Here is a summary of the featured stories from the “Liquor Industry News” collection:
Sonoma County’s Historically Early Harvest Sets the Stage for an Exceptional 2026 Vintage Sonoma County experienced an unusually early grape harvest, which growers and producers believe has laid the foundation for an outstanding 2026 wine vintage.
Corona Retains Top Beer Brand Ranking as US Lagers Lose Value Corona Extra has successfully held its position as the world’s most valuable beer brand. Meanwhile, several major traditional U.S. lager brands have experienced notable declines in overall brand value.
Move Over, Champagne: Ultra-Aged American Sparkling Wine Is Here American winemakers are gaining recognition for crafting sophisticated, high-end, and ultra-aged sparkling wines that are beginning to challenge traditional Champagne dominance.
California Loses Nearly 10% of Vineyard Acreage in a Year California’s wine industry faced a sharp contraction, shedding nearly 10% of its total vineyard acreage over the course of a single year amid market shifts and economic pressures.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the curated collection (LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-19-26 by Mark Lenzi / The Wonderful World of Wine):
Liquor Industry News Overview
Source: thewonderfulworldofwine.education
Summary: A weekly compilation highlighting new products, trends, and updates across the liquor and beverage industry.
6 Genius Uses for Wine Corks You Probably Haven’t Thought of Yet
Source: Good Housekeeping (by Wendy Rose Gould)
Summary: Creative and practical household or garden DIY ideas for repurposing leftover wine corks instead of throwing them away.
Why Is Marijuana Regulated More Strictly Than Alcohol, Even Though It Is Safer To Use? (Op-Ed)
Source: Marijuana Moment
Summary: An opinion piece examining the regulatory discrepancies between the cannabis and alcohol industries, noting that cannabis often faces much stricter compliance and tracking standards despite being considered safer to use.
Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria Recipe
Source: Tasting Table
Summary: A seasonal cocktail recipe combining autumn flavors like apple cider with wine/spirits and bubbly for a festive fall drink.
(Note: The curation contains a total of 12 stories focused on wine, industry commentary, DIY tips, and drink recipes.)
As demand for NA beer grows, breweries are giving one of fall’s biggest beer traditions, Oktoberfest, an alcohol-free makeover with new versions of classic märzen.
Can Scotch whisky shake off its old-fashioned image?
The fusty image of Scotch whisky has to change to meet the demands of potential new consumers. Here’s how brands are endeavoring to entice the next generation of drinkers.
What Does It Take to Make Bourbon Ice Cream? We Followed the Process From Barrel to Pint
To make Bourbon Ball ice cream, Graeter’s selects a barrel from New Riff that must be dumped, proofed, bottled, and routed through Ohio’s liquor-control system.
Countries such as India, France, Australia, and Asian nations are growing their whisky offerings. But what exactly is drawing drinkers back for repeat purchases?
Wineries have long-since scratched their heads over how to win round the wayward, increasingly sober Gen Z, but the answer may lie with an electric-blue bottle reminiscent of a fruity vape flavour. This is Echo Falls Blue Raspberry, which went viral and sold out before its official release. “It launched us back into the conversation,” its brand manager tells db.
Natural wine has captured the imagination of younger drinkers in a way organic wine has struggled to match. After 40 years championing organic viticulture, Vintage Roots co-founders Lance Pigott and Neil Palmer tell the drinks business why they think one movement has proved easier to sell than the other.
We Asked 11 Bartenders: What’s the Best Rye for Beginners?
Unlike the approachable sweet vanilla and caramel flavors of corn-based bourbon, rye whiskey’s unique base delivers a distinct spice note that might turn off some first-timers
How to Prevent Humidity From Damaging Your Wine Cellar
Taking care to ensure good environmental conditions is an absolute must if maintaining a pristine collection of banked vintages is to be expected, since care, patience, and investment of money must all be considered.
