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*

03-23-2026

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine

The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning

Our society has an alcohol problem

 

 

Think You Know Where Your Whiskey Comes From? You Might Be Wrong

It’s possible that your favorite whiskey was distilled somewhere you would never expect.

https://www.foodandwine.com/sourced-vs-contracted-whiskey-11915388

 

 

EU Rides to Wine’s Rescue

The European Union has announced a major bail-out package for wine producers

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/eu-rides-to-wines-rescue

 

 

‘We were right’: He took Trump’s tariffs to the Supreme Court and won

Victor Owen Schwartz never imagined he would one day find himself challenging a president in the highest court in the land.

https://libertyjusticecenter.org/newsroom/we-were-right-he-took-trumps-tariffs-to-the-supreme-court-and-won/

 

 

Bulleit Debuts a Mesquite-Smoked Malt Bourbon With Zero Rye

The release uses a mashbill centered on mesquite-smoked malted barley and was aged for more than six years before bottling.

https://www.foodandwine.com/bulleit-mesquite-smoked-malt-kentucky-straight-bourbon-11914619

 

 

Diageo Debuts Bulleit Mesquite Smoked Malt Expression

Diageo is introducing Bulleit Bourbon Mesquite Smoked Malt Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a limited-time release made with an experimental mashbill that includes 65% corn, 30% mesquite smoked malt, and 5% malted barley. During the malting process, a portion of the malted barley is smoked over mesquite wood to impart a smoky aroma.

Bottled at 46.5% abv, the new entry is positioned at $50 a 750-ml. and is rolling out in limited quantities nationwide. According to Impact Databank, Bulleit slipped an estimated 3.6% to 1.6 million cases in the U.S. market last year.

 

 

PEOPLE ARE DRINKING LESS THAN EVER. WHAT’S COUNTRY MUSIC TO DO?

In Nashville, some are wondering how a decline in drinking may affect artists’ own liquor brands and the songs they sing. “There are more weed songs for sure,” says one songwriter

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/drinking-songs-country-music-decline-1235521023/

 

 

5 Places You Should Never Keep a Bottle of Wine, According to Experts

If your wine rack is anywhere near your oven, it’s time you find it a new home.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/5-places-you-should-never-store-a-bottle-of-wine-according-to-experts/

 

 

Did tariffs on imported wines help American wineries? If so it’s hard to see.

American wineries faced headwinds in 2025 that included demographic shifts, reduced tourism, and higher input costs. You might think that tariffs on imported wines would have helped. They didn’t.

https://blog.tablascreek.com/2026/03/did-tariffs-on-imported-wines-help-american-wineries-if-so-its-hard-to-see-how/

 

 

Red blotch a worldwide vineyard threat

Grapevine red blotch virus is a growing problem.

https://goodfruit.com/red-blotch-a-worldwide-vineyard-threat/

 

 

Wine Diplomacy Paves the Way

Wine producers in the US look to maintain goodwill during these challenging times.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-diplomacy-paves-the-way

 

 

Yes, Japan Makes Wine—Here’s Why You Should Be Paying Attention

Defined by restraint, freshness, and food-first balance, Japanese wine is quietly booming—driven by indigenous grapes, precise craftsmanship, and a philosophy that favors harmony over power.

https://www.foodandwine.com/japanese-wine-11893591

 

 

Is Phylloxera Still a Threat to the Global Wine Industry?

Genetic adaptation, leaf-feeding populations, and global movement are reshaping the modern phylloxera threat

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/is-phylloxera-still-a-threat-to-the-global-wine-industry/

 

 

Michter’s Bet Early on an Annual 10-Year Bourbon — and the 2026 Release Shows Why That Call Endured

Relying on sensory evaluation instead of calendar deadlines, Michter’s releases its 10-year bourbon only when barrels meet its standards — a practice that has defined its consistency since 2000.

https://www.foodandwine.com/michters-10-year-bourbon-2026-11916630

 

 

What is Sea Aged Sparkling Wine?

You may have seen, during your searches for new wines, some which are stated to have been aged in / under the sea. So, ‘why are wines aged in the sea’ and ‘are they really worth the money’?

https://glassofbubbly.com/what-is-sea-aged-sparkling-wine/

 

 

The Wildest Beer Collab of the Year Involves Bear Poop

This light lager from Columbia Sportswear and Breakside Brewery features notes of berries and honey.

https://www.foodandwine.com/nature-calls-columbia-beer-with-bear-scat-11915970

 

 

15 of the Weirdest Liquor Laws in the U.S.

