Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (09-01-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. When to Send Back the Last Glass of Wine
Source: Food & Wine (by Kelly Magyarics)
Summary: The last glass poured from an open bottle sold by-the-glass at a restaurant or bar should taste as fresh as the first, but oxidized or stale wine is a common issue. This article breaks down how to identify when a lingering bottle has spoiled and offers practical advice on how to politely send it back to get a fresh pour.
2. Early Harvest & Industry Challenges in Lodi
Source: CBS News (by Carmela Karcher)
Summary: Grape growers in Lodi, California, report an unprecedented harvest season starting weeks ahead of schedule, with some picking beginning as early as late July. The early harvest comes as the broader wine industry continues to navigate economic and climate-related pressures.
3. Redesigning Wine Tech Sheets at Tablas Creek
Source: Tablas Creek Blog (by Ian Consoli / Samantha Naylor)
Summary: A reflective piece by a marketing intern at Tablas Creek Vineyard exploring how the winery re-imagined and modernized its technical spec sheets to better communicate wine details to consumers, distributors, and trade professionals.
4. Bourbon Cocktails Showcase
Source: Food & Wine
Summary: A roundup featuring 29 bourbon cocktail recipes, highlighting versatile drink preparations ranging from ice-cold mint juleps for warm weather to hot toddies and warm cocktails.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (08-31-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. Podcast & Special Features
The Wonderful World of Wine (Episode 323): Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy with Jennifer Martin Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore the intersection of destination weddings, Italian wine selection, and navigating Italian culture and language.
2. Spirits & Whiskey Industry News
Grain Profiles in Whiskey Making (Substack – The Spirits Journal) An in-depth look at Cereal Choices: How Grain Type Shapes Whisk(e)y, detailing how grain chemistry (barley, corn, and rye) and processing directly influence final flavor profiles beyond acting as raw starch sources.
Angel’s Envy Cask Experiment Review (Robb Report) A taste-test review of Angel’s Envy’s latest release—a bourbon finished in both stout and Amburana casks—describing the experimental blend as a misfire that results in a very unusual flavor profile.
Top-Selling Bourbon Retains Market Lead (Mashed) A feature analyzing the brand strategy and long-term consistency of the world’s best-selling bourbon brand and how it maintains its dominant global position year after year.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News 08-28-26 magazine collection on Flipboard:
Key Stories & Headlines
Sangria vs. Tinto de Verano: Which to Sip? (bullagastrobar.com) Compares two iconic Spanish summer wine drinks, exploring the differences between fruit-infused Sangria and the simpler, refreshing combination of red wine and carbonated soda (Tinto de Verano).
“Tasting Enough Wines” Will Not Make One an Expert, Research Shows (thedrinksbusiness.com) Highlights a new intelligence study debunking the common assumption that volume drinking or simply tasting a vast number of wines makes someone a wine connoisseur.
Redwood Empire Unveils “The Hyperion” Limited-Edition Blend (thespiritsbusiness.com) Details California-based Redwood Empire’s latest limited release: a unique, one-off blend featuring four distinct whiskey styles, including the brand’s own single malt.
Wine and Health: Dr. Laura Catena on the Science Behind Moderate Drinking (falstaff.com) Features insight from physician and vintner Dr. Laura Catena examining the scientific perspective and physiological research around moderate wine consumption.
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-26-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
Health & Wine: We Asked Cardiologists: Is Red Wine Still Good For Your Heart? (Delish) Cardiologists clarify that while moderate alcohol consumption can fit into an overall balanced lifestyle, red wine should not be relied upon or treated as heart medicine.
Product Innovation & RTDs: BuzzBallz Turns Pop-Tarts into RTDs (The Spirits Business) Sazerac-owned ready-to-drink (RTD) brand BuzzBallz has partnered with Pop-Tarts to release two limited-edition toaster-pastry-flavored cocktail drinks.
Consumer Trends: The Most Sought-After Beers in Each US State (The Drinks Business) A new data-driven map ranks the most popular and sought-after beer brands across every U.S. state, highlighting regional sales shifts and emerging craft trends.
