wine/

How Pappy Van Winkle Became the Ultimate Cult Bourbon

To understand how Pappy came to be the unicorn it is today, you have to trace things all the way back to the late 1800s when a 19-year-old Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr. started traveling across the state of Kentucky, selling whiskey for W.L. Weller.

https://vinepair.com/articles/pappy-van-winkle-cult-bourbon-story/

The Greatest Scotch Whiskies of All Time, According to 8 Whisky Pros

It’s tough to narrow down the best Scotches in a given year.

https://vinepair.com/articles/all-time-greatest-scotch-according-to-pros/

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

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

2025 Tasty Award Winner!

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Review Show Here

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

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Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

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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*

01-12-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

What Is a ‘Still-Strength’ Spirit?

Is there any holiday cheer in the wine world?

Live Free or Dry?

8 Bloody Mary Riffs That Take the Classic in Delicious New Directions

From Caesars to Micheladas, these savory brunch favorites are the ultimate eye opener.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-bloody-mary-variations-11874408

How Long Open Boxed Wine lasts — Our Week-by-Week Test Has Answers

We tasted the same box of wine every week to learn exactly when its flavor fades — and how long you can really keep it open.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-long-boxed-wine-lasts-11875041

Should You Store Wine Glasses Up Or Upside Down?

There’s a 50-50 chance you’re storing your wine glasses the way the pros suggest.

https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-store-wine-glasses-11874192

Portugal wine production down 14%

Wine production in Portugal fell by 14% in the 2025/2026 season, to 5.9 million hectolitres, according to data from the Institute of Vine and Wine (IVV).

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-12-24/portugal-wine-production-down-14/935212

Tariffs have American whiskey distillers on the rocks

Jim Beam is the latest brand to feel the pain

https://theweek.com/business/economy-whiskey-tariffs-american-distillers

What’s the Difference Between a $15 and $150 Bottle of Wine?

Answer: A lot more than $135. A look inside the numerous variables that contribute to a wine’s final price.

https://www.foodandwine.com/what-makes-wine-expensive-11874162

Live Free or Dry?

Falling Alcohol Use Threatens NH Revenue Stream

https://nhjournal.com/live-free-or-dry-falling-alcohol-use-threatens-nh-revenue-stream/

A Newly Discovered Reaction Between Ethanol And Sugars in Beer

Michael Hellwig, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Germany, discusses his recent study showing that ethanol reacts with sugar-derived compounds in beer to form a new ethoxy dicarbonyl, revealing a non-enzymatic pathway that may contribute to beer aging and flavor changes.

https://www.chemistryviews.org/a-newly-discovered-reaction-between-ethanol-and-sugars-in-beer/

Is there any holiday cheer in the wine world?

From Trump’s tariffs to declining consumption, a tough year comes to a close

https://thehub.ca/2025/12/20/is-there-any-holiday-cheer-in-the-wine-world/

Iconic 230-year-old whiskey brand stops distilling for a year

Trump’s tariffs and slowing exports are hitting U.S. spirits, leading the historic Kentucky distillery to pause production.

https://www.thestreet.com/retail/iconic-230-year-old-whiskey-brand-jim-beam-pauses-distilling-for-a-year

Can a Tiny Fee on Every Bottle Save California’s Wine Countries?

Employing a relatively new concept called a “wine improvement district,” appellations like Temecula, Livermore, Santa Barbara, and Amador County are now tacking on an extra 1 to 2% fee on every bottle sold in their regions to enhance the coffers of their vintners associations. Lodi and Santa Cruz Mountains just enacted their own, while regions like Paso Robles to Sonoma have flirted with the notion as well.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wine-improvement-district-fee-california/

The Whiskey Trends That Defined 2025, From Ultra-Aged Bourbon to Smaller Formats

Industry insiders say tighter economics, a surplus of well-aged barrels, and shifting drinking habits quietly shaped what whiskey drinkers saw on shelves last year.

https://www.foodandwine.com/whiskey-trends-2025-11873560

Sustainable Labels Resist Slumping Sales

As overall wine sales continue to fall, success often now lies in the idealogy behind the product.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/sustainable-labels-resist-slumping-sales

The Future of Champagne May Be Written in the Soil

As climate pressures mount, biodynamic growers in Épernay, the Côte des Bar, and beyond argue that healthier vineyards lead to more precise, vibrant wines.

https://www.foodandwine.com/biodynamic-champagne-wine-pioneer-11874163

Viña Santa Sofía: beyond the score, wine is defined in the glass.

With so many wines in Chile, ratings help guide consumers, but they don’t tell the whole story. For Fernando Bustos Latorre, manager of Santa Sofía Chile, “numbers serve as a reference, but the true measure is in the glass: in how each wine is enjoyed, shared, and experienced.”

https://www.marcachile.cl/en/noticia-socio-mbc/que-significan-los-premios-y-puntajes-del-vino/

These 11 Booze-Free Sparkling Wines Deliver Real Champagne Energy

These non-alcoholic sparkling wines deliver the near-real deal, with bright bubbles, brisk acidity, and plenty of reasons to pop a cork anytime.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-nonalcoholic-sparkling-wine-11875104

The One Nonalcoholic Sparkling Wine Brand We Regretted Buying

The brand’s website describes its Italy-made Non-Alcoholic Sparkling wine as “refreshingly vibrant,” made from Glera grapes with notes of “pear, citrus, and green apple” and a “bright hint of acidity.”

https://www.tastingtable.com/2057237/worst-non-alcoholic-sparkling-wine-josh-cellars/

Here’s What Actually Happens to Your Blood Pressure When You Drink Alcohol

Plus, if red wine is good for heart health.

https://parade.com/health/what-happens-to-blood-pressure-when-you-drink-alcohol

A French Winemaking Family Keeps the Bubbles Popping in New Mexico

Based in Albuquerque, by the turn of the 21st century and after having been in business since 1985, Gruet had sold more than one million bottles of wine — and was just getting started. Over the ensuing years, the accolades were many and continue to this day

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/pasatiempo/a-french-winemaking-family-keeps-the-bubbles-popping-in-new-mexico/article_766b0156-f0fd-4d9f-92a1-26ea7b0ee0a3.html

If You Love Pinot Noir, Meet Your New Favorite Wine Region

Bright, juicy, and easy to drink, Alsatian Pinot Noir belongs on your radar.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pinot-noir-alsace-11869790

The Beer Style Expected to Dominate 2026

Lagers are back and expected to become an even bigger part of the American beer scene in 2026

https://www.mensjournal.com/drink/the-beer-style-expected-to-dominate-2026

The Oldest Liquor Store In The US Has Been Serving Customers For Over 300 Years

Places like the Green Dragon Tavern in Boston witnessed pro-Revolution meetings, and George Washington celebrated victory over the British Empire at New York’s Fraunces.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2058226/oldest-liquor-store-in-the-us-serving-customers-300-years/

Did Your Liquor License Just Get Devalued?

Most Massachusetts’ municipalities, including Boston, are limited to how many so-called “Pouring Licenses” and “Package Store Licenses” they can have issued at any one time depending upon their population, as determined by the last United States Census.

https://ucdlaw.com/blog/

What you need to know about Italy’s new decree on dealcoholised wine

IT HAS BEEN SIGNED AFTER MONTHS OF WAITING AND PRESSURE FROM TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, WHICH HAD BEEN CALLING FOR CLEAR RULES ON EXCISE DUTIES, AUTHORISATIONS AND PRODUCTION.

https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/what-you-need-to-know-about-italys-new-decree-on-dealcoholised-wine/

What Is a ‘Still-Strength’ Spirit?

Curious drinkers love to dive deep into the intricacies of their favorite spirits.

https://vinepair.com/articles/still-strength-spirits-explained/

Tired of Orange Wine?

Try These Styles Instead

https://www.vogue.com/article/orange-wine-alternatives

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*

12-29-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

NOW IS THE TIME FOR WINERIES TO ADVERTISE

Don’t Freeze Champagne This New Year’s Eve. Here’s Why

Douse Your Cheese with Champagne

Wine in supermarkets? Maybe, but let’s be honest about the impact

Despite what we’re told, all big policy changes come with pluses and minuses, and allowing wine to be sold in grocery stores would not be an exception

https://www.timesunion.com/churchill/article/churchill-wine-supermarkets-maybe-honest-impact-21225338.php

You’ve Heard of Orange Wine, but Do You Know Yellow Wine?

In the world of wine, reds and whites may dominate, but the spectrum of colors is far more kaleidoscopic: whimsical salmon-pink rosés, bright magenta co-ferments, and the now ubiquitous skin-contact orange wines.

https://vinepair.com/articles/yellow-wine-explained/

13 Things That Might Surprise You About Prohibition

Upon Repeal, who famously said, “What America needs now is a drink”?

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/10-things-that-might-surprise-you-about-prohibition

Flip That Cheap Beer’s Flavor On Its Head With A Few Dashes Of This Liquid

The additive in question is none other than bitters, a popular ingredient to add to many popular cocktails that can arguably be at its most useful when added to whatever less-than-stellar beer you have on hand.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2041393/add-bitter-cheap-beer-flavor-upgrade/

Americans still call sparkling wine Champagne, and France is over it

Champagne makers in France say many Americans still use the word “champagne” for almost any sparkling wine.

https://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/americans-still-call-sparkling-wine-champagne-and-france-is-over-it/

Don’t Freeze Champagne This New Year’s Eve. Here’s Why

New Year’s Eve tends to turn even the most organized hosts into last-minute chillers, which is how so many bottles of bubbly end up wedged between frozen peas

https://www.thedailymeal.com/2042219/dont-freeze-champagne-new-years-eve/

New Gin

Milestone Brands’ Empress 1908 gin has entered the non-alcoholic spirits market with 0.0 Indigo. The spirit alternative is inspired by Empress’s flagship gin and made with a variety of botanicals including juniper, grapefruit, and butterfly pea flower, among others, plus filtered water and cane sugar. Empress 1908 0.0 Indigo is now available across the U.S. carrying a suggested price of $40 a bottle. Last year, Empress 1908 was at 148,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Lofted Spirits to triple bottling output with site expansion

Kentucky-based Lofted Spirits will expand its main facility in Bardstown next year, nearly doubling its footprint while also tripling bottle capacity.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/lofted-spirits-to-triple-bottling-output-with-site-expansion/

Talk About Magnum Bottles

One of the most compelling reasons wine professionals reach for magnums is their ability to age wine more gracefully. 

https://mywinepal.com/2025/12/10/talk-about-magnum-bottles/

Misguided USDA Guidelines Regarding Alcohol Need to be Fixed

Focusing on what’s in the glass instead of what’s in the blood explains why the current U.S. Department of Agriculture guidelines regarding alcohol consumption – two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women is considered safe – get it wrong.

https://winereviewonline.com/misguided-usda-guidelines-regarding-alcohol-need-to-be-fixed/

Fowles Wine’s BatNav system could save millions

Fowles Wine has received a $500,000 Coles Nurture Fund grant, which is being put towards developing its ‘BatNav’ system, which has the potential to reduce reliance on pesticides  in vineyards and save Australia’s wine industry $50m per annum.

https://theshout.com.au/fowles-wine-excited-about-batnav-system/

The effect of alcohol consumption on medical strokes

The effect of wine on our medical condition is not all bad, in spite of what you may hear these days.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-effect-of-alcohol-consumption-on.html

Biggest celebrity drinks launches of 2025

Last year the tranche of celebs entering the drinks world included Beyonce, Kylie Jenner and Jamie Foxx. Which famous faces joined the fray in 2025? Sarah Neish reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/biggest-celebrity-drinks-launches-of-2025/

RoboDrop: can driverless cars rescue US booze sales?

The drinks trade need not fret about the present malaise of the American appetite for alcohol. The Seventh Cavalry is riding over the hill to rescue it – in a fleet of robotaxis, says Ron Emler.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/robodrop-can-driverless-cars-rescue-us-booze-sales/

American Whiskey Production Has Plummeted to a New Low

This is more bad news for an industry that is already struggling.

https://robbreport.com/food-drink/spirits/american-whiskey-production-lowest-level-1237409814/

‘Sud de France’ label to be discontinued

In a decision dated December 3, the French Council of State banned the labeling of wines with the ‘Sud de France’ brand. 

https://www.meininger.de/en/meiningers-international/news/sud-de-france-label-be-discontinued

Anheuser-Busch Announces It Will Close Two Breweries and Sell Another

The shutterings will lower the beverage conglomerate’s brewery count to nine. ABI cited updates to production at other facilities as the reason for the consolidation.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/abi-to-close-three-breweries/

The Best Single Malts of 2025

We’re getting into the big guns now in our search for the world’s best bottles.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/the-best-single-malts-of-2025

I Tried the Viral Red Wine Ice Cream Trend, and I’m Officially Converted

After weeks of seeing red wine poured over vanilla ice cream on social media, I finally tried the viral dessert trend for myself.

https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/red-wine-ice-cream-trend/

Could mini-liquor bottles be banned in Connecticut?