Some of these mandates come from research and years of developing common sense — for example, don’t drink and drive or operate heavy machinery. Others are based on religious tendencies like dry counties in the South and limitations in Utah. And plenty are just plain weird.

https://vinepair.com/articles/weirdest-liquor-laws-united-states/

 

 

Wine Market Council and Quini Partner

New Research to Decode Consumer Barriers to Wine Flavor

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/314863

 

 

Coravin Celebrates Milestone Sale of Their Two Millionth Wine By-the-Glass System

Coravin, the global leader in wine by-the-glass technology, is excited to announce the sale of its two millionth system, marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey to transform how wine is discovered and enjoyed around the world.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/coravin-celebrates-milestone-sale-of-their-two-millionth-wine-by-the-glass-system/

 

 

Heaven Hill Bottles Final Pours From a Historic Kentucky Rickhouse Before It Goes Dark

The release carries a suggested retail price of $199.99 and marks the first in a planned series of commemorative releases tied to the Deatsville campus, with additional expressions and events scheduled through 2027.

https://thedailypour.com/whiskey/bourbon/heaven-hill-bottles-final-pours-from-a-historic-kentucky-rickhouse-before-it-goes-dark/

 

 

NFL Hall of Famer Jared Allen launches Bourbon

Former American football player Jared Allen shares his journey into the spirits industry with Full Ryde Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/nfl-hall-of-famer-jared-allen-launches-bourbon/

 

 

10 Things The Bible Actually Says About Alcohol And Drinking

Whether you’re skipping drinks this month or savoring a glass with dinner, the Bible’s take on alcohol is probably more reasonable than you expect.

https://www.thequeenzone.com/10-things-the-bible-actually-says-about-alcohol-and-drinking/

 

 

Bogle Family Vineyards Introduces Chenin Blanc & Riesling Varietals to National Wine Portfolio

Bogle 2025 Chenin Blanc and the Bogle 2025 Riesling. Produced from Bogle’s estate vineyards in Northern California’s Clarksburg AVA, the inaugural national releases of the Chenin Blanc and Riesling will be available at select retailers nationwide beginning March 2026, each with a suggested retail price of $11.

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/04/bogle-family-vineyards-introduces-chenin-blanc-riesling-varietals-to-national-wine-portfolio/

 

 

Wine Harks Back to the USSR

The current state of the wine industry displays some interesting parallels with late Soviet-era winemaking.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/wine-harks-back-to-the-ussr

 

 

Santiago Marone Cinzano: ‘my generation wants wines that are ready to drink’

Generation Z want wines that are ready to drink now, rather than waiting for years, according to Santiago Marone Cinzano, the 10th generation member from the famous vermouth family who is forging his own way of making top quality Brunello di Montalcino. Arabella Mileham reports.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/santiago-marone-cinzano-my-generation-wants-wines-that-are-ready-to-drink/

 

 

Kansas City may ban tiny booze bottles to fight crime.

Businesses say those aren’t the problem

https://www.kcur.org/news/2026-03-03/kansas-city-tiny-bottle-ban-ordinance

 

 

7 Pet-Friendly Lodi Wineries Where Your Four-Legged Friend is Always Welcome

Planning a wine country escape but can’t bear to leave your dog behind? In Lodi, you don’t have to choose between great wine and quality time with your furry friend.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/7-Pet-Friendly-Lodi-Wineries-Where-Your-Four-Legged-Friend-is-Always-Welcome

 

 

New Whiskey

• Grain & Barrel Spirits’ Chicken Cock Whiskey has revamped its core portfolio, adding a new wheated Bourbon, which replaces the brand’s Small Batch Bourbon. The new whiskey is bottled at 47% abv, aged for at least five years, and is distilled from a mash of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. Chicken Cock Wheated Bourbon is positioned at $55 a 750-ml. and is now rolling out across the U.S.