Wine Region Spotlight: Check Out My Gravel Pit: Why The Rocks is on the Ascent (The Drinks Business) An exploration of “The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater” wine region, detailing how its unique rocky, gravelly terroir is driving high ratings and growing acclaim for its Syrah and other varietals.
Here is a summary of the main stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-24-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Welcome to the World, Asti Rosato!
Source: Wine, Wit, and Wisdom (Society of Wine Educators)
Summary: The European Union has approved a new style of pink sparkling wine within Italy’s established Asti DOCG classification: Asti Rosato. The regulation allows for two key styles:
Asti Rosato / Asti Spumante Rosato: Produced via second fermentation in bulk tanks/autoclaves (Charmat/Martinotti method) with a minimum 1-month production/aging process.
Asti Metodo Classico Rosato: Produced via traditional bottle fermentation (aged on lees for at least 9 months) using 70%–90% Moscato Bianco blended with 10%–30% Brachetto.
2. What Makes Vermentino So Special?
Source: Substack – The Wine Classroom (Paul Vigna)
Summary: While Vermentino is traditionally associated with Mediterranean regions like Sardinia and Tuscany, East Coast winemakers are increasingly championing the white grape variety. Industry insiders and growers highlight its adaptability, natural acidity, and ability to thrive in warm coastal and mid-Atlantic climates while delivering crisp, fruit-forward flavor profiles.
3. The Tequila Hangover Myth You Can Stop Believing
Source: Tasting Table (Claudia Alarcón)
Summary: Industry experts debunk the long-standing myth that tequila inherently causes worse hangovers than other spirits. Severe hangovers associated with tequila typically stem from consuming cheap, mass-produced mixto tequilas loaded with added sugars, artificial flavorings, and colorings. Distillers and bartenders advise looking for 100% agave, additive-free tequilas meant for sipping rather than shooting to avoid morning-after ill effects.
Here is a summary of the highlighted stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-23-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
1. Can Heavy Metal Help Save Wine? This Festival Thinks So
Source: Food & Wine (by Jesse Koji Fukumoto)
Summary: The Blood of Gods Annual Merrymaking festival is bringing new energy, unconventional programming, and a metal-head edge to the wine world. Sommelier and author André Hueston Mack kicked off the event’s panel discussions with the bold declaration to “burn it all down,” advocating for breaking traditional wine elite stereotypes to attract younger, new generations of wine drinkers.
2. This Kentucky Liquor Store Might Be The Best-Kept Secret On The Bourbon Trail
Source: Southern Living (by Melinda Salchert)
Summary: Highlighting a hidden gem located in Bardstown, Kentucky—the official “Bourbon Capital of the World”—this feature focuses on a local liquor store known for offering insanely affordable pours and rare bourbon finds. It stands out as an unpretentious, must-visit pitstop for enthusiasts touring the Bourbon Trail.
3. How to Make the Best Fall Cocktails
Source: A Lush Life Manual (by Susan L. Schwartz)
Summary: A seasonal guide detailing ten classic and signature autumn cocktails designed for cooler weather. The piece highlights how drink choices shift away from summer’s crisp citrus to richer, darker profiles centered around brown spirits, bitters, smoke, maple, and warming spices. Highlighted drinks include the Boulevardier, Rye Manhattan, Sidecar, Kentucky Hot Toddy, and Irish Coffee.
4. 10 Under-The-Radar Spirits From Around The World Worth Seeking Out
Source: Tasting Table (by Xenia Turner)
Summary: A global tour of unique, regionally celebrated spirits that go beyond standard bar staples. Featured bottles include:
Mekhong (Thailand): A spiced, rum-like distilled spirit made from molasses, rice, and local herbs.
Tsipouro (Greece): A potent pomace brandy deeply rooted in Greek meze culture.
Other hidden gems mentioned include Sotol (Mexico), Singani (Bolivia), Feni (India), Chacha (Georgia), Poitín (Ireland), and Pálinka (Hungary).
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News collection on Flipboard:
1. Market Trends & Demographics
Gallup Poll: U.S. Drinkers Shift Toward Spirits as Beer Declines (The Spirits Business)
Key Findings: Overall U.S. alcohol consumption remains at a record low of 54%. Among those who do drink, preferences are continuing to shift away from beer and toward spirits.