State data shows in the past 12 months, ending September 30, there were more than 93 million mini-liquor bottles sold in our state.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/could-mini-liquor-bottles-be-banned-in-connecticut/3674541/

Banshee Releases New Pinot Noir In Partnership With Avril Lavigne

The Foley Family Wines & Spirits label is named for the singer’s hit song.

https://www.marketwatchmag.com/banshee-releases-new-pinot-noir-in-partnership-with-avril-lavigne/

‘The role of Ozempic isn’t just about reduced consumption, it’s about a shift in values’

Weight loss medications are quietly reshaping how and why people drink, pushing alcohol towards a more selective and health-aware future. James Bayley asks whether health can be pursued without losing autonomy.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/the-role-of-ozempic-isnt-just-about-reduced-consumption-its-about-a-shift-in-values/

Is XXL Wine Exactly What the Industry Needs Right Now?

Supersize the booze, lose the propriety, infuse the night with unsubtle, youthful fun

https://kathleenwillcox.substack.com/p/is-xxl-wine-exactly-what-the-industry

6 Drinks Trends to Leave Behind in 2025

2025 was a whirlwind year for the drinks business.

https://vinepair.com/articles/drinks-trends-leave-behind-2025/

Russian Questions for US Wine Competition

How did Russian wines make it to a San Francisco wine competition, despite being banned by US law?

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/russian-questions-for-us-wine-competition

Don’t pour this Christmas drink down the sink, plumbers caution

Plumbers are warning of the dangers of tipping one festive drink down the plughole, unless you want to invite an emergency call-out bill. But which one is it, and why?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/dont-pour-this-christmas-drink-down-the-sink-plumbers-caution/

When ‘green’ means drinking differently: Laura Catena on Domaine As the wine industry wrestles with what sustainability really means,

Dr Laura Catena is reframing the debate — not around carbon alone, but around moderation. Her science-led Domaine EdeM project positions low- and no-alcohol wines as a vital part of a more sustainable drinking culture.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/when-green-means-drinking-differently-laura-catena-on-domaine-edem/

Take a Cue from the French: Douse Your Cheese with Champagne

Pairing cheese with Champagne or sparkling wine is hardly a new holiday tradition, but the French, unsurprisingly, take it a step further.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/langres-champagne-cheese/

Reposado is Tequila’s New Black

Anejo Tequila might be the one with the heavy price tag, but reposado is where all the fun is at

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/12/reposado-is-tequilas-new-black\

How Gen Z Is Quietly Rewriting the Rules of Wine

Data shows Gen Z’s rising engagement with wine is driven by lighter styles, values-focused buying habits, and tasting rooms that emphasize connection and transparency over traditional cues.

https://www.foodandwine.com/gen-z-wine-trends-2025-11868702

NOW IS THE TIME FOR WINERIES TO ADVERTISE

A Way to Get the Industry Out of the Morass

https://alangoldfarb2424.substack.com/p/now-is-the-time-for-wineries-to-advertise

Here’s How Hormone Changes Can Affect Alcohol Metabolism

So that’s why that glass of wine hits differently during your luteal phase.

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a69710282/period-impact-how-you-metabolize-alcohol/

We Asked 13 Bartenders: What’s the Best Scotch for Beginners? (2025)

There are plenty of misconceptions around Scotch that may intimidate people from jumping into the category: They’re all smoke bombs.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-best-scotch-for-beginners-2025/

Stoli Halapeño Pepper turns up the heat

Stoli Group has introduced a new flavoured vodka, Stoli Halapeño Pepper, designed for Bloody Mary cocktails.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/stoli-turns-up-the-heat-with-spicy-vodka-for-bloody-marys/

Fruit-forward and aromatic wines win over modern drinkers

Consumers are increasingly choosing wines that are expressive, approachable and flavour-led rather than classic heavyweight styles. From Sauvignon Blanc to RTD wine cocktails, data shows fun and aromatic profiles are reshaping the market. Kathleen Willcox reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/fruit-forward-and-aromatic-wines-win-over-modern-drinkers/

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*

12-15-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

No, Vodka Is Not a ‘Neutral Spirit’

Top 10 festive drinks in the US

The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025

This $150 Bourbon From Indiana Is the Best in the World, According to Top Shelf 2025

The winning bottle emerged from an elite field of Double Gold medalists judged by experts behind the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-bourbon-starlight-japanese-mizunara-reserve-top-shelf-awards-2025-11854986

The US states selling the most Tequila and American whiskey

California was the leading market for American whiskey and Tequila volume sales in the US last year, but which states round out the top 10?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/the-us-states-selling-the-most-tequila-and-american-whiskey/

Did the Catholic Church invent terroir?

From medieval monastic labour to papal vineyards, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in shaping how we understand wine, land and terroir, writes Kathleen Willcox. Today’s winemakers are the inheritors of that legacy, but who will protect it as monastic influence fades?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/did-the-catholic-church-invent-terroir/

The 2025 Ultimate Gift Guide for The Wine Lover Who Has Everything

You’ll notice two conspicuous omissions from this guide, and that’s entirely deliberate

https://www.vinography.com/2025/11/the-2025-ultimate-gift-guide-for-the-wine-lover-who-has-everything

Portugal leading world wine consumption

After all, Portugal has a long tradition of drinking wine

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/11/portugal-leading-world-wine-consumption.html

There is now a language for describing the aromas of weed, much like wine

A new lexicon aims to capture the different varieties of cannabis, just as familiar descriptors are used to identify a bottle of wine for varying consumer preferences

https://macaonews.org/news/around-the-world/words-to-describe-cannabis-weed-marijuana/

The Top 10 Wines to Add to Your Collection, According to Buyers

Which bottles would sommeliers and wine buyers add to their own wine cellars for aging? From Barolo and Burgundy to Riesling and Chenin Blanc, here are their picks

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-top-10-wines-to-add-to-your-collection-according-to-buyers/

The chemistry behind Portugal’s fortified wine

In Portugal’s Douro valley, centuries-old winemaking traditions meet modern chemistry to create a sweet and intense fortified wine.

https://www.chemistryworld.com/features/the-chemistry-of-port/4022483.article

Prosecco DOC: the first tricolor bands on the bottles of the world’s most popular Italian wine

Starting today, Prosecco DOC bottles will feature the new state seal with the Italian tricolor. The most widely consumed Italian wine in the world was the first to apply the new security seals

https://www.prosecco.wine/en/prosecco-doc-the-first-tricolor-bands-on-the-bottles-of-the-worlds-most-popular-italian-wine/

What’s So Funny About Bourbon? Jim Gaffigan Has Thoughts

Most likely, you know comedian Jim Gaffigan for his stand-up routines about food and parenting. But his most recent comedy show is all about bourbon

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/pop-culture/jim-gaffigan-bourbon-set-fathertime/

French whisky: the category with ‘je ne sais quoi’

With around 200 mainly artisanal producers, the French whisky industry has the potential to be a force for quality spirits.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/french-whisky-with-je-ne-sais-quoi/

Which US states limited alcohol sales over Thanksgiving?

Many states in the US still adhere to centuries-old ‘blue laws’ that restrict or ban the sale of alcoholic beverages over major holidays including Thanksgiving. But a tangle of different sub-rules makes it a minefield for drinks companies to navigate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/which-us-states-limited-alcohol-sales-over-thanksgiving/

Sparkling wine keeps its shine as younger drinkers reshape the category

New IWSR data shows sparkling wine outperforming still wine in the US, UK and France, as Millennials and Gen Z embrace fizz far beyond celebrations.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/sparkling-wine-keeps-its-shine-as-younger-drinkers-reshape-the-category/

Amoon Spirits unveils ‘world’s first’ smart vodka

Indianapolis-based company Amoon Spirits has launched a vodka with a bottle featuring a patented Vortex Control Unit (VCU) system that can be controlled with an app.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/amoon-spirits-unveils-worlds-first-smart-vodka/

Smirnoff creates NFL-inspired merch

Diageo-owned Smirnoff has reprised its ‘We Do Game Days’ campaign for its fifth season as the official vodka sponsor of the National Football League (NFL).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/smirnoff-creates-nfl-inspired-merch/

How The Macallan Became a Cult Scotch Whisky

When it comes to spirits, Scotch whisky is on the more expensive end of the spectrum.

https://vinepair.com/articles/the-macallan-cult-scotch-story/

Think You Don’t Like Wine? This Spanish Red Is Winning Over Bourbon Lovers

Aged in American oak, Spanish Rioja wine has more in common with bourbon than you might think.

https://www.mensjournal.com/drink/think-you-dont-like-wine-this-spanish-red-is-winning-over-bourbon-lovers

MOSCATO D’ASTI: THINK YOU KNOW IT?

THINK AGAIN.

https://pleasethepalate.com/moscato-dasti-think-you-know-it-think-again/

Proposed Bill Would Increase Excise Tax On Alcohol Sales In Massachusetts

A newly proposed bill would create an optional 2% excise tax on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. The funds would be used for addiction and recovery programs for participating municipalities.

https://wbznewsradio.iheart.com/content/proposed-bill-would-increase-excise-tax-on-alcohol-sales-in-massachusetts/

Tough Times for Fine Wine and Spirits

A global survey of the wine trade doesn’t show much of optimism going forward, but there are rays of hope.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/tough-times-for-fine-wine-and-spirits

Alcohol sales are banned on Thanksgiving in Mass. This bill could change that

Known as a blue law, the centuries-old rule prohibits liquor sales on Thanksgiving and Christmas — a rule that at least one lawmaker wants to change.

https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/11/alcohol-sales-are-banned-on-thanksgiving-in-mass-this-bill-could-change-that.html

The 10 US states consuming the most rum

Florida was the biggest market for rum volume sales in the US last year, but can you guess which northeastern state led the per capita rankings?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/the-10-us-states-consuming-the-most-rum/

Balcarce: what you need to know about Argentina’s fledgling wine region

If you’ve never heard of Balcarce in Argentina as a wine producing region, you’re probably in good company. But Sebastian Perez Companc of Bodega Puerta del Abra is hoping to change all that as he eyes up international expansion. Arabella Mileham reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/balcarce-what-you-need-to-know-about-argentinas-fledgling-new-wine-region/

The Guinness 60/40 trend: sacrilegious or genius?

As the festive season approaches, pubs are offering a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 and Guinness original stout for a lower alcohol pint, but punters are torn. Is it marketing catnip or an insult to the black stuff?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/the-guinness-60-40-trend-sacrilegious-or-genius/

The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025

In 2024, Prosecco saw a 17 percent increase in imports to the U.S. compared to the previous year, and now accounts for 31 percent of the total value of Italian wines sold stateside.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-prosecco-2025/

New Bird Dog

Western Spirits’ Bird Dog Whiskey has launched Select Reserve, a new Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled at 43% abv and carries a suggested price of $23. The whiskey, according to the company, is meant to be accessible and approachable and a complement to the brand’s line of flavored whiskies. Bird Dog Select Reserve is now available in most markets across the U.S. Last year, Bird Dog was up 7.5% to 285,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.

7 Things You Should Know About Widow Jane, the Beloved Brooklyn-Made Bourbon

The Brooklyn-born brand was founded by Daniel Preston and Vince Oleson with a mission to make bourbon with a distinctly New York spin.

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-widow-jane/

Top 10 festive drinks in the US

Several cocktails made the top 10 most searched-for festive drinks in the US list, but which serve came out top?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/12/top-10-festive-drinks-in-the-us/

Australian wine output leaps 9%, outpacing demand

Australia’s wine production climbed 9% in 2025, but the sector faces growing pressure from mounting inventories and declining global consumption, according to new figures from Wine Australia.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/australian-wine-output-leaps-9-outpacing-demand/

Trump Vodka returns after 14-year hiatus with US-made relaunch

Trump Vodka has reopened for pre-orders in the United States, marking a fresh push by the Trump Organisation into the domestic spirits sector. Produced entirely in the US, the brand avoids the rising import tariffs affecting European wines and spirits and enters the market with a renewed patriotic pitch.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/trump-vodka-returns-after-14-year-hiatus-with-us-made-relaunch/

Altitude and Alcohol: Why Your Usual Drinks Hit Different in the Mountains

Altitude sickness can sneak up fast — especially if you’re sipping après-ski cocktails. Here’s how to stay healthy in the mountains.

https://www.foodandwine.com/drinking-and-altitude-sickness-11859319

Why Your Mouth Feels Dry After Wine or Tea, And How That’s Actually Good for You

Learn about tannins, the plant molecule that dries out your mouth and provides a surprising number of health benefits.

https://www.discovermagazine.com/why-your-mouth-feels-dry-after-wine-or-tea-and-how-that-s-actually-good-for-you-48333

The 10 Best Booze Books to Buy This Holiday Season (2025)

When the holiday season rolls around, choosing the perfect gift for the drinks lovers in our lives is no easy feat.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-alcohol-books-gift-guide-2025/

What has made prosecco the sparkling wine that triumphs worldwide?