 

How to Open an Old Bottle of Wine, According to a Sommelier

Wine director Drew Brady likens a 30-year-old cork to a 30-year-old person. Bodies, like corks, can feel physically sound when suddenly a moment of fragility comes along.

https://vinepair.com/articles/how-to-open-old-wine-bottle/

 

 

EU gives stamp of approval to Rioja’s viñedos singulares

The EU has approved Rioja’s new geographical indication of viñedos singulares, the smaller geographical units that highlight terroir, following changes introduced by the Consejo Regulador (DOCa) over the last few years.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/eu-gives-stamp-of-approval-to-riojas-vinedos-singulars/

 

 

Virginia’s Most Prominent Winery Sold

Barboursville to change ownership but maintain continuity

https://dmwineline.substack.com/p/virginias-most-prominent-winery-sold

 

 

Introducing New ButterZero, Non-Alcoholic Wines by Butter

Butter Wines introduces a premium alcohol-removed wine, bringing its great-taste-first focus to the growing non-alcoholic wine category

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2026/03/03/introducing-new-butterzero-non-alcoholic-wines-by-butter/

 

 

The Most Wanted Bourbons of 2026

This year’s search for the most popular bottles in the world starts in Kentucky, where things are not as rosy they once were.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/the-most-wanted-bourbons-of-2026

 

 

The 10 Most Important Cocktails of the 21st Century

The first quarter of this century has seen the birth and rebirth of literally thousands of cocktails, more than any other period in history.

https://vinepair.com/articles/most-important-cocktails-21st-century/

 

 

Johnnie Walker introduces Black Cask

Diageo has debuted Black Cask, a permanent product innovation from Johnnie Walker that seeks to bridge the gap between Scotch and Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/02/johnnie-walker-introduces-black-cask/

 

 

Are RTDs a beacon of hope for the spirits industry?

While most drinks categories are suffering from downturns, RTDs are bucking the trend thanks to their convenience and experimentation.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-rtds-a-beacon-of-hope-for-the-spirits-industry/

 

 

Anatomy of Wine’s Triple Crisis

The identity of wine has changed dramatically in the last 100 years. No wonder the wine business has changed, too. Here’s that excerpt from Wine Wars II.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/03/triple-crisis/

 

 

Cava’s apex expands as five new Paraje Calificado wines approved

Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture has ratified five additional single estate Cavas at the highest rung of the appellation’s hierarchy. The decision brings the total number of Paraje Calificado wines to 15 and confirms the category’s full organic status from the 2025 harvest.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/cavas-apex-expands-as-five-new-paraje-calificado-wines-approved/

 

 

Terroir Terror in the Loire

Bureaucrats are adding to the woes of Loire winemakers by banning the use of a treasured geographical indicator.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/terroir-terror-in-the-loire

 

 

11 Beers With Pretty Gross Origin Stories

One description rarely mentioned alongside America’s favorite brew is “gross.” Yet, here we are.

https://www.thetakeout.com/2115865/beers-with-gross-origin-stories/

 

New Makers

• Maker’s Mark, part of the Suntory Global Spirits range, is unveiling the 2026 release of its Wood Finishing Series: The Stewards Release. According to the company, the new entry was “inspired by the distillery’s operations teams who guide the Bourbon’s journey from first fermentation to final bottling.” The Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing Series includes novel expressions made using a wood stave finishing technique that Suntory says amplifies the distinctive characteristics of the Bourbon. The Stewards Release will be delivered in two batches: one at 59.4% abv, and the other at 56.65% abv. Both will retail at around $75. Maker’s Mark was roughly flat at 2.25 million cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

 

Huge Fake Wine Seizure in Italy

With exploitation, human trafficking and fraudulent wine, this week’s news roundup reads more like a police blotter.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/huge-fake-wine-seizure-in-italy

 

 

Russians destroy historic 19th-century Ukrainian winery

The winery was originally founded 130 years ago by a Russian prince and, while changing hands several times over the years (including being collectivized during the Soviet Era), it was actively producing wine up until the full Russian invasion of the country on 24 February, 2022.

https://www.hudin.com/russians-destroy-historic-19th-century-ukrainian-winery/

 

 

The Science Is In: What Really Causes Wine Headaches

Thanks to new research about quercetin, the list of culprits in wine falls into three primary categories: tannins, biogenic amines (BAs), and alcohol.

https://www.alcoholprofessor.com/blog-posts/what-really-causes-wine-headaches\\

 

 

Is it best to consume hot or cold water between alcoholic drinks?