Breakdown: Beer leads slightly with 36% of drinkers, while spirits closely follow at 32% (up 12% over the last decade) and wine holds steady at 30%. Spirits are especially popular among younger adults (ages 18–34) and women (37% preference).
Health Awareness: Over 50% of Americans believe even moderate daily drinking (1–2 drinks) negatively affects health, and 17% reported trying non-alcoholic alternatives in the past year.
2. Spirits & Whiskey Releases
Koopers Whiskey Releases Texas Oak Finished Bourbon (The Spirits Business)
The Product: Texas-based blending house Koopers Whiskey introduced a limited-edition (360 bottles) 8-year-old Bourbon finished in toasted Texas-grown white oak barrels crafted by Standard Cooperage in Blanco, Texas.
Details: Bottled at a barrel proof of 57.4% ABV with a mashbill of 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley. Master blender Troy Kooper designed the release to highlight local Texan white oak character alongside aged MGP bourbon.
3. Ready-To-Drink (RTD) & Cocktails
Is the Tequila in Your Seltzer Any Good? (The Tequila Report)
The Myth vs. Reality: Contrary to popular belief, carbonation does not hide low-quality spirits—it amplifies off-flavors and volatile compounds.
Quality Indicators: Top-quality canned tequila seltzers use 100% agave tequila, display their distillery NOM, and list minimal ingredients without heavy artificial sweeteners or flavorings. High-end seltzers can contain the equivalent of 1.35 to over 2.1 ounces of standard tequila per can.
4. Wine & Regional Highlights
Why Provence Sets the Gold Standard for Rosé (VinePair)
Overview: A deep-dive infographic highlighting the history, climate, and winemaking traditions that made the Provence region of France the global benchmark for crisp, high-quality rosé wine.
The stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (August 21, 2026) Flipboard collection curated by Mark Lenzi highlight new product releases, brand expansions, and industry milestones across spirits and wine:
The News: Bardstown Bourbon Co. (under Lofted Spirits) introduced two new annual whiskeys: the 2026 Discovery and the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish.
Key Details:
The Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (52% ABV) blends 11-year Indiana bourbon, 10-year Indiana rye, and 12-year Kentucky bourbon, finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura distillery in Scotland.
The 2026 Discovery (66.4% ABV) blends 10-year Indiana bourbon with 11-year and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, finished in custom Garryana (Oregon white oak) barrels.
Both bottles retail for $139.99 USD and feature custom label artwork by artist Margaret Archambault.
The News: Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Whisky launched a new limited-edition variant in the US called Torch’d Vanilla.
Key Details:
Bottled at 33% ABV, it blends vanilla, toasted marshmallow, smoky oak, and baking spices with Fireball’s core cinnamon flavor.
Rollout begins in September in two formats: 750ml bottles ($14.99 USD) and 50ml 10-packs ($9.99 USD).
3. Sazerac Expands into Soju with “Dalho”
The News: Sazerac entered the rapidly growing US soju market with the launch of Dalho Soju, featuring a “category-first” 50ml mini format.
Key Details:
Bottled at 17% ABV, Dalho is available in Original, Peach, Strawberry, and Lychee flavors.
Offered in traditional 375ml bottles ($5.99 USD) and 50ml bottles ($0.99 USD / $9.99 10-pack) to lower the barrier for consumers looking to try soju.
4. Seven New Masters of Wine Named (Largest Class Since 2021)
The News: The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) announced seven new Masters of Wine (MW), bringing the total 2026 cohort to 11—the largest intake since 2021—and raising the total number of active MWs globally to 427.
Key Details:
The class includes historic national firsts: Tiago Macena MW becomes Portugal’s first resident MW, and Sue Tolson MW becomes Hungary’s first resident MW.
The newly inducted members are Alice Archer (UK), Owain Hughes (UK), Weiran Liu (China), Gabriella Macari (US), Tiago Macena (Portugal), Jake Skakun (Canada), and Sue Tolson (Hungary).
The Liquor Industry News (08/20/26) magazine edition curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine) covers news, research, and innovation across the wine, beer, and craft beverage industries.