The success of this Italian product has been achieved by breaking the mold regarding cava and champagne.

https://en.ara.cat/food/what-has-made-prosecco-the-sparkling-wine-that-triumphs-worldwide_1_5582460.html

Report: Wine in supermarkets offers major benefits, minimal harm

Bolstered by an analysis that finds liquor stores are unlikely to be as affected as feared, campaign restarts for wine sales in grocery stores

https://www.timesunion.com/tablehopping/article/wine-supermarkets-wigs-albany-21218222.php

How Robert Mondavi Winery is moving with the times

From adopting regenerative organic viticulture to creating a new hospitality centre, while investing in raising brand awareness worldwide, Robert Mondavi Winery is making changes to remain relevant now and in the future.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/12/how-robert-mondavi-winery-is-moving-with-the-times/

No, Vodka Is Not a ‘Neutral Spirit’

The definition, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) — which regulates spirits in the U.S. and provides standards of identity — is that vodka must be a neutral spirit “without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.” It changed slightly in 2020, after years of pushback from distillers who argued the rule didn’t reflect how vodka is actually made or understood.

https://vinepair.com/articles/vodka-not-neutral-spirit/

How To Use Every Type Of Wine Opener, According To Experts

Because you shouldn’t be stuck with just screw-top.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/kitchen-secrets/a69622876/how-to-use-a-wine-bottle-opener/

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*

12-01-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Kosher certification planned for beer

Consumer preference for screw caps versus corks

Global alcoholic drinks volume to see further declines

How to Pair Chocolate and Wine Without Overthinking It

Wine educator, Leslie Sbrocco shares her foolproof guide to matching wine with chocolate.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pairing-wine-and-chocolate-11843685

The Wine Connoisseur: Drinks of American Presidents

Here’s a quick look at the favorite drinks of our U.S. Presidents — and some may surprise you

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/the-wine-connoisseur-drinks-of-american-presidents/

I Asked a Sommelier: Is It Lame to Use Wine Apps at a Restaurant?

Ordering wine at a fancy restaurant can make your head spin. Here are some helpful tips for picking a bottle from one of the world’s top sommeliers.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/i-asked-a-sommelier-is-it-cool-to-use-a-wine-app-at-a-restaurant/

How Oak Gives Wine and Whiskey Their Character

For centuries, oak has been the winemaker’s and distiller’s collaborator, quietly transforming clear spirits and young wines into something worth savoring. Here’s how the magic unfolds.

https://www.foodandwine.com/how-oak-barrels-shape-wine-whiskey-11845312

10 Old Fashioned Recipes That Prove Less Is More

Simple, strong, and endlessly adaptable — learn the essentials and the small tweaks that make a big difference.

https://www.foodandwine.com/best-old-fashioned-recipes-11844890

Making a splash: what’s behind the surge in Crémant sales?

Sometimes unfairly dismissed as a Champagne substitute, Crémant is stepping into the spotlight as sales surge, reports Amelie Maurice-Jones.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/making-a-splash-whats-behind-the-surge-in-cremant-sales/

Because pad thai deserves better than whatever’s already open in your fridge

Here’s what nobody tells you: takeout food is often more interesting and complex than what most of us cook at home, which means it’s actually better suited to thoughtful wine pairing than the plain chicken breast you roasted on Tuesday.

https://www.enobytes.com/2025/11/08/wine-pairings-for-everyday-takeout/

Why Does My Wine Smell Like Matchsticks?

Have you ever poured a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir and caught a whiff of something that reminded you of a freshly struck match, flint, or gun smoke?

https://mywinepal.com/2025/11/08/why-does-my-wine-smell-like-matchsticks/

This Massive Chart Shows Which Companies Own America’s Top Spirits Brands

While the craft spirits sector is indisputably large, it’s undeniable that the U.S. spirits industry is dominated by a handful of conglomerates.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/biggest-spirits-brands-in-usa-and-who-owns-them-chart/

What Exactly Is a ‘Turbo Guinness?

Guinness is quite possibly the hottest beer on the planet right now.

https://vinepair.com/articles/turbo-guinness-explained/

Newe Bourbon

• Sazerac Co. has announced a new Full Proof bottling of the company’s namesake rye. Bottled at 62.5% abv, Sazerac Full Proof will be available in select markets across the U.S. for around $40 a 750-ml. This marks the second new addition to the Sazerac rye portfolio this year; over the summer, the company released a 50% abv version. The new whiskies are the result of the added capacity created by Sazerac’s $1.2 billion renovation of the Buffalo Trace Distillery. 

Here’s Exactly How Much Alcohol You Can Drink Before Triggering Inflammation

It’s not zero drinks, we promise.

https://honehealth.com/edge/does-alcohol-cause-inflammation/

Barefoot Wins Wine Enthusiast’s Top Honor: 2025 American Winery of the Year

The Iconic Brand Celebrates 60 Years of Uniting Wine Lovers and Demystifying the Category

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310572

Booze Without the Burn? An Enzyme-Tinkering Startup Aims to Make Spirits Smoother

Voodoo Scientific has developed a process that, when applied to fiery hooch, results in a more sippable tipple.

https://www.wired.com/story/booze-without-the-burn-voodoo-scientific-viriato/

Bartenders Reveal The 5 Cheap Alcohol Brands That Still Taste Top-Shelf

Here’s how to save money without skimping on quality.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/kitchen-secrets/a69409712/best-affordable-alcohol-brands/

Barefoot wines from Modesto’s Gallo win top award. Rare release of sales figures

It is the top-selling brand for E.&J. Gallo Winery and for the domestic industry as a whole. The honor was announced Thursday, Nov. 13, in the magazine’s online version. It reported that sales totaled about $555 million last year.

https://www.modbee.com/living/food-drink/article312903359.html#storylink=cpy

Costco Is Facing a Lawsuit Over a Popular Kirkland Liquor

The case argues the bottles’ labels display false information.

https://www.inc.com/ava-levinson/costco-is-facing-a-lawsuit-over-a-popular-kirkland-liquor/91264713

Congress Redefines Hemp: Major THC Limits Ahead for Brewers

Under the new legislation, the amount of THC in finished products derived from hemp is capped at 0.4 mg, substantially lower than most products currently on the market. In addition, the revised definition would prohibit synthetic cannabinoids derived from the hemp plant.

https://www.brewersassociation.org/government-affairs-updates/congress-redefines-hemp-major-thc-limits-ahead-for-brewers/

Global alcoholic drinks volume to see further declines

The sales volume of alcoholic drinks sold globally this year has been projected to decline even further than initially expected, according to the IWSR’s mid-year forecast.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/global-alcoholic-drinks-volume-to-see-further-declines/

El Jimador New Mix RTDs land in US

Brown-Forman is bringing Mexico’s most popular ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail range, El Jimador New Mix, to the US.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/el-jimador-new-mix-rtds-land-in-us/

‘Little Black Book’ offers lessons in wine

Kiana M. Keys, of Beverly, recently published “Little Black Book of Wine and Food: 60 White and Red Wines to Make Your Tastebuds Blush.”

https://www.beverlyreview.net/news/community_news/article_d6a92ec0-952e-43d1-9e54-4d88184da5df.html

Fans Are Already Raving About Samuel Adams’ Brand-New Winter Ale

“I hope this one sticks around for years to come!”

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a69348121/samuel-adams-winter-white-ale-new/

Surfside Adds New 19.2-Ounce Cans, On Track For 12 Million Cases This Year 

Surfside, the fast-growing vodka-based RTD brand, has added a new 19.2-ounce can for select release. The new format covers Surfside’s Iced Tea, Lemonade, Half & Half, and Strawberry Lemonade offerings and carries a suggested price of $3.50-$4 per can, with the company noting that these cans are aimed at the convenience, stadium, and on-the-go channels. 

Last year, Surfside grew exponentially, reaching 4.7 million cases in the U.S. This year, the label from Philadelphia-bas ed Stateside Brands, was named Spirits Brand of the Year by Market Watch Magazine. It’s projected to approach 12 million cases in the U.S. in 2025, making it the third-largest spirits label in volume terms, behind only High Noon seltzer and Tito’s vodka, according to Impact Databank.

How Heady Topper Became a Cult Beer

The beloved IPA is a product of The Alchemist, a family-owned brewery co-founded in Waterbury, Vt., by John and Jen Kimmich in 2003. John — who learned how to brew from the legendary Greg Noonan at the Vermont Pub and Brewery — was infatuated with hoppy, fruity, and floral brews, and immediately set out to create one of his own.

https://vinepair.com/articles/heady-topper-cult-beer-story/

Peta highlights 10 vegan cream liqueurs

Animal rights organisation Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has unveiled its pick of the best vegan cream liqueurs ahead of the festive season.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/peta-highlights-10-vegan-cream-liqueurs/

Wine’s existential crisis: what the data really says

While some commentators see the current downturn as a temporary blip, the data paints a more complex picture. Shifting demographics, changing values and declining engagement suggest wine’s challenges may be structural rather than cyclical.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/wines-existential-crisis-and-the-data-behind-the-optimism/

The Art of Spitting: How (and Why) to Spit Wine Like a Pro

Here is a comprehensive guide to the art of spitting wine

https://www.champagneclub.com/the-art-of-spitting-how-and-why-to-spit-wine-like-a-pro/

Big alcohol faces slowdown as consumer habits shift

After years of insisting that weaker sales were cyclical, the world’s major drinks groups are being forced to confront deeper, structural changes. From the rise of health-conscious Gen Z consumers to China’s low-alcohol revolution, the industry’s challenges run far beyond temporary headwinds.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/big-alcohol-faces-slowdown-as-consumer-habits-shift/

Alcohol-free drinks cannot be called gin, EU court rules

Alcohol-free drinks cannot be called  gin, even with the qualifier “non-alcoholic”, the European Court of Justice has ruled in a landmark judgement.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/alcohol-free-drinks-cannot-be-called-gin-eu-court-rules/

Why Is Miller Lite Spelled Differently From Other Light Beers?

Light lagers are one of the most popular styles of macro beers on the market today

https://vinepair.com/articles/miller-lite-spelling-explained/

Bledsoe Family Winery breaks ground on new Walla Walla tasting room

Bledsoe Family Winery has broken ground on a new tasting room in Walla Walla Valley. The tasting room is expected to open next summer.

https://www.northwestwinereport.com/2025/11/bledsoe-family-winery-walla-walla-tasting-room.html

We Asked 13 Bartenders: Which Bourbon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck? (2025)

When it comes to bourbon, spending top dollar isn’t necessary to enjoy top-quality juice.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-best-bang-for-buck-bourbon-2025/

Margarita tops cocktail trends for 2026

Patrón owner Bacardi has spotlighted the rise of ‘daycaps’ and maximalism as cocktail trends to watch next year, with the Margarita expected to be the most-ordered serve.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/bacardi-margarita-tops-cocktail-trends-for-2026/

Seven Things You Didn’t Know About Non-Alcoholic Products from a Compliance Perspective

Non-alcoholic beverages are not just having a moment—they have become a movement.

https://www.winelawonreserve.com/seven-things-you-didnt-know-about-non-alcoholic-products-from-a-compliance-perspective/

8 Of The Oldest Wineries In The US

At some of the oldest wineries in the U.S., you’ll hear stories about past presidents and celebrities who visited, and what makes each vineyard’s terroir unique

https://www.tastingtable.com/2024732/oldest-wineries-in-us/

Nikka celebrates milestone with double release

Japanese whisky producer Nikka first unveiled its square-bottled Nikka From the Barrel in 1985. Now, 40 years on, the brand is celebrating its anniversary with two new creations.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/nikka-celebrates-milestone-with-double-release/

Elijah Craig releases Bourbon-inspired cologne

Heaven Hill-owned Elijah Craig has stepped into the fragrance game with Char No. 3, a cologne inspired by the brand’s Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/elijah-craig-releases-bourbon-inspired-cologne/

Consumer preference for screw caps versus corks

In the modern world there is a very large proportion of wine bottles sealed with screw caps rather than corks

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/11/consumer-preference-for-screw-caps.html

The Four Reasons Great Wine is Expensive

How Much Should Wine for Your Event Cost?

https://www.karenmacneil.com/the-four-reasons-great-wine-is-expensive/

New Bourbon

Suntory Global Spirits has released the latest bottling of Booker’s Bourbon, the Phantom Pipes Batch. The 63.2% abv whiskey is a blend of Bourbons from five production dates, with the youngest whiskies in the batch aged for seven and a half years. This iteration of the popular high-proof Bourbon is named for a series of pipes found in the rafters of Beam’s Boston, Kentucky distillery that Booker had built for an unknown purpose. The release is now available in limited quantities across the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $100.