One of those chats has just been made available, a somewhat lengthy chat that I was invited to have on The Wonderful World of Wine podcast, hosted by Mark Lenzi and Kim Simone.
China imported 11% less wine by volume in the first half of 2026 as the country’s long-term decline in imported wine consumption continued. However, the value of shipments edged higher as the market shifted away from cheaper wines towards more selective purchasing.
What US winemakers don’t have to tell UK consumers
A UK-US wine agreement formally published by the British Government on 30 September has laid bare the extent to which winemaking techniques can remain invisible to consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Diageo has secured a significant court victory over allegations that its Don Julio and Casamigos tequilas were falsely marketed as “100% agave”. A New York federal judge dismissed the lawsuit after finding that the plaintiffs had failed to provide sufficient evidence of widespread adulteration.
With the exception of a few regions in Spain (Priorat, Rioja, Ribera del Duero) and in Greece, the term “old vines” isn’t officially regulated or defined anywhere.
The wine industry in California and around the world is suffering, and I find it heartbreaking that something so deeply human–one of the oldest threads running through civilization–is struggling to survive.
Why becoming a beer sommelier requires ‘passion and discipline’
The Beer Sommelier accreditation, which recognizes advanced expertise in beer styles, brewing processes, sensory evaluation, food pairings, and beer service, continues to grow. db reports.
For the average wine drinker who’s unscrewing a bottle at the end of a long week, the differences between rosé and red wine boil down to a few pinky-red shades.
The number of craft distillers in the US fell by 6.6% in the 12 months to August 2026, while volume and value sales declined for the third year in a row.
Every year, with every new list of the best rye whiskeys, every booze writer out there tries to convince you that this (this!) is finally rye’s time to shine again.
Low-Alcohol Wine Is the New Way to Drink in Moderation
Winemakers are borrowing techniques from the nonalcoholic wine world to make lower-calorie, lower-ABV bottles that still deliver excellent flavor and texture.
Has alcohol really doubled the number of cancer deaths in the US?
The International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research has challenged the findings of a study that suggests alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the US doubled between 1990 and 2023. Sarah Neish reports.
Moët Hennessy, Analog Devices and UC Davis have demonstrated an AI-powered system capable of identifying the chemical signatures associated with a potential wine fault before it would traditionally be detected. The technology could eventually be used to detect vine disease and problems associated with wildfires.
10 Bottles From Mexico to Try Beyond Tequila and Mezcal
Given the country’s sheer diversity of creative influences, it’s no surprise that the world has become increasingly fascinated by what Mexico is pouring.
Crown Royal takes world’s strongest-performing spirit title
Diageo’s Crown Royal whisky has been named the strongest-performing spirit globally, while three Tequila brands grew the fastest in a ranking of the 50 most valuable spirits brands.
Offering alcohol-free beer on tap boosts pub choices while keeping revenues intact, new study shows
Simple changes to pub environments can encourage drinkers to choose alcohol-free options without harming profits, according to new research from the University of York.
This curated Flipboard collection, titled “Liquor Industry News” by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) (curated by Mark Lenzi), contains 19 stories focusing on wine pairing, tasting guides, wine regions, and tips.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the collection:
Pairing Wine With Fall: Explores wine selections suited for cooler autumn weather and cozy evenings by the fireplace.
How Guided Wine Tastings Help Enthusiasts Develop a More Refined Palate: Discusses how structured tastings assist wine lovers in distinguishing flavors, aromas, and characteristics to build a better palate.
Spanish Wine Regions Guide for Every Table: A practical guide to discovering Spanish wine regions and finding the right bottles for everyday dining and conversation.
How to Remove a Broken Wine Cork from the Bottle: Provides helpful tips and practical methods for safely extracting a cork that has snapped or fallen into a wine bottle.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-17-26” collection by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW):
What Happens When Data Centers Come to Wine Country?