1. Drew Bledsoe on Washington Wine & Doubleback Winery
Source: 425 Magazine (Denise Sakaki)
Summary: Former NFL star quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who founded Walla Walla’s acclaimed Doubleback Winery, has been named the 2026 Honorary Chair for the Auction of Washington Wines. The article highlights Bledsoe’s role in promoting the Pacific Northwest wine industry, his personal journey as a winemaker, and the growth of his regional brand presence—including the Bledsoe Family Winery tasting room in downtown Walla Walla.
2. Sierra Nevada Introduces “Beer Soda” and Low-ABV Innovations
Source: New School Beer + Cider (Ezra Johnson-Greenough)
Summary: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is entering the low-ABV and hybrid beverage space with two major releases:
Go-Two IPA: A 2.8% ABV full-flavored IPA created for drinkers looking to moderate alcohol consumption without switching entirely to non-alcoholic beer.
Shred Beer Soda: A 4.5% ABV citrus-forward beverage inspired by Radlers and classic beer-soda mixes. Launching in a variety pack with Lemon, Orange, Lime Ginger, and Grapefruit flavors, it targets flavor-focused consumers looking for high-refreshment, easy-drinking options.
3. Cognitive Study Links General Intelligence to Wine Knowledge
Source: PsyPost
Summary: A study published in Intelligence & Cognitive Abilities evaluated 525 participants to explore the link between general intelligence (g) and domain-specific knowledge. Findings show that higher IQ scores consistently predict greater factual knowledge about wine, even when controlling for personal drinking habits or whether participants work in the alcohol industry. The study suggests high cognitive ability serves as a driver for acquiring complex, non-academic knowledge.
4. Top Global Cities for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Source: PorchDrinking
Summary: A round-up exploring top global destinations for craft beer lovers, analyzing local brewing traditions and pub cultures. Featured hubs include:
Portland, Oregon: Recognized for pioneering American craft beer and density of microbreweries per capita.
Denver, Colorado: Highlighting the RiNo Art District’s taproom ecosystem and high-altitude brewing chemistry.
Munich & Prague: Praised for deep historical roots, traditional lager production, and beer hall culture.
Brussels & Melbourne: Noted for stylistic variety (Belgian lambics/sours) and creative botanical collaborations.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (08-19-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
Key Stories in the Roundup
How Did G4 Tequila Spend 10 Years Becoming an Overnight Sensation?
Source: Tequila Report (by Jay Baer)
Summary: Details the rise of G4 Tequila into Nielsen’s top 25 best-selling tequila brands in the United States. It highlights the decade-long, deliberate growth strategy and craft production methods behind its recent surge as one of the market’s fastest-growing tequila brands.
Maker’s Mark Announces 2026 Edition of Cellar Aged Bourbon
Source: Food & Wine (by David Thomas Tao)
Summary: Maker’s Mark unveiled the 2026 release of its highly sought-after, allocated Cellar Agedexpression. Notably, this year’s release features the highest percentage of 14-year-old bourbon in the blend to date, marking a continued evolution from their traditional practice of eschewing age statements.
The 12 Best Wine Estates for Tasting Pinot Noir
Source: Time Out (by Richard Holmes)
Summary: A curated guide to top international wine estates specializing in Pinot Noir—often dubbed the “heartbreak grape” due to its delicate, temperamental nature. The feature highlights premier tasting rooms and vineyards around the globe where enthusiasts can experience exceptional expressions of the varietal.
The Next Big Thing in Nonalcoholic Beer: Functional Ingredients
Source: Food & Wine
Summary: Examines the evolving non-alcoholic beverage category, focusing on brewers who are enhancing non-alcoholic beers with functional ingredients (such as adaptogens, electrolytes, and mood-boosting botanicals) to cater to wellness-focused consumers.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-18-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. What Is Rum? Light, Gold, Dark and Sipping, Explained
Source: Kosher Wine Direct
Summary: An introductory guide breaking down the rum category. It highlights that sugarcane is the only universal rule for rum, leaving room for diverse styles across light, gold, dark, and aged sipping rums due to a lack of single protected geographic regions or rigid global aging mandates.