Lesser-Known Celebrity-Owned Alcohol Brands

Aaron Rodgers’s “CBD”-Infused Seltzer

https://www.newyorker.com/humor/shouts-murmurs/lesser-known-celebrity-owned-alcohol-brands

So, You Want to Publish a Wine Book?

From pitch to publication, sommeliers and wine professionals share what it takes to translate years of experience into a book

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/so-you-want-to-publish-a-wine-book/

Brassfield Estate Winery Opens Applications for the Second Edition of High Valley Volcano Camp

The educational immersion returns April 12–15, 2026, offering industry professionals a rare, in-depth exploration of High Valley AVA’s volcanic terroir

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310897

The U.S. Beer Industry Is Bleeding Red Ink

You know times are tough when brewing executives start talking like therapists.

https://vinepair.com/articles/hop-take-beer-industry-2025-q3-report/

Kosher certification planned for beer

An update to kosher standards will soon roll out across Jewish restaurants, catering businesses and events in the US. The move, which has been led by the rise in adjunct-laden craft brews, marks a turning point for the sector.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/kosher-certification-planned-for-beer/

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates accused of widespread wage violations in new class-action suit

A former Ste. Michelle Wine Estates worker filed a class-action lawsuit alleging widespread wage violations at the company, according to a complaint filed Wednesday in federal court.

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/ste-michelle-wine-estates-accused-widespread-wage-violations-new-class-action-suit/4FBX4AN7IJF3TDVCDIIT2HQACU/

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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*

11-17-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

How Much Wine Should I Buy?

Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?

How Tito’s Vodka Gets Away With It

Hungarian Vineyards Face Catastrophe

The famous vineyards of Hungary are under threat from a huge invasion of vine disease.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/10/hungarian-vineyards-face-catastrophe

The Gen Z Beer Trend That Has Some People Freaking Out

It’s no secret that Gen Z loves a food trend.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2001951/gen-z-beer-on-ice-trend-response/

Study of wine tariffs shows consumers will pick up part of Trump’s tab

A study from Duke’s Department of Economics found that consumers ultimately paid more than the tariff cost on European wines during a 2019–21 trade dispute, a finding that could have significant implications for U.S. consumers as a fresh wave of tariffs around the globe affects prices.

https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_4a94e161-02df-48f6-8fde-293f72e61f9f.html

Lodi winemakers face challenges as low sugar levels impact grape harvest

Lodi winemakers are struggling with low sugar levels in grapes, affecting demand and profits as cheap imports flood the market.

https://www.kcra.com/article/lodi-winemakers-challenges-sugar-level-harvest/69151480

Recent trends in declining US wine consumption

We have all read warnings about declining wine consumption over recent years, especially in the USA.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/10/recent-trends-in-declining-us-wine.html

P&O wine expert Olly Smith reveals his fail-safe wine tips & new book

Ever wondered how a wine expert orders in a restaurant or what he drinks at Christmas? Olly Smith spills his top tips and the one wine he wouldn’t touch

https://www.cruiseandtravel.co.uk/news-advice/cruise-lines/olly-smith-new-book-wine/

Whiskey glut weighs on MGP as Q3 sales fall 19%

As US whiskey production slows and inventories remain high, MGP Ingredients’ third-quarter (Q3) sales slid 19% with distilling revenue nearly halved.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/whiskey-glut-weighs-on-mgp-as-q3-sales-fall-19/

How Lees Aging Is Transforming Albariño Into Spain’s Most Surprising White Wine

Lees aging — long a Burgundy technique — unlocks rich layers and unexpected depth in the zesty white wine. Here are 9 to try right now

https://www.foodandwine.com/lees-aged-albarinos-11809140

Wine tourism now accounts for a quarter of global winery revenue

A new international study has found that wine tourism remains a profitable and expanding part of the global wine industry, with 65% of wineries reporting positive returns and more than half planning to invest further.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/wine-tourism-now-accounts-for-a-quarter-of-global-winery-revenue/

Diageo rejects ‘flat earth’ Tequila purity claims

Diageo has moved to dismiss a Florida class action alleging its Don Julio and Casamigos Tequilas contain non-agave alcohol. In its filing, the company likened the plaintiffs’ testing theory to “someone claiming the earth is flat because he saw a test result somewhere that says his neighbour’s backyard is level.”

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/diageo-rejects-flat-earth-tequila-purity-claims/

Moderate wine consumption: beneficial effects on blood clotting markers in coronary heart disease

A Greek intervention study investigated the question whether moderate wine consumption with meals can offer blood clotting benefits in patients with existing coronary artery disease.

https://www.wineinformationcouncil.com/moderate-wine-consumption-beneficial-effects-on-blood-clotting-markers-in-coronary-heart-disease/

‘Falanghina del Sannio will soon become a DOCG’

THE CAMPANIA DENOMINATION IS MOVING TOWARD A REFORM PACKAGE THAT ALSO INCLUDES THE INTRODUCTION OF DISEASE-RESISTANT GRAPE VARIETIES. MEANWHILE, THE WINERY LED BY DOMIZIO PIGNA IS EXPERIMENTING WITH ITS FIRST NON-ALCOHOLIC SPARKLING WINE.

https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/falanghina-del-sannio-will-soon-become-a-docg/

Short term health effects of de-alcoholised red wine

The results showed that de-alcoholised red wine was associated with increased serum/plasma antioxidant capacity and microbiome diversity compared to water but had less effect on microbiome diversity compared to red wine.

https://www.wineinformationcouncil.com/short-term-health-effects-of-de-alcoholised-red-wine/

Canada Ships 50 million Gallons of Fake Wine to the U.S. Annually

Legal Loophole/Tax-Avoidance Scheme Hurts California Growers

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309909

John Mulaney’s New Nonalcoholic Beer Collab Proves Sober Can Still Be Fun

Because cutting back shouldn’t mean missing out.

https://www.mensjournal.com/food/john-mulaney-non-alcoholic-years-beer

Can you buy liquor at the grocery store in Massachusetts?

Here’s what the law says

https://www.telegram.com/story/news/politics/2025/10/29/can-you-buy-liquor-at-the-grocery-store-in-massachusetts/86942275007/

Do Different Alcohols Affect Us Differently?

Well, sort of

https://shanaspeakswine.substack.com/p/do-different-alcohols-affect-us-differently?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=5d95d5cf23295703a82a12f0ce9a57cec6d92b73

New Knob Creek

Suntory Global Spirits has announced the release of Knob Creek 21 Year Old, the latest expression bottled by the brand. The 50% abv Bourbon will be available for the holiday season as a limited time offering carrying a suggested price of $250. The barrels chosen for the whiskey aged in rackhouses across the James B. Beam Distillery’s campus and were hand selected by the company’s master distillers. Last year, Knob Creek was at 508,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

Can fine wine and professional sport be a perfect pairing?

While it’s widely held that binge drinking is detrimental to a fitness regime, record-breaking former American football quarterback Drew Bledsoe believes that fine wine and professional sport form a perfect pairing.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/can-fine-wine-and-professional-sport-be-a-perfect-pairing/

The 10 Most Important American Single Malt Whiskeys Ever Released

American Single Malt Whisky is made in the U.S. from 100 percent malted barley, distilled entirely at one distillery, matured in oak casks up to 700 liters in capacity, bottled at 80 proof or more, and distilled to no more than 160 proof.

https://vinepair.com/articles/most-important-american-single-malt-whiskeys/

‘We couldn’t even tweet back’: How Josh Cellars turned a meme into a 7m-case sensation

When Josh Cellars went viral on X, its team couldn’t log in – but the internet did the work for them. This is the inside story of the wine brand’s accidental meme moment and the marketing rethink that followed.

https://www.thedrum.com/news/we-couldn-t-even-tweet-back-how-josh-cellars-turned-meme-7m-case-sensation

Top 10 most valuable wine and spirits heists in history

Even as the Louvre jewel theft dominates headlines, the world of fine wine and spirits has its own rich history of high-value heists. From a forklift in Bethnal Green to a beauty queen in Cáceres, the cellar can be every bit as tempting as a gallery wall.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/top-10-most-valuable-wine-and-spirits-heists-in-history/

Here’s What You Don’t Know About Non-Alcoholic Beer

It is difficult to make good NA beer

https://washingtonbeerblog.com/heres-what-you-dont-know-about-non-alcoholic-beer/

Italian winemakers look to new technologies with old grape varieties to adapt to a changing climate

Producers introducing irrigation rotations to prevent water shortages

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/italian-wine-production-changing-climate-9.6958528

How to read a wine menu like a pro

Because I know you’re always confused.

https://cellarnotes.substack.com/p/how-to-read-a-wine-menu-like-a-pro?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=bc97784f7490baa602b750460eebe4efa7c49a28

The Science of Aging Wine Under Screw Cap

Can wines successfully age under screw cap? Long-term producer data and ample scientific research now offers a detailed answer

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-aging-wine-under-screw-cap/

Study clearly shows protective effect

Moderate wine consumption can reduce the risk of strokes

https://magazine.wein.plus/news/moderate-wine-consumption-can-reduce-the-risk-of-strokes-study-clearly-shows-protective-effect

New Rye

• Infinium Spirits’ Templeton Distillery has released a new single barrel rye whiskey. The limited edition release is bottled at cask strength and distilled from a mash of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. Templeton’s new single barrels were distilled, aged, and bottled at the company’s distillery in Iowa. Templeton Single Barrel Rye is now available at select retailers across the U.S. for a suggested price of $50 a bottle. Last year, Templeton was at 37,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 

How Tito’s Vodka Gets Away With It

America’s bestselling spirit has been the subject of prolific lawsuits. There’s a reason none of it has mattered.

https://slate.com/life/2025/11/titos-vodka-handmade-recipes-price-lalo-tequila.html

How Josh Cellars Grew to Dominate the U.S. Wine Category, Selling Over 7 Million Cases a Year

Founder Joe Carr wanted to honor his father and solve a cash flow issue. He wound up creating a bestselling label that made wine accessible and meme-worthy.

https://www.uschamber.com/co/good-company/the-leap/josh-cellars-growth-story

New Bourbon

• Bardstown, Kentucky’s Heaven Hill is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a new 9-year-old Bourbon. The whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery’s 90th Anniversary 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is distilled from the company’s traditional mash bill—78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye—with 30% of the blend aging in heavy char barrels. The Bourbon is bottled at 53.5% abv and was made from 204 barrels of whiskey. The limited release carries a suggested price of $125 and is now available across the U.S. 

Why Are Corks So Important for Wine Storage?