The question of whether warm or cold water is better to drink has led to viral discussions online. In the era of zebra-striping, where chasing an alcoholic drink with a soft drink or water is becoming increasingly popular, whether temperature plays a vital role in progressive drinks trends is still up for debate.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/is-it-best-to-consume-hot-or-cold-water-between-alcoholic-drinks/

 

 

US Doubles Down on Bordeaux

Despite fears of tariffs and trade wars, Bordeaux has strengthened its grip on US wine searches.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/us-doubles-down-on-bordeaux

 

 

Sauvignon Blanc vs. Chardonnay

Which White Wine Is Right for You?

https://thewineconcierge.co/blogs/news/sauvignon-blanc-vs-chardonnay-which-white-wine-is-right-for-you

 

 

AI Can’t Taste. Why Do People Let It Pick Their Wine?

Outsourcing your drink order to the robot in your phone has offline implications.

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/ai-sommelier-problem

 

 

What Will a Global Trade Meltdown Mean For Bourbon’s Protected Status?

No matter where you are in the world, if you ask for bourbon, you’re going to get a whiskey produced in the United States under specific rules.

https://vinepair.com/articles/international-trade-chaos-influence-on-bourbon/

 

 

Should you use Prosecco in cocktails?

Prosecco has become a vital ingredient in some of the world’s most popular cocktails, including the Aperol Spritz. But how do producers really feel about their sparkling wines being used in mixology? Sarah Neish finds out.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/716838/

 

 

Shoppers willing to pay nearly 10% more for sustainable products

A global survey from PwC shows shoppers remain committed to sustainability, even as rising bills and inflation reshape spending habits

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/shoppers-will-pay-nearly-10-more-for-sustainable-products/

 

 

Uncle Nearest allegedly hid $20m loan provided by Jay-Z

Kentucky lender Farm Credit Mid-America (FCMA) has accused Uncle Nearest of fraud, alleging that the Tennessee whiskey maker hid a US$20 million loan given to the brand by media mogul Jay-Z.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/uncle-nearest-allegedly-hid-20m-loan-provided-by-jay-z/

 

 

Chicken Cock debuts wheated Bourbon

Grain & Barrel Spirits-owned whiskey brand Chicken Cock has replaced its small batch core range expression with a new wheated Bourbon.

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/chicken-cock-debuts-wheated-bourbon/

 

 

SIP Certified Unveils Brand Makeover

New Website to Help Consumers Find Sustainable Wines

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/315029

 

 

U.S. Wine Industry by the Numbers

If it seems like the number of wines and wineries is always growing it is due in part to the fact that openings are so much more visible than closings. But new wineries enter the market and existing ones exit every year.

https://wineeconomist.com/2026/03/10/numbers-2026/

 

 

Our society has an alcohol problem.

(But not the problem you might think…)

https://www.readbetweenthewines.com/news-updates/our-society-has-an-alcohol-problem-but-not-the-problem-you-might-think/

 

 

Samuel Adams Unveils “Our City. Our Beer.”

Variety Pack Crafted Alongside Derrick White, Garrett Crochet, Julian Edelman and Zdeno Chara

https://www.bostonbeer.com/news/2026/03/samuel-adams-unveils-our-city-our-beer-variety-pack

 

 

Just thinking about tequila, whiskey or wine shifts your mindset

New research

https://theconversation.com/just-thinking-about-tequila-whiskey-or-wine-shifts-your-mindset-new-research-277160

 

 

New Evan

• Heaven Hill has expanded the Evan Williams lineup with a new Blackberry flavored whiskey. The 32.5% abv extension is rolling out across the U.S. now and joins other flavored options from the brand like Honey, Apple, Peach, Cherry, and Fire (cinnamon). The new release carries a suggested price of $15 a 750-ml. Last year, Evan Williams was at approximately 2.9 million cases in the U.S. including flavors, according to Impact Databank.

 

Champagne sales unlikely to rebound in 2026

Following three years of declining shipments of Champagne, it’s hoped that the region will see a turnaround in 2026 – but that’s unlikely with production costs, exchange rates and market conditions as they currently are.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/champagne-sales-unlikely-to-rebound-in-2026/

 

 

World Atlas of Wine returns with ninth edition

The landmark wine reference first published in 1971 will appear in a newly revised ninth edition. Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson MW again collaborate with maps editor Julia Harding MW on the latest version of a book widely regarded as a cornerstone of wine literature.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/03/world-atlas-of-wine-returns-with-ninth-edition/

 

 

Are national drink days creating too much noise at the bar?