2. Wax on Wine Bottles: Does It Provide an Extra Barrier for Oxygen?
Source: Substack (Jamie Goode)
Summary: An examination of whether sealing wine bottles with wax offers functional oxidation protection or serves purely as aesthetic packaging. Wine writer Jamie Goode explores winemakers’ claims regarding oxygen ingress and bottle aging versus standard capsules.
3. 2026 Price Map: What an Old Fashioned Costs on Average in All 50 U.S. States
Source: VinePair (Stephen Bradley)
Summary: A state-by-state pricing breakdown analyzing the average cost of an Old Fashioned cocktail across America. The piece charts how inflation, regional spirit pricing, and state liquor tax variations affect bar menu prices nationwide.
4. Trump Tariffs Hit US Wine Imports
Source: The Drinks Business
Summary: An industry report analyzing the trade and financial impact of federal tariffs on international wine imported into the United States, highlighting supply chain adjustments, increased costs for distributors, and retail price pressures.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s curated Flipboard collection Liquor Industry News (08-13-26)from The Wonderful World of Wine:
Key Stories & Headlines
1. Crown Royal Partners with Juicy Couture
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Diageo’s Crown Royal has teamed up with Y2K lifestyle brand Juicy Couture to release limited-edition bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits inspired by Crown Royal’s flavored whiskies (Regal Apple, Peach, and Blackberry).
Key Detail: The collaboration supports diversity in the fashion industry through a $75,000 donation to RaiseFashion, funded by 100% of the net proceeds from tracksuit sales.
2. Old Elk Releases 10-Year-Old Whiskey Trio
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Following its acquisition by Ohio-based Middle West Spirits, Colorado whiskey maker Old Elk introduced three high-ABV 10-year-old expressions:
Pricing & Availability: All three bottles are priced at $69.99 (750ml) and distributed nationwide.
3. The “Frozen Pickle Wine” Viral Trend
Source: Sporked
Summary: An analysis of the latest internet drink trend: dropping frozen dill pickle slices into a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc as savory ice cubes.
Takeaway: Evolving from frozen grapes and “spicy Sauvy B” (frozen jalapeño slices in white wine), the trend highlights how consumers embrace low-effort, high-novelty freezer hacks—even if food critics conclude that the brine clash is best kept separate from good wine.
4. How to Grow Wine Without Herbicides
Source: Beyond Organic Wine (Substack)
Summary: Examines sustainable and organic viticulture practices, detailing modern advances in vineyard tools, cover crops, and soil management aimed at eliminating chemical herbicides in favor of regenerative grape growing.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-12-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Copper & Kings Expands Distillery-Exclusive Shipping: Louisville, Kentucky-based brandy producer Copper & Kings announced it is offering nationwide shipping for its distillery-exclusive bottlings, making limited-edition spirits available directly to consumers across the country.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails Gain Ground in Bars: Beyond conquering supermarket retail shelves, ready-to-drink canned and bottled cocktails are increasingly being integrated into on-premise venues and behind bar programs as bars adopt them for speed, consistency, and convenience.
Extreme Heat Forces Early & Nighttime Grape Harvests in Italy: Climate change and scorching temperatures in Italy (specifically the Franciacorta sparkling wine region) are shifting harvest schedules. Vineyards are harvesting grapes up to 10 days earlier than usual and relying on pre-dawn/nighttime picking to protect fruit quality from intense heat.
The Producers Behind Costco’s Kirkland Boxed Wine: An inside look into the sourcing, wineries, and production partnerships behind Costco’s popular and budget-friendly Kirkland Signature boxed wine offerings.
The stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-11-26) collection cover a mix of industry launches, legal developments, and market trends:
1. China’s Top Wine Influencer “Lady Penguin” Faces Smuggling Trial
The Story: The company behind Wang Shenghan (known online as Lady Penguin), China’s prominent wine influencer with over 6 million followers, is set to stand trial in Beijing on September 1, 2026.
Details: Both the corporate entity (Beijing Lady Penguin Wines & Spirits) and an individual are accused of smuggling goods and duty evasion. This marks a dramatic downturn for a digital brand that previously generated up to RMB 350 million ($48M+) in annual sales before facing debt, lawsuits, and declining operations in recent years.