Thinking about building a wine cellar or buying a wine fridge to store your wine?

https://yeegolife.com/blogs/news/cork-vs-screw-cap-for-wine-aging

13 Wine Songs

There’re many songs where wine, whisky, Champagne, and other beverages are in the lyrics. So I wondered myself: what ‘bout songs with the word ‘Wine’, ‘Whisky’ or similar in the title?

https://wineroland.medium.com/13-wine-songs-856f7c1d9399

Scientists in Japan create a new wine grape with a wild twist

A team led by Professor Takuji Hoshino at Okayama University of Science has created a new wine grape, Muscat Shiragai, blending the endangered Shiraga grape native to Okayama with Muscat of Alexandria

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251103093014.htm

Garda DOC Consortium: Low Alcohol And Crémant, Approved Changes to The Production Regulations

New types and production updates for an evolving designation

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/310108

High-end spirits plunge 28% in China

Luxury spirits saw nearly US$1 billion wiped off their sales value last year, while the US overtook China as the segment’s second-biggest market.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/high-end-spirits-plunge-28-in-china/

How To Make a Cheap Bottle of Wine Taste Better

Not every bottle needs to cost half your paycheck to be enjoyable.

https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/budget-wine-upgrade-tips/

About 70 new wineries appear in Ukraine during war years

About 70 new wineries appeared in Ukraine during the war years, the prerequisite for which was a significant improvement in legislation, said Volodymyr Pechko, head of the Association of Gardeners, Grape Growers and Winemakers of Ukraine.

https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/1117675.html

US government shutdown puts spirits sector on ice

The US government’s shutdown has wreaked havoc on the country’s spirits industry because the TTB is one of the hardest-hit agencies.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/us-government-shutdown-puts-spirits-sector-on-ice/

Sporting tenacity ensures growth for Washington winery

Such is the competitive spirit of record-breaking former pro sportsman Drew Bledsoe, his Washington winery has seen sales increase during the downturn in the drinks market.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/sporting-tenacity-ensures-growth-for-washington-winery/

This Massive Chart Shows Which Companies Own America’s Top Wine Brands

It’s no secret that there’s a massive amount of wine available in America

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/biggest-wine-brands-in-usa-and-who-owns-them-chart/

Are ‘forest-blend’ barrels the secret to Spanish fine wine?

Vintners are missing a trick if they are not speaking to their coopers about ‘forest blending’, which can elevate your final product, one high-end Priorat producer tells Sarah Neish.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/are-forest-blend-barrels-the-secret-to-fine-wine/

What Do Consumers Ask Winemakers Most Often?

Chimney Rock Has Some Answers

https://www.grapecollective.com/what-do-consumers-ask-winemakers-most-often-chimney-rock-has-some-answers/

Brassfield Estate Winery Celebrates Successful 2025 Harvest Season

Brassfield Estate Winery was born out of a vision to produce distinctive, terroir-driven wines

https://www.streetinsider.com/dr/news.php?id=25559091

Is Red Wine Bad for Acne?

The Expert Weighs In

https://necolebitchie.com/is-red-wine-bad-for-acne/

This celebrated San Francisco restaurateur has quietly been building a wine brand

With six restaurants, three books, two kids, one husband – and a James Beard Award to boot – Shelley Lindgren isn’t resting on her laurels.

https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2025/11/04/founder-of-celebrated-san-francisco-restaurant-a16-has-a-wine-country-secret/

Chianti Now Also as Rosé

The Tuscan regional government has approved the introduction of “Chianti DOP Rosé.” This marks a new direction for the Chianti consortium and responds to the declining prices and sales problems of recent years.

https://magazine.wein.plus/news/chianti-now-also-as-rose-consortium-responds-to-declining-demand

Champagne: Why the disgorgement date matters

Champagne is unlike any other wine

https://www.idealwine.info/champagne-why-the-disgorgement-date-matters/

Should Somms Show Off the Bottles They Sell on Social Media?

More and more sommeliers are opting to highlight their work by sharing posts like this on social media.

https://vinepair.com/articles/should-somms-show-off-bottle-sales-on-social-media/

American whiskey exports generate $1.3bn’

The American Whiskey Association (AWA) has urged the US government to eliminate key trade barriers for the sector, revealing exports generated US$1.3 billion for the country in 2024.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/11/american-whiskey-exports-generate-us1-3bn/

How Music Shapes the Perfect Wine Bar Atmosphere

A great wine bar experience isn’t just about the wine.

https://txwinelover.com/2025/11/how-music-shapes-the-perfect-wine-bar-atmosphere/

Supreme Court Looks Like Rejecting Tariffs

Despite being notoriously inscrutable, it looks like the US Supreme Court could find against President Trump’s tariffs

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/supreme-court-looks-like-rejecting-tariffs

Why Grapes are the Secret to Ageless Skin

Filled with nutrients and fiber, grapes are well-known for their health benefits—which include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, supporting digestion,

https://www.vogue.com/article/grape-skin-benefits

Are liquor stores open on Thanksgiving in Massachusetts?

Colonial-era blue laws still apply

https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/06/are-liquor-stores-open-on-thanksgiving-day-in-ma-what-the-law-says/87103385007/

From ‘Shark Tank’ Pitch to Music Festival Favorite

BeatBox Is the RTD of the Year

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wine-star-awards/rtd-2025/

What wine to serve alongside black truffles?

Black truffle is not something that we eat every day. A delicacy, we need equally special wines to pair with dishes that contain this wonderful fungus.

https://www.idealwine.info/what-wine-to-serve-alongside-black-truffles/

What Is Sherry? Your Guide to Spain’s Most Versatile Wine

Sherry is produced in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry D.O.P. in Andalucía, Spain – specifically within the “sherry triangle”

https://www.reservewines.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-sherry-your-guide-to-spain-s-most-versatile-wine

6 Things You Should Know About Carpano Antica Formula, Italy’s Historic Sweet Vermouth

If you like stirred and boozy classics like Negronis and Manhattans, chances are you’ve had Carpano Antica Formula

https://vinepair.com/articles/ntk-carpano-antica-formula/

New Modelo

• Constellation Brands’ Modelo has announced Noche Especial, a new limited edition amber lager celebrating Christmas Eve traditions in hispanic communities around the world. The beer is at 5.7% abv and, according to the company, has “a toasted, caramel malt flavor.” The limited edition is now available across the U.S. in 6-packs of 12-ounce bottles. Modelo Especial is the second-largest beer in the U.S. market n volume terms after Bud Light at 15.2 million barrels, according to Impact Databank. 

Pascaline Lepeltier Is the Master Sommelier Who Wants You to Rethink How You Taste Wine

At Chambers in New York City, Master Sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier is reframing wine tasting through mindfulness and developing a new path for global wine education.

https://www.foodandwine.com/pascaline-lepeltier-drinks-visionaries-2025-11841646

The World’s Best Proseccos of 2025

Champagne may inspire all the cheesy quotes, but it’s Prosecco that consistently delivers on value.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/11/the-worlds-best-proseccos-of-2025

13 Alcoholic Drinks Nutritionists Say You Can Enjoy Without Guilt

It can be tough to find alcoholic drinks that fit a healthier lifestyle, but nutritionists say it’s absolutely possible

https://www.newsbreak.com/my-mocktail-forest-331582968/4334745829519-13-alcoholic-drinks-nutritionists-say-you-can-enjoy-without-guilt

Beer yeast leftovers spun into a promising sustainable yarn 50% stronger than wool

Yeast waste from breweries have been spun into textile fibres at a cost that could be affordable for clothing. A group in the US has reported that the fermented yeast proteins can be extracted and spun into a fibre stronger than wool.

https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/beer-yeast-leftovers-spun-into-a-promising-sustainable-yarn-50-stronger-than-wool/4022459.article

The Coravin Guide: Where and how to find wine by the glass

The company behind the innovative wine preservation system is now publishing a digital guide to the world’s wine-by-the-glass programs.

https://worldoffinewine.com/news-features/the-coravin-guide

How Much Wine Should I Buy?

Guide to Ordering Wine

https://mawby.wine/news/how-much-wine-should-i-buy

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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Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

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Wine Explorers wanted!

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Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

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Society Of Wine Educators

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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*

11-03-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Beginner’s guide: reading Champagne labels

US craft distillery numbers drop 25%

The best breweries in Massachusetts

Wine Regions: Argentina

Argentina is best known as the land of Malbec — but that’s just the beginning.

https://napavalleywineacademy.com/pages/wine-regions-argentina

The 10 Best ‘Holy Grail’ Whiskeys, According to Expert Bartenders

When it comes to whiskey, rare doesn’t always mean better, but bartenders swear by these hard-to-find bottles.

https://www.foodandwine.com/holy-grail-whiskeys-11824622

Drew Bledsoe is on his way to Boston — and he wants to drink wine with you.

Ahead of a ticketed Seaport dinner, the former New England Patriots quarterback talks roasting Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, the Patriots, and all things wine.

https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/10/11/drew-bledsoe-patriots-wine-seaport-dinner/

10 Common Cocktail Ingredients You’re Probably Pronouncing Incorrectly

We asked five experts to weigh in on the most mispronounced cocktail ingredients. Below, discover their index with the correct pronunciations and why bartenders love to use them.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/basics/drinks-terms-defined/mispronounced-cocktail-ingredients/

WHAT WINES TO SERVE AT THANKSGIVING (THAT ARE EASY AND AFFORDABLE)

Choose your wine based not only on how you’ve prepared and seasoned your bird, but also on what sides you’ve prepared to go with it.

https://livingthegourmet.com/2025/10/what-wines-to-serve-at-thanksgiving.html

10 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Barolo

One of the great wines of Italy — and sometimes referred to as “the king of wines” — Barolo can be a bit intimidating.

https://vinepair.com/articles/10-barolo-producers-you-should-know/

Wine Industry Uncertainty 2025 Update

Many predicted that the dramatic increase in tariffs would lead to higher retail prices and this has happened to a certain extent.

https://wineeconomist.com/2025/10/14/2025-update/

Non-Alcoholic Wine For Pets? New Zealand Company Says Yes

The range of tipples sold by Auckland-based Muttley’s Estate has names like Pawt, Champawgne, Purrno Noir and Sauvignon Bark.

https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/non-alcoholic-wine-for-pets-new-zealand-company-says-yes-9450369

Why Classic Italian Wines Continue to Drive U.S. Wine Sales

From Soave to Chianti, U.S. consumers love classic Italian wines, and Bolla’s La Fondazione collection, which blends heritage, quality, and modern appeal, offers a trusted taste of Italy’s most beloved wines

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/why-classic-italian-wines-continue-to-drive-u-s-wine-sales/

What Is the Best Way to Mix Tequila and Wine? Step-by-Step Guide

Mixing tequila and wine might sound unusual at first, but it can be a fun way to create something new and exciting for your taste buds

https://tequilatravesuras.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-best-way-to-mix-tequila-and-wine

Wine Lovers Win on Science, Lose on Noise

When research shows balanced, moderate wine consumption can be healthy, anti-alcohol advocates drown it out

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/in-health-battle-wine-lovers-win-on-science-lose-on-noise

Tariffs Have Potential to Reshape U.S. Beer Market

Tariffs could bolster domestic production — but the gains would likely be felt by big brewers.

https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/supply-chain/news/22952401/tariffs-have-potential-to-reshape-us-beer-market

PFAS in your pint?

How brewers can reduce chemical exposure in the brewing process

https://www.craftbrewingbusiness.com/featured/pfas-in-your-pint-how-brewers-can-reduce-chemical-exposure-in-the-brewing-process/

Patriots legend Vince Wilfork teams up with Samuel Adams for grilling-themed beer launch

The ‘Vince Grill-Fork Lager’ is the latest athlete collaboration from the Boston brewery

https://www.foxbusiness.com/sports/patriots-legend-vince-wilfork-teams-up-samuel-adams-grilling-themed-beer-launch

Fashion meets flavor in new book from Chicago wine expert Kiana Keys!

Little Black Book of Wine + Food: 60 White & Red Wines to Make Your Tastebuds Blush

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309465

A Doctor Explains Whether Alcohol Can Age You Prematurely: ‘Listen To Your Body’

Why Alcohol Can Accelerate Aging

https://www.shefinds.com/collections/alcohol-age-you-prematurely/#slide-1

How Can Wine Be ‘Floral’?

We Explain

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

German wine harvest set to increase 5% in 2025

Germany’s 2025 wine harvest is forecast to improve on last year’s weak crop, with strong gains for Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, but smaller yields for Müller-Thurgau and Dornfelder, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/german-wine-harvest-set-to-increase-5-in-2025/

Brown-Forman warns growth goal delayed as Bourbon slump bites

Lawson Whiting, chief executive of Brown-Forman, has said his plan to double the size of the group will take “a couple of years longer” than expected. The slowdown comes amid weakening global demand for Bourbon, political headwinds and investor pressure.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/brown-forman-warns-growth-goal-delayed-as-bourbon-slump-bites/

The Case Against Orange Wine

Wine doesn’t need to be reinvented. Or orange.

https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/story/the-case-against-orange-wine

New Orin Swift wine born in a dive bar toilet

Orin Swift, the Gallo-owned Napa label founded by Dave Phinney, has launched a rebellious new wine tied to the lavatories of US dive bars. Sarah Neish investigates.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/new-orin-swift-wine-was-born-in-a-dive-bar-toilet/

Which countries prefer Beaujolais wine?