With more than 100 alcohol-themed awareness days now crowding the calendar, are these celebrations still worth toasting, or are they just marketing clutter?

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2026/03/are-national-drink-days-creating-too-much-noise-at-the-bar/

 

 

Gallo Extends Fast-Growing Lucky One RTD Into Spiked Iced Tea

Spirit of Gallo’s Lucky One, which reached just under 1 million cases in its first full year on the market in 2025, according to Impact Databank, has extended into spiked iced tea, launching four new flavors across the U.S. The new releases are in Original (Sweet Tea), Half & Half, Peach, and Raspberry flavors and are made with vodka, with each 355-ml. can coming in at 100 calories. They join Lucky One’s original four varieties of lemonade in the brand range.

Lucky One’s Sweet Tea flavor is rolling out in 4-packs of 355-ml. for around $11 and the flavors can be found in the brand’s variety 8-pack, which carries a suggested price of $20. The brand is continuing its partnerships with Best Friends Animal Society and Lifeline Animal Project and in the last year has donated more than $1 million to help rescue dogs find homes.

 

 

The Term ‘Sommelier’ Is Losing All Meaning

When did everybody who’s good at something become a sommelier?

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/wine/is-everyone-a-somm-viewpoint/

 

 

If Gen Z Is Drinking Less, What Does Turning 21 Mean Now?

But with the media’s preoccupation with the idea that Gen Z isn’t drinking, does it really mean anything to turn 21 today?

https://vinepair.com/articles/if-gen-z-is-drinking-less-what-does-turning-21-mean-now/

 

 

Getting Into Biodynamic Wine

Biodynamic wine is a holistic approach to viticulture that goes beyond organic farming, focusing on vineyard ecology, natural cycles, and soil health. In this guide, we explore how biodynamic wines are made, what sets them apart, and how they taste.

https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/biodynamic-wine-guide/

 

 

Alcohol, Health and the New Puritans

A brush with medical professionals has left one wine lover unhappy at being pigeon-holed as an “alcohol user”.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2026/03/alcohol-health-and-the-new-puritans

 

 

Understanding The Standard Pour of Wine

A standard wine pour is 5 ounces. It sounds like a small detail, but that number quietly shapes how you host, how many bottles you need, and how guests experience the wine.

https://communitywineandspirits.com/blogs/news/understanding-the-standard-pour-of-wine

 

 

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

Listen On Our Facebook Page OR On Franklin Radio 102.9 FM

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

And

Saturday at  9:00 am and 01:00PM

Good Pods Top 100 Podcast For Education

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

2025 AND 2026 Tasty Award Winner!

Website

Instagram

Listen On i Tunes

Listen On Soundcloud

Official Merchandise

Review Show Here

Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter

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

http://bit.ly/1q72JV3

Find Us Online

www.franklinliquors.com

Like Us On Facebook

www.facebook.com/franklinliquorsMA

Follow Us On X

www.twitter.com/franklinliquors

Our Latest Specials

Liquor

Liquor Sale Items

Wine

Wine Sale Items

Beer

Beer Sale Items

Beer Keg Information Page

Upcoming Events

Our Education Schedule

Franklin Wine Club 

Wine Explorers wanted!

Over 900 Club Members!

How To attend and join

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

http://www.facebook.com/FranklinwineclubMA

Food And Wine Events

 Our TV Show And Facebook Page

Franklin Liquors Wine Education

Certified Specialist Of Wine-CSW

Certified Specialist Of Spirits-CSS

Society Of Wine Educators

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

French Wine Scholar FWS-(Instructor) Wine Scholar Guild

Quini Certified Educator- QCE (First In USA)

Italian Wine Specialist-IWS*-North American Sommelier Association

Spanish Wine Scholar SWS-Wine Scholar Guild

Oregon Wine Expert OWE-Napa Valley Wine Academy

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

Italian Wine Scholar IWS*-Wine Scholar Guild

SaveSave

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

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

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

 

 

 

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