The Story: Startup PourPlays announced the official launch of its interactive “Play–Learn–Win” mobile platform designed to make wine education engaging for new generations of consumers.
Details: The app combines game mechanics (such as pairing challenges and trivia levels) with AI-powered tasting notes, live event integrations, and promotional coupons. It aims to bridge the disconnect between traditional wine marketing and younger, digitally native drinkers.
3. Bota Box Debuts Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a 1.5-Liter Format
The Story: Major boxed wine brand Bota Box launched a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon packaged in a 1.5-liter box (equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles) at a suggested retail price of $20.
Details: Crafted by winemaker Alicia Ysais using select lots from recent Napa vintages, the launch reflects growing industry demand for premium-tier wines packaged in sustainable, eco-friendly alternative formats.
4. A Look Back at Pre-1984 State Drinking Laws in the U.S.
The Story: A historical analysis published by VinePair explores the state-by-state landscape of legal drinking ages prior to the passage of the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
Details: The article highlights how state drinking ages varied widely—ranging from 18 to 21—and examines how the federal government used federal highway funding leverage to standardize the age at 21 nationwide.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-10-26) collection on Flipboard:
Key Stories in this Edition
Liquor Industry News Roundup (thewonderfulworldofwine.education) Curated by wine & spirits educator Mark C. Lenzi, this issue covers industry updates, new beverage releases, regulatory notes, and retail market developments across the wine, spirits, and beer sectors.
How Weight-Loss Medication is Changing Relationships with Alcohol (BBC News) An exploration into an unexpected side effect of popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy): many users report a significant decrease in alcohol cravings and overall consumption alongside their reduced appetite.
Best Champagne for Celebrations: How to Choose (winesfromfrance.com) A practical guide to selecting Champagne for major milestones and events, detailing differences in sweetness levels, grape blends, price points, and serving tips for memorable toasts.
Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter (mexicosolidarity.com) A report detailing Mexico’s dominant milestone as the top global exporter of beer, driven by sustained international demand for Mexican lager brands in major export markets like the United States.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News:
Key Headlines & Summaries
Slovenian Winemakers Face Threat of Not Being Allowed to Sell Wine (The Morning Claret)
Summary: Slovenian winemakers are facing regulatory hurdles and uncertainty following new regional wine legislation, which creates risks around compliance and licensing that could prevent some producers from legally selling their wines.
Cutwater Named Fastest-Growing Alcohol Brand in the U.S. (The Spirits Business)
Summary: Anheuser-Busch InBev’s ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail brand, Cutwater, recorded a 104% growth surge over the past 12 months, making it the fastest-growing alcohol brand in the United States amidst rising consumer demand for premium RTD beverages.
Exploring Eight EU Wine Regions Set to Win Over Drinkers (The Drinks Business)
Summary: Highlighting a recent industry masterclass, this piece explores eight emerging European Union wine regions positioned to gain market share by leveraging strong EU quality assurance standards and evolving consumer preferences.
New Study Finds Alcohol Industry Fails on Nutrition & Ingredient Transparency (Center for Science in the Public Interest / CSPI)
Summary: A report published by health advocacy groups highlights significant gaps in consumer disclosure across major alcoholic beverage manufacturers, arguing that the industry lags behind food and non-alcoholic drinks in disclosing calorie counts, ingredients, and nutritional facts.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News 08-07-26” collection on Flipboard:
How a More Casual Drinker Gets the Most Out of the Fancy Coravin Wine Preserver (Bon Appétit) The author explains how the Coravin wine preservation system helps them keep their sparkling wine carbonated for much longer, allowing them to enjoy summer cocktails at their own pace without wasting bottles as overall alcohol consumption habits trend downwards.
How To Order Wine Like An Expert (Mashed) This piece offers advice on how to confidently navigate a wine list. It provides insights from wine industry veterans on how to tackle ordering wine at a restaurant, emphasizing that sommeliers are there to help guide you rather than intimidate you.
Your Wine Habit Could Be Doing Public Good (Wine Spectator) While most wine lovers focus on what’s inside the bottle, this article highlights the “Cork Collective” and its efforts to recycle corks. The initiative proves that the stoppers themselves can be repurposed and used for the public good.