Beaujolais wine is widely recognized as one of France’s more popular (red) wines. Indeed, recently, the American Association of Wine Economists (AAWE) looked at France’s main Beaujolais export markets 2024.

http://winegourd.blogspot.com/2025/10/which-countries-prefer-beaujolais-wine.html

Wine’s Big Move Towards the Middle

The changing consumer landscape is nudging more and more winemakers towards mid-strength wine.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/10/wines-big-move-towards-the-middle

Cannabis drinks are having a moment even as Americans consume less alcohol

Americans are still cracking open cold ones, but what’s inside their cans is changing.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cannabis-infused-drinks-target-thc-beverages/

Gallo Introduces Single Serve 200 mL Tetra Packs

Convenience, Accessibility, Affordability

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/309394

What Additives are Permitted in Whisky?

From coloring to flavor enhancers, some whisky styles are permitted to contain additives

https://whiskyadvocate.com/Additives-Permitted-in-Whisky

New Whiskey

• Campari-owned Russell’s Reserve has released the fourth whiskey in its Single Rickhouse Collection. This year’s whiskey, Camp Nelson E, is blended from barrels found on the fifth floor of the rickhouse and bottled at a barrel proof of 64% abv. According to the company, this is the highest-proof whiskey bottled under the Russell’s Reserve label to date. Russell’s Reserve Single Rickhouse Camp Nelson E is now available in limited quantities across the U.S., carrying a suggested retail price of $300 a 750-ml. Russell’s Reserve had U.S. volume of 83,000 cases last year, according to Impact Databank. 

The Glenlivet debuts Jamaican rum cask-finished whisky

Chivas Brothers-owned The Glenlivet has kicked off its new Beyond Speyside series with a US-exclusive single malt finished in a Jamaica rum cask.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/the-glenlivet-debuts-jamaican-rum-cask-finished-whisky/

What Exactly is the Michelin Guide Up To?

The Michelin Guide announced that it will soon begin rating wines.

https://www.vinography.com/2025/10/what-exactly-is-the-michelin-guide-up-to

New Bourbon

• Luxco’s Penelope Bourbon has released Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned, a new limited-time ready-to-serve cocktail. The cocktail is made with straight Bourbon, rye whiskey, apple cinnamon bitters, and simple syrup, and bottled at 40% abv. 11,000 cases of Apple Cinnamon Old Fashioned will be released this year, available in Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin for a suggested price of $30 a bottle. Next year, according to the company, the cocktail will be available nationwide.

What’s the Difference Between Sweet Mash and Sour Mash Whiskey?

Whiskey is a product of several crucial decisions that impact both style and flavor

https://vinepair.com/articles/difference-between-sweet-mash-and-sour-mash-explained/

We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Most Underrated Cheap Bourbon? (2025)

Cheap bourbons are the category’s unsung heroes.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-underrated-cheap-bourbon-2025/

Your Essential Guide to Italy’s DOC and DOCG Wines – 2025 Version

Understanding them changes how you see the entire Italian wine landscape. It’s like learning to read the grain in a piece of wood before you start carving.

https://acevola.blogspot.com/2025/10/your-essential-guide-to-italys-doc-and.html

Is Merlot Alive and Kicking 21 Years After Sideways, the Movie?

Merlot Retains Its Popularity Despite the Wild Ride – Let’s Visit the Filming Location

https://triciawinewanderings.substack.com/p/is-merlot-alive-and-kicking-21-years?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=5e8aeb8f6d9f8d75eed5ab5c1db7870e881771db

Apalta DO: Chile’s hidden treasure in Colchagua Valley

Apalta DO offers terroirs and varieties off the beaten track, as db discovered at a masterclass with Domaines Bournet-Lapostolle Chile.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/apalta-do-chiles-hidden-treasure-in-colchagua-valley/

Pink Chardonnay joins Champagne’s list of authorised grape varieties

The natural mutation of Chardonnay Blanc becomes the eighth permitted grape variety in Champagne in what experts are describing as “a small revolution in the vineyard.” Giles Fallowfield reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/pink-chardonnay-joins-champagnes-list-of-authorised-grape-varieties/

How to Properly Chill and Store Large-Format Bottles of Wine

Magnums, double magnums, jeroboams, imperials, nebuchadnezzars — large-format wine bottles are a great deal of fun

https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-store-and-chill-large-format-wine/

9 South African Wineries to Visit Now

From Chapman’s Peak to the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa’s landscapes set the stage for some spectacular sips.

https://www.foodandwine.com/south-africa-cape-winelands-11829769

Wacky Misinformation and Silly Opinions Are Killing Craft Beer

The New York Times recently published Wacky Labels and Silly Names Are Killing Craft Beer, an opinion piece about craft beer. “Killing?”

https://washingtonbeerblog.com/wacky-misinformation-and-opinions-are-killing-craft-beer/

Four New Discoveries About Beer and Wine That Might Change How You Drink

Scientists continue to uncover fascinating details about beer and wine, even though people have been brewing and fermenting these beverages for thousands of years.

https://scitechdaily.com/four-new-discoveries-about-beer-and-wine-that-might-change-how-you-drink/

Brock professor warns cancer labels on alcohol could mislead public

‘To reach the level of cancer risk presented in regular tobacco smoking, a drinker would have to consume so much that they would die of alcohol poisoning,’ says university’s Chair of Health Sciences

https://www.notllocal.com/local-news/brock-professor-warns-cancer-labels-on-alcohol-could-mislead-public-11368093

Is Every Wine a Brand? And Does it Matter?

The concept of wine brands is viewed very differently on both sides of the Atlantic. But it can divide Britons too.

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/is-every-wine-a-brand-and-does-it?utm_medium=newsletter

10 Wine Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts For The Discerning Taster

Make this your go-to guide for the do’s and don’ts of wine etiquette.

https://www.brookswine.com/10-wine-etiquette-dos-and-donts/

Diageo could sell Crown Royal site

Diageo has responded to rumours that buyers have emerged for its Crown Royal site earmarked for closure in Ontario, stating it has not received any credible offers.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/diageo-could-sell-crown-royal-site/

Rant: Don’t Stress Over Choosing Your Thanksgiving Wines!

Every year countless people stress over which wines to pair with their Thanksgiving dinner. 

https://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/2025/10/rant-dont-stress-over-choosing-your.html

Carlsberg creates the world’s smallest beer

A non-alcoholic symbol of responsible drinking

https://www.carlsberggroup.com/newsroom/carlsberg-creates-the-world-s-smallest-beer-a-non-alcoholic-symbol-of-responsible-drinking/

The best breweries in Massachusetts

Find the best breweries in Massachusetts — including reader favorites and a statewide map to guide your next beer tour.

https://www.boston.com/food/beer/2025/10/21/best-breweries-massachusetts-2025/

Bartenders Share the Strangest Drink Requests of Their Careers

We asked them to share the wildest, weirdest, and most unexpected drink requests they’ve ever received behind the bar.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/spirits/weird-drink-orders-bratenders/

US craft distillery numbers drop 25%

The number of US craft distilleries plunged by a quarter in the 12 months to August 2025, with California suffering the biggest drop.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/us-craft-distillery-numbers-drop-25/

Wines of Argentina unveils global campaign as exports surge in US and Brazil

Argentina’s national wine export body has launched a new global communication strategy under the banner The Wine for Now, aimed at strengthening its footprint in key export destinations. The US and Brazil currently account for 39.2% of Argentina’s wine exports, with 21.7% and 17.5% of total volume, respectively.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/wines-of-argentina-unveils-global-campaign-as-exports-surge-in-us-and-brazil/

New Russells

Russell’s Reserve’snew single rickhouse release, Westland Garryana’s first 10 Year Old, and O.H. Ingram’sflagship are among the offerings featured in Whisky Advocate’s latest weekly roundup. The website has all the details.

How Prohibition and the Mexican Revolution Shaped an Iconic California Wine Family

A Mexican colonel walks into a Baja California distillery, and out walks an Italian immigrant with a ranch east of Los Angeles that becomes one of the most prominent wineries in America.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/galleano-family/

Why More Couples Are Saying ‘I Do’ to Dry Weddings

For decades, dry weddings carried a certain stodgy stigma.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/dry-wedding-trend/

New Sam Adams beer is illegal to buy in 15 states – because it’s so strong

Sam Adams said reaching 30% ABV was a personal goal of founder and CEO Jim Koch, but more important was reaching getting the flavor right for a beverage that “blurs the line between beer and fine spirits.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/sam-adams-utopias-strongest-beer/

Alcohol Industry Steps Up Lobbying On Hemp Drinks As Congress Debates THC Ban

Beyond marijuana and alcohol industry stakeholders, the filings also reveal lobbying spending on cannabis issues from advocacy groups, government entities, non-cannabis corporations, financial institutions are more.

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/alcohol-industry-steps-up-lobbying-on-hemp-drinks-as-congress-debates-thc-ban/

 How to Make Non-Alcoholic Wine Worthy of Fine Dining

For decades, few people took non-alcoholic wines seriously.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/non-alcoholic/non-alcoholic-wine-leitz/

The charm of wine labels: Do they matter more than what’s inside?

To judge a wine by its label is not a sin. An imperfect science, yes, but an entirely human proclivity. Eliza Dumais defends the visceral, gut instinct that drives so many wine purchases.

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/opinion/in-defence-of-judging-wine-by-the-label-567947/

Why China does not need a signature grape

Marselan is being hailed as China’s rising star. But Master of Wine Fongyee Walker believes quality, not a single variety, should define the future of Chinese wine. Nimmi Malhotra reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/why-china-does-not-need-a-signature-grape/

Surfside sues AB InBev alleging copycat packaging

The owner of vodka-based hard tea brand Surfside is taking legal action against Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) for allegedly copying its packaging design.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/surfside-sues-ab-inbev-alleging-copycat-packaging/

NEW JD

• Brown-Forman has announced Jack Daniel’sSingle Barrel Special Release Tanyard Hill Rye, the newest yearly addition to the brand’s line of specialty high-end releases. This year’s whiskies come in between 65.10% and 74.40% abv, depending on the barrel. The whiskey is made from a mash of 70% rye, 18% corn, and 12% malted barley, and the barrels have been aging since November 2015. The new release is rolling out now in limited quantities across the U.S. at $80 a 700-ml. bottle. Last year, Jack Daniel’s (excluding flavored whiskies and RTDs) was just below five million cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

A Look At The Top 25 Nip Bottle Selling Towns In Connecticut

Statistics for nip liquor bottles sold in Connecticut were released this week for the latest six-month period.

https://patch.com/connecticut/across-ct/look-top-25-nip-bottle-selling-towns-connecticut

New Bourbon

• Hardin’s Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the ultra-premium experimental whiskey from The James B. Beam Distilling Co., is launching a new Warehouse Series with a three-part collection consisting of Warehouse R (“Mushroom”), Warehouse W (“Beaver”), and Warehouse G (“Owl”) releases. The Warehouse Series whiskies carry an 11-year age statement and are debuting across select markets. The limited editions are all at 55% abv and retail at $150 a bottle.

Taking a Closer Look at Mexican Wine

I think it’s time to take Mexican wine much more seriously.

https://www.vinography.com/2025/10/taking-a-closer-look-at-mexican-wine

Beginner’s guide: reading Champagne labels

Understanding a champagne label can be somewhat mystifying to the uninitiated. Help is at hand! What follows is a glossary, a key to sweetness levels, and a list of producer types.

https://www.therealreview.com/2025/10/22/a-beginners-guide-to-reading-champagne-labels/

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*

10-20-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

What’s a Wine Headache?

What does moderation mean?

Why do we rarely see wine commercials?

The Science of Grape Pressing

By using more sophisticated technology and focusing on technique, winemakers can use grape presses to craft more precise wines of different quality levels and styles

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-science-of-grape-pressing/

Uncle Nearest Lender Argues That Additional ‘Comingled,’ Personally Owned Entities Should Be Added to Receivership

The ongoing lawsuit between Tennessee-based whiskey brand Uncle Nearest, Inc. and its primary lender, Farm Credit Mid-America, continues to escalate.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/uncle-nearest-inc-receivership-escalation/

Non-alcoholic wines are here to stay

Not just for Gen Z: more and more people prefer dealcoholized wine to traditional wine

https://www.nssmag.com/en/fashion/42741/non-alcoholic-wines-trend-2025-growth-italy

What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Beer Every Day

It all depends on the number of cans you crack open.

https://www.eatingwell.com/what-happens-to-your-body-if-you-drink-beer-11819188

What sour mash really means on your whiskey label

Have you ever wondered what sour mash is?

https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/sour-mash-whiskey/

Why do we rarely see wine commercials?