Are campers a massive untapped market for drinks? (The Drinks Business) This story explores the growing trend of camping and outdoor recreation, asking whether the beverage and liquor industry is missing out on a large, potentially lucrative demographic by not marketing more specifically to campers.
Jinro Soju Retains Title as World’s Best-Selling Spirit South Korea’s Jinro Soju remains the top-selling spirit brand globally, beating out Scotch whiskies, vodka, and rum. The brand moved 94.5 million cases over the past year, marking its 25th consecutive year holding the #1 worldwide spot.
Idaho’s Wine Scene Gains Recognition A feature on Idaho’s growing wine industry highlights 3100 Cellars, the state’s only dedicated sparkling wine house. Located near Boise, the producer is leading the charge in showcasing Idaho as an essential destination for wine enthusiasts.
2026 Great Taste Awards: Only 5 Beers Earn 3 Stars Out of more than 15,000 food and drink entries evaluated at the Great Taste competition, only five beers from four breweries achieved the highest honor of three stars, designating them as “exquisite and extraordinary.”
VinePair’s 30 Best Gins VinePair released its annual roundup reviewing and ranking the top 30 gins, detailing emerging flavor profiles and top-performing distilleries.
Here is a summary of the featured stories from Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-01-26) collection:
1. Portuguese Cork Association Launches “Drink Responsibly” Campaign
Source: PR Newswire / APCOR
Summary: The Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) launched a nationwide US campaign titled “Drink Responsibly. Choose a Bottle with a Natural Cork.” The initiative aims to educate consumers on mindful drinking while raising awareness about the sustainability, quality, and environmental benefits of natural cork closures in wine.
2. Boston Beer Company’s Sun Cruiser Hard Tea
Source: VinePair
Summary: An in-depth look at Sun Cruiser, Boston Beer Company’s alternative hard tea line alongside Twisted Tea. Made with real spirits and tea, the brand focuses on lower-ABV, refreshing offerings with line-ups including Classic Iced Tea and Half & Half (lemonade and iced tea), with plans for line expansions.
3. US Wine Industry & Collective Marketing Challenges
Source: The Drinks Business
Summary: Industry agency leadership warns that while regional wine associations perform strong localized promotion, the broader US wine sector lacks a unified, collective national marketing strategy. Without generic, industry-wide promotional efforts, the US wine market risks losing consumer ground to competing beverage categories.
4. Tsingtao Expands into Irish Whiskey
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: Prominent Chinese brewing giant Tsingtao is diversifying its portfolio beyond beer by partnering with Ireland’s Great Northern Distillery to enter the growing Irish whiskey segment.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 323 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin Get ready for an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and […]
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The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 319 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Digital Marketing With Molly Bossardt In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Molly Bossardt of Bread & Butter Digital Marketing to pull back the […]
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The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 317 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Tariffs, Triumphs, and the Supreme Court: A Conversation with Victor Owen Schwartz In this landmark episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with a true titan of the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 316 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Food Critic to Wine Titan With Meridith May In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with a true powerhouse of the industry: Meridith May. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 315 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sustainability with Sandra Taylor In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark dive deep into the world of sustainable viticulture with special guest Sandra Taylor. As the author of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 314 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with Beth and Patrick Downing, the visionary owners of Franklin, Massachusetts’ own […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 313 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding the Wine Label with Marie Cheslik Ever feel like you need a PhD and a Rosetta Stone just to pick a decent bottle of Cabernet? You aren’t alone. This week on The Wonderful World […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 312 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Parenting, Wine, and Playful Rhymes 🍷 Grab a glass and settle in! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with the witty and insightful Danielle Frank, author […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 311 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! The Liquid Jazz Experience with Inventor Michael Fors In this episode, Kim and Mark dive into the art of aeration with Michael Fors, a Massachusetts-based wine inventor and the creator of The Liquid Jazz Experience. […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 310 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Uncorking a New Way to Learn with Mistral Wine Cards In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Seth Cysewski, the visionary founder and inventor of Mistral […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 309 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Decoding Non-Alcoholic Wine with Rachel Martin Get ready for groundbreaking wine education on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as Kim and Mark host Rachel Martin, the visionary Founder and CEO of Oceano Wines ( […]