Wine brands have less money for advertising and they want to maintain their prestige image.

https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/09/26/why-do-we-rarely-see-wine-commercials

I Visited France’s Famous Vineyards to Finally Understand Wine in My 30s

Study appellations, aging, and terroir without a textbook.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bordeaux-wine-cruise-11812977

Widow Jane finishes Bourbon in Greek oak

Heaven Hill Brands-owned Widow Jane Bourbon has unveiled the seventh limited edition in The Vaults series, which was finished in ‘mythological oak’.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/widow-jane-finishes-bourbon-in-greek-oak/

Value of New Zealand wine exports falls

New Zealand saw the value of its wine exports fall marginally to NZ$2.10 billion (£0.91 bn) despite a 5% growth in volume over the last 12 months, on the back of “sluggish” sales to established markets.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/value-of-new-zealand-wine-exports-falls/

Goldilocks & The Three Wines – Why Wine Temperature Matters

-too warm, too cold – finding the “just right” temperature

https://www.shadesofgrape.ca/p/goldilocks-and-the-three-wines-why?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=1c3602eeb937ee7c535ebe417374e55b8119f73a

Foley Launches Tequio Tequila Cocktails

Foley Family Wines & Spirits is extending its range with a new RTD label, Tequio Tequila Cocktails. The lineup includes Tequio Blanco and Reposado Tequila Sodas both at 5% abv, as well as a Tequio Paloma at 6.9% abv that will join the portfolio later this year. Tequio retails at $20 a four-pack of 355-ml. cans. The brand was founded by Louis-Pascal Walsh and Frederick “Flick” Mooradian in Venice, California. Tequio’s RTDs are made with El Mexicano Tequila, also part of the Foley portfolio. “Sitting at the intersection of Tequila and RTDs, the two fastest growing segments, Tequio joins our portfolio alongside our Sabe branded cocktail-strengt h, high-abv canned cocktails,” said Foley CMO Jason Daniel. “Both are highly differentiated brands playing in the most resonant and growth-driving segments of the RTD category.”

Woodford Reserve Releases Its First High-proof Rye: Barrel Strength Rye

Barrel Strength Rye honors the legacy of America’s original rye whiskeys, where spice and tobacco take the lead, layered with notes of fruit, floral, and subtle sweetness,

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/newreleases/article/308764

Catena Wines Aging Well

Dr. Laura Catena looks back on 3 decades of wine

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/catena-wines-aging-well

New bribery case shows the three-tier system is not working

Another case has come forth of bribery occurring at a major supermarket chain with a large winery and a large wholesaler alleged to be involved. We can rinse and repeat as these stories repeat themselves time and time again.

https://irishliquorlawyer.com/liquor-industry-insights/new-bribery-case-shows-the-three-tier-system-is-not-working/

Watch the emotional evolution of someone’s face after 1, 2, and 3 alcoholic beverages

Giggling might be induced just by seeing the transformation.

https://www.upworthy.com/three-glasses-down-update

The 19 Best Pinot Grigios for 2025

While most believe Pinot Grigio originated in Italy, it was actually born, like many of the most popular grapes of the world, in France, where it is known as Pinot Gris.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-pinot-grigio-2025/

Kraken resurrects Dark Caramel rum

Proximo Spirits has made The Kraken Dark Caramel and Cornish Sea Salt a permanent part of the brand’s core range, following its debut as a limited edition release last year.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/kraken-resurrects-dark-caramel-rum/

US government shutdown: product delays and lost sales possible

The American spirits industry could face delayed product launches and lost sales after the US government reached a political gridlock, forcing it to shut down.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/us-government-shutdown-product-delays-and-lost-sales-possible/

Chivas Regal’s first-ever clear spirit hits market

Chivas Regal has unveiled Crystalgold, its first-ever clear spirit drink, created through a bespoke filtration process that strips colour from oak-aged whisky while retaining flavor

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/chivas-regals-first-ever-clear-spirit-hits-market/

Could Beer Waste Be the Next Big Source of Protein? Scientists Think So

Researchers found that proteins extracted from spent grain, beer’s biggest byproduct, can outperform conventional materials used in food science applications.

https://www.foodandwine.com/spent-grain-protein-research-11814852

BOISSON INTRODUCES CURATED NON-ALCOHOLIC WINE CLUB IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOMMELIER ANDRÉ HUESTON MACK

As Wine Director at Boisson, I’m excited to launch what I believe is the future of inclusive wine culture

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boisson-introduces-curated-non-alcoholic-wine-club-in-partnership-with-sommelier-andre-hueston-mack-302571740.html

Study claims wine can lower risk of heart diseases; debunks myth that alcohol is bad for health

Here’s what you need to know.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/study-claims-wine-can-lower-risk-of-heart-diseases-debunks-myth-that-alcohol-is-bad-for-health-101735636499315.html?utm_source=microsoft-ht

Trump’s tariffs give European wineries — and US importers — a hangover

With U.S. tariffs set at 15 percent for the foreseeable future, it’s a lose-lose situation for winemakers on both sides of the Atlantic.

https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-tariffs-european-wineries-grapes-us-importers-hangover/

The Seven Wonders of Wine World

Iconic Bottles That Define Modern Wine Culture

https://vinepair.com/articles/seven-wonders-of-wine-world/

Why Buffalo Trace Is Beating Bourbon’s Downturn

After what has seemed like an endless string of smashing successes, the bourbon industry is facing its first real roadblocks in decades, and reports of turmoil and decline have been growing more frequent and agitated over the past year.

https://vinepair.com/articles/buffalo-trace-succeeding-as-bourbon-slumps/

Ignoring This Beer Myth Allows You To Enjoy Your Favorite Brew In A New Way

This is because often times, cold temperatures make it harder to taste your beer.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1981681/beer-myth-serve-cold/

Accidentally bought a terrible bottle of wine? Just add salt

 Putting salt in wine can improve it.

https://metro.co.uk/2025/10/04/unexpected-kitchen-cabinet-item-can-make-wine-taste-better-24300797/

Busch Light Is Giving Away 19 Years’ Worth of Beer, but There’s a Catch — Consumers Must Legally Change Their Name

The alcoholic beverage brand is encouraging consumers to score the major prize by changing their name to Hunter

https://people.com/busch-light-giving-19-years-of-beer-to-consumers-who-legally-change-their-name-11824515

Tariffs Have Transformed the Wine World as We Know It

While the U.S. Court of Appeals recently clipped the administration’s wings—declaring his unilateral levies illegal—those fees remain in place as the case moves toward the Supreme Court for further deliberations.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/tariffs-transform-wine-industry/

How a Jug of Carlo Rossi Wine Inspired a Legendary Rock Song

Iron Butterfly’s 1968 hit “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is a simple, somewhat nonsensical, and exhausting tune

https://vinepair.com/articles/iron-butterfly-hit-song-wine-inspiration/

US spirits exports to Canada plummet 85% in Q2

Exports of American spirits plunged by double digits in all key markets during the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, with Canada suffering the largest drop.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/us-spirits-exports-plummet-85-to-canada-in-q2/

We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Best Rye for Beginners?

Because there are so many ryes on the market, there’s never been a better time for the uninitiated yet curious drinker to dive into the category

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

Amidst a slow wine market, winemakers say they’re struggling this harvest

A global drop in demand for wine has led to a grape glut, and many U.S. vineyards are letting their grapes rot rather than harvesting them. Growers say it’s one of the worst wine years in decades.

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/06/nx-s1-5535639/amidst-a-slow-wine-market-winemakers-say-theyre-struggling-this-harvest

Come Over October: ‘Wine is so much more than alcohol’

The Come Over October campaign is back, and this time it’s calling on wine businesses to fight for their future. Eloise Feilden speaks to its founders.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/come-over-october-wine-is-so-much-more-than-alcohol/

Should You Bring Wine When You’re Invited To A Dinner Party?

Ever been invited to a dinner party and wonder if you should bring your host a bottle of wine?

https://www.tastingtable.com/1988228/dinner-party-guest-wine-gift-etiquette/

Move over Valle de Guadalupe, there’s a new wine region in town

While it might seem unlikely, the central states of Puebla and Hidalgo have been on the map of Mexican wine-producing states for several years.

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/food/move-over-valle-de-guadalupe-theres-a-new-wine-region-in-town/

What’s a Wine Headache?

Certain components found in wine like tannins and histamines may be the culprit

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/wine-headache

What does moderation mean?

We are all apparently drinking less. But how are we doing that?

https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/what-does-moderation-mean?utm_medium=newsletter

Ageing Bourbon barrel numbers hit all-time high

The number of ageing barrels of Bourbon in Kentucky has hit a record high of 16.1 million, with taxes on the casks soaring by 163% over the last five years.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/ageing-bourbon-barrel-numbers-hit-all-time-high/

EH Taylor Bottled in Bond joins Antique Collection

Sazerac-owned Buffalo Trace Distillery is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Antique Collection with a new addition to the series: EH Taylor Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/eh-taylor-bottled-in-bond-joins-antique-collection/

Sagamore Spirit names new master distiller

Maryland-based Sagamore Spirit has promoted Ryan Norwood from vice president of operations to master distiller, after nearly a decade at the distillery.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/10/sagamore-spirit-names-new-master-distiller/

Super Simple Sake Terms

Four little words to set you on the path to enjoying sake

https://shanaspeakswine.substack.com/p/super-simple-sake-terms?utm_medium=newsletter&_bhlid=7e712bb3cddcda71ae07cb51db15cbf8a4f0b800

European beverage market under ‘structural reset’ as 71% of consumers drink less alcohol

Europeans are consuming less alcohol – and many younger consumers are stopping buying alcohol altogether – according to new data released by Circana this week. But winning in this new market is not simply about being alcohol-free…

HTTPS://WWW.BEVERAGEDAILY.COM/ARTICLE/2025/10/08/EUROPEAN-CONSUMERS-DRINK-LESS-ALCOHOL-CIRCANA-DATA/

Adding Art to Bubbles

The Champagne Method

https://verovino.com/vero-blog/champagne-traditional-classic-method-wines

From algorithms to appellations: the rise of AI in wine

From predictive analytics to fine wine fintech, industry leaders are harnessing technology to make wine more personal, more accessible, and more relevant to a new generation.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/from-algorithms-to-appellations-the-rise-of-ai-in-wine/

Capsules influence wine purchase decisions, shows ‘neuromarketing’ study

In a scientific study exploring the emotional impact of wine capsules on consumers, it was found that nine out of 10 shoppers prefer a wine bottle with a capsule. Furthermore, synergy between the capsule and label is paramount for “brand recall”.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/10/capsules-influence-wine-purchase-decisions-shows-neuromarketing-study/

Beer Trends 2025: Social drinking rebounds amid shifting consumer habits

Data from Fintech and the National Beer Wholesalers Association showcases trends like nonalcoholic beer and the growing ‘Beyond Beer’ category

https://www.nrn.com/beverage-trends/beer-trends-2025-social-drinking-rebounds-amid-shifting-consumer-habits

How the ‘95/5’ Rye Mash Bill Went From MGP Signature to Craft Staple

And yet, here in the year 2025, all of the sudden at least a half dozen craft distilleries have begun distilling their own rye with that exact same 95/5 ratio.

https://vinepair.com/articles/95-5-rye-mgp-signature-to-craft-whiskey-staple/

Your First Wine Tasting:

What to Expect and How to Fake It Like a Pro

https://brads-wine.com/blogs/news/your-first-wine-tasting-what-to-expect-and-how-to-fake-it-like-a-pro

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Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

10-06-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Organic Vs Natural Vs Biodynamic Wine

Beer Is Losing Its Grasp on Football

Alcohol Looks Weaker on Surveys Than in Reality

Americans reevaluate their relationship with alcohol as consumption hits record low; more Americans confront health risks of moderate drinking

A growing number of Americans are walking away from the bar, the bottle, and a decades-old assumption that a daily drink is harmless. According to the USA Today website, Gallup finds just 54 percent of US adults now say they drink alcohol, the lowest share in nearly 90 years of polling, a change the pollsters say is tied to rising health concerns about even “moderate” drinking.

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/americans-reevaluate-their-relationship-with-alcohol-as-consumption-hits-record-low-more-americans-confront-health-risks-of-even-moderate-drinking/articleshow/123874622.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

Why isn’t beer served over ice?

For whatever reason, beer is one of the few beverages that it’s considered totally unacceptable to add ice,

https://savornation.tv/food-facts/why-isnt-beer-served-over-ice/

It’s the Era of ‘Self-Prohibition.’ That’s Made Booze-Free Alcohol a Big Business

• A market for alcohol-free beer, wine and spirits shops has opened up as more Americans moderate their drinking.
• https://www.investopedia.com/it-s-the-era-of-self-prohibition-that-s-made-booze-free-alcohol-a-big-business-11809226

We Asked Experts For The Best Types Of Wine For Avoiding A Hangover—These Are Their Top Picks

Happy hour without the headache!

https://www.delish.com/food-news/a65943431/best-wines-for-avoiding-hangovers/

The Rise of No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: How TTB and FDA Divide Oversight

The demand for no- and low-alcohol beverages has exploded in recent years.

https://www.winelawonreserve.com/the-rise-of-no-and-low-alcohol-wines-how-ttb-and-fda-divide-oversight/

Alcohol Looks Weaker on Surveys Than in Reality

For the first time in Gallup’s trend, a majority of Americans, 53%, say drinking in moderation, or ‘one or two drinks a day’, is bad for one’s health

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/gallup-finds-americans-turning-on?utm_medium=newsletter

What The 2025 Results Tell Us About the Global Wine Scene

This year’s IWSC wine results delivered some genuine surprises: a Georgian qvevri wine and a Burgundian Chardonnay both claimed Gold medals.

https://www.iwsc.net/news/wine/what-the-2025-results-tell-us-about-the-global-wine-scene

How Will We Know (When the Wine Market Finally Turns Around)?

Everyone is hoping for a turning point in the wine business.

https://wineeconomist.com/2025/09/16/shoop/

Thieves strip 8,000 square metres of German vines

Unknown perpetrators have stolen almost all the ripe Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc grapes from two vineyards in Gundheim, Rhineland-Palatinate. Police believe the raid, carried out between 6 and 14 September, cost the growers several thousand euros in lost fruit.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/thieves-strip-8000-square-metres-of-german-vines/

Survey uncovers solutions to help US shoppers buy more wine

New consumer research reveals how US shoppers think the wine industry can make buying more approachable, as trade data shows price pressures and competition weighing on sales.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/survey-uncovers-solutions-to-help-us-shoppers-buy-more-wine/

The 30 Best Rye Whiskeys to Drink in 2025

Adored by both bartenders and spirits connoisseurs, rye whiskey has never quite penetrated the home bar of mainstream drinkers (and, to a lesser extent, taterdom) in the same way bourbon has.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-rye-whiskies-2025/

New Bourbon

• Sazerac’s 1792 Bourbonhas released Cognac Cask Finish, the latest permanent addition to brand’s portfolio. The 47.5% abv whiskey is matured in Cognac casks housed on the top floor of the distillery’s rickhouses for at least six months before bottling. 1792 Cognac Cask Finish carries a suggested price of $38 and is now available across the U.S. Last year, the brand was up 25% to 175,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank. 1792’s 2024 performance earned the brand a “Hot Prospect” award from Impact. 

4 Easy Ways To Chill Your Wine FAST

No more whining about warm wine.

https://www.delish.com/kitchen-tools/kitchen-secrets/a66029806/how-to-chill-wine/

German winemakers carve out the alcohol-free wine category

Germany has pioneered alcohol-free beer. Can it also lead the way in alcohol-free wine?

HTTPS://WWW.BEVERAGEDAILY.COM/ARTICLE/2025/09/19/GERMANY-AND-RIESLING-PIONEER-ALCOHOL-FREE-WINE/

How bold labels are the disruptors of wine

What were once seen as the all important traditions that kept wine special and separate to any other drink are now some of the major reasons for holding it back

https://www.the-buyer.net/insight/arsen-khachaturyants-how-bold-labels-are-the-true-disruptors-of-wine

Chimps consume daily dose of alcohol through fruit, UC Berkeley study finds

Wild chimpanzees may be ingesting the equivalent of nearly two cocktails a day via their fruit-heavy diets, according to new research.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/chimps-consume-daily-dose-of-alcohol-through-fruit-uc-berkeley-study-finds/

Why it’s not over for wine just yet

Despite much hand-wringing by those in the wine trade right now, tech expert and Wine Owners co-founder Nick Martin believes that the grape-based drink has a bright future, when discussing market challenges with db ahead of our conference next month.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/09/why-its-not-over-for-wine-just-yet/

We Asked 6 Wine Pros: What’s the Most Overrated Wine Region?

When it comes to wine, certain regions are undeniably more famous than others, and they tend to be the ones that carry the most prestige (think places like Champagne, Burgundy, and Napa Valley).

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-wine-pros-overrated-wine-region/

Lodi Wine History: The Making of California’s Most Dynamic Wine Region

As we celebrate California Wine Month this September, there’s no better time to dive into the rich history of grape growing and wine production in one of the state’s most significant appellations.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/CA-Wine-Month-Discover-Lodi-Wine-History

The 10 Best California Cabernet Sauvignons Under $50

 These are 10 of the best California Cabernets under $50.

https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-california-cabernet-sauvignon-under-50/

Sagamore releases its oldest rye whiskey

Illva Saronno-owned Sagamore Spirit Distillery in Maryland has unveiled its oldest straight rye whiskey to date: a 10-year-old.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/sagamore-releases-its-oldest-rye-whiskey/

The wine industry doesn’t work the way Washington thinks it does

Kevin D. Williamson is national correspondent for the Dispatch and writer-in-residence at the Competitive Enterprise Institute.

https://cei.org/opeds_articles/the-wine-industry-doesnt-work-the-way-washington-thinks-it-does/

Is Expensive Wine a Scam?

Using Wine-Searcher data to navigate the price-quality maze can help you see beyond the hype and illusion.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/09/is-expensive-wine-a-scam

How To Identify 3 Disappointing Wine Faults Like A Sommelier

If you are a wine lover, nothing is more disappointing than opening a bottle and realizing something is not quite right.

https://www.brookswine.com/how-to-identify-3-wine-faults-like-a-sommelier/

Maison Chavin highlighted by Neo Restauration:

Dealcoholized wine in the spotlight

https://www.pierre-chavin.com/en/all-the-news/presse-en/maison-chavin-mise-en-lumiere-par-neo-restauration-le-vin-sans-alcool-a-lhonneur/

Vineyards Expose Kids to Toxins

Toxic atmospheres, poor prices and drought – life doesn’t get any easier for European wine producers.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/09/vineyards-expose-kids-to-toxins

Alcohol Is Killing Americans at an Alarming Rate—Here’s Why

America’s relationship with alcohol is getting better and worse at the same time. Fewer people are drinking overall, which is nice. But for those still clinging to the bottle, things are worse than ever.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/alcohol-is-killing-americans-at-an-alarming-rate-heres-why/

Beer Is Losing Its Grasp on Football. Here’s Why.

How have beer sales been looking now that both college and professional football are back in full swing?

https://vinepair.com/articles/hop-take-football-season-beer-sales-down/

Michelob Ultra Now the Top-Selling Beer in America

First introduced in 2002, Michelob Ultra isn’t a new commodity, but sales volume has ramped up significantly in the past five years.

https://vinepair.com/booze-news/michelob-ultra-top-selling-beer-in-america/

New Vodka

• Belvedere, part of the Moet Hennessy portfolio, has launched Dirty Brew, a 30% abv coffee-infused vodka. The new entry is a blend of Belvedere’s organic rye vodka with roasted organic robusta coffee beans, and is recommended to be served as a shot or poured over top of desserts such as an Affogato. Belvedere Dirty Brew retails at $37 a 700-ml. bottle and is launching exclusively on ReserveBar. Belvedere had U.S. volume of 345,000 cases last year, according to Impact Databank. 

It Shouldn’t Be so Hard to Find a Good NA Drink These Days

It’s not surprising, then, that with such a substantial growing movement, a plethora of new options have cropped up for those who love their drinks, but don’t want the side effects. These non-alcoholic spirits, beers, cocktails, wines, and more have exploded the market, with sales surging 26% over the past year to top $800 million in the US.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/non-alcoholic/where-are-the-na-drinks/

5 Alternatives to Sassicaia, Tuscany’s Legendary Red Blend

Known as the original “Super Tuscan” and kick-starting the Bordeaux-variety revolution in Italy in the 1970s, Sassicaia continues to be one of the most highly sought-after wines in its category.

https://vinepair.com/articles/sassicaia-tuscan-red-blend-alternatives/

New N/A Ameretto

• Amaretto Adriatico is introducing Zero, a non-alcoholic amaretto retailing at $32. The newcomer, made in Puglia, Italy, expands Adriatico’s U.S. range, which also includes the flagship Amaretto Adriatico Roasted Almonds expression ($38), along with Bianco, a 16% abv white amaretto ($38). Amaretto Adriatico is made with Filippo Cea almonds from Puglia, Adriatic Sea salt, and half the sweetness of traditional brands, according to the company. The brand is currently present in New York (Empire Merchants), Georgia (Savannah), Connecticut (CDI), Oklahoma (Premium Brands), Maryland and Washington (Breakthru), and will launch in Massachusetts (Martignetti) next month.

Charlie Sheen Partners with Popular Brewery to Debut ‘Wild’ Non-Alcoholic Beer

The new beverage is a game changer.

https://www.mensjournal.com/food/charlie-sheen-wild-af-non-alcoholic-beer

Dr. Maya Rosman reveals: This is the reason why Israeli wine is actually healthier

The Israeli sun can be especially cruel, but it turns out that for grapes it actually adds advantages. And also – is it worth drinking a glass of wine once a day?

https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/nutrition/article-868520

3 Tips for How to Best Use Soda in Cocktails

Classic well drinks like the Rum and Coke or Vodka Soda might seem like the easiest cocktails to master, but there are still some nuances to consider while building these simple, two-part drinks.

https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-use-soda-in-cocktails-explained/

13 of the Best Cocktails to Make With Sweet Vermouth

From New Orleans originals like the Vieux Carré to sherry-spiked cocktails named for ancient Greek hunters, here are 13 of the best cocktails to make using sweet vermouth.

https://vinepair.com/articles/best-sweet-vermouth-cocktails/

Here’s Why Your Next Great Sparkling Wine Might Come From Oregon

We all know and love the classic bubbly go-tos — Champagne, Prosecco, Cava — but this American wine region is proving that you needn’t look overseas to sparkle.

https://www.foodandwine.com/oregon-best-sparkling-wine-11816195

We Asked 10 Sommeliers: What Cabernet Sauvignon Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

When it comes to red wines, few are as revered as Cabernet Sauvignon.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-somms-best-bang-for-buck-cabernet-sauvignon-2025/

Diageo halts production at Balcones and George Dickel

Diageo has temporarily ceased whiskey production at its Balcones and George Dickel distilleries with the loss of 17 jobs, as it re-evaluates its ‘productivity goals’, The Spirits Business can reveal.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/diageo-halts-production-at-balcones-and-george-dickel/

Why Is Oregon Producing So Many High-Quality, Affordable Wines?

One of the biggest misconceptions people have about wine is that the more you spend on a bottle, the better it will be.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/podcasts/wine-enthusiast-podcast/oregon-wines-best-buy/

Organic Vs Natural Vs Biodynamic Wine

A Quick Guide To Understanding The Differences

https://www.tastingtable.com/1974585/organic-natural-dynamic-wines-differences/

New Wild Turkey

• Campari’s Wild Turkeyhas announced Master’s Keep Beacon, the final whiskey in the Master’s Keep series. This edition is a blend of 10- and 16-year-old Bourbon, selected by master blender Bruce Russell and master distiller Eddie Russell. The younger whiskey was selected by Bruce and is one of the first whiskies he made with his father Eddie and grandfather Jimmy. The older spirit is Eddie’s pick and dates from the original Wild Turkey distillery before its 2011 expansion. The 59% abv Bourbon carries a suggested price of $300 a bottle and is now rolling out in limited quantities across the U.S. Last year, Wild Turkey was at 806,000 cases in the U.S., according to Impact Databank.

How Wine and Spirits Got Stuck in the Middle of a Global Trade War

Over the last seven years, the alcohol industry has faced chaos and cost increases at the hands of a global trade war. Here’s where we currently stand and how we got here.

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine-spirits-tariff-timeline/

America’s Bulk Wine Glut Should Have Sparked a Brand Boom

Why Hasn’t It?

https://vinepair.com/articles/american-bulk-wine-glut-not-expanding-market/

We Asked 15 Bartenders: Which Tequila Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

As the tequila market continues to boom, so does its reputation as a sophisticated spirit.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wa-bartenders-bang-for-buck-tequila-2025/

US tariffs cost Scotch whisky £20m a month

The US’s 10% tariff on UK goods is costing the Scotch whisky industry almost £20 million (US$27m) a month in lost exports, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA).

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/09/us-tariffs-cost-scotch-whisky-20m-a-month/

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