Source: Northwest Wine Report (Sean P. Sullivan)
Summary: Explores the land-use conflicts and impacts as tech data centers move into prime agricultural areas like the Columbia Valley, competing with traditional crops such as wine grapes, wheat, and hops.
MGP Ingredients Rebrands to Sempreon
Source: The Spirits Business (Rupert Hohwieler)
Summary: Third-party spirits producer MGP Ingredients is unifying its three underlying businesses under a brand-new corporate name and identity: Sempreon.
USAPA Sounds Alarm Over Youth Alcohol Marketing
Source: The Spirits Business (Miona Madsen)
Summary: The US Alcohol Policy Alliance (Usapa) has raised serious concerns regarding celebrity endorsements and sweet-flavored alcoholic drink collaborations, warning that they could appeal to underage consumers.
The AVA Next Door: Inside Lamorinda’s Wine Country
Source: Diablo Magazine
Summary: A look inside the local wine scene of Lamorinda (Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda), highlighting the unique qualities of this nearby American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-16-26” Flipboard collection:
Rough Times for Wine (by Kevin R. Kosar / Substack)
Highlights ongoing struggles across the wine industry—not just for high-end producers, but even those making bargain wines—as headwinds from weather, changing consumer habits, and market challenges mount.
As Wine Sales Soften, What Will Happen to the World’s Coopers? (Wine Enthusiast)
Examines how declining wine sales are impacting the traditional craft of barrel-making (cooperage). With demand for new wine barrels dropping, artisan family-run cooperages in places like Hungary and France are facing halved production rates, prompting some to pivot or diversify into spirits like Cognac and whiskey.
A Maine Distillery Found a Way to Turn Lobster Shells Into a $30 Bottle of Vodka (Food & Wine)
Explores an innovative sustainability and product development approach in Maine, where a distillery is utilizing the roughly 75% of crustacean waste from the state’s seafood industry to craft a versatile, $30 lobster-shell vodka designed to enhance drinks like Bloody Marys and Dirty Martinis.
Old Forester Is Releasing a $300, 12-Year-Old Bourbon With a Bottle Inspired by the 1950s (Food & Wine)
Details a major upcoming luxury release from Old Forester: a 12-year-old bourbon priced at $300, packaged in a distinctive retro-styled bottle honoring design elements from the 1950s.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-15-26” collection by Mark Lenzi:
The Three-Tier System: Part One: An exploration of the US wine industry’s structure, breaking down what the three-tier system is and why it significantly impacts the current state of the industry.
Cù Bòcan Launches Popcorn-Inspired Whisky: Tomatin Distillery introduced a new experimental single malt whisky under its Cù Bòcan brand, aged and blended to capture the flavor profile of sweet and salty cinema popcorn.
Receivers Close In on Uncle Nearest Sale: Receivers handling the financial restructuring of Tennessee whiskey maker Uncle Nearest are actively in discussions with three potential buyers regarding the acquisition of the company’s remaining US assets.
US Non-Alc Sales Hit $1 Billion in Off-Premise: A milestone report highlighting that off-premise sales of non-alcoholic beverages in the United States have crossed the $1 billion mark, driven by growing consumer demand for alcohol-free alternatives.
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the curated Liquor Industry News (10-14-26) collection on Flipboard:
Religion and the Decline in Alcohol Use (Source: Gallup)
Summary: Examines Gallup data indicating that Americans’ alcohol consumption has reached historic lows, exploring the correlation and underlying reasons behind the cultural shift, including changing religious demographics and habits.
The Best Craft Beers to Drink Instead of America’s Most-Searched Brands (Source: Quartz)
Summary: Provides craft beer alternatives for major mainstream labels (such as Michelob Ultra, Corona, and Guinness), matching them style-for-style with award-winning selections from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF).
Pour a Glass and Open the Door for Come Over October (Source: Grape Experiences)
Summary: Highlights the “Come Over October” initiative, which encourages people to slow down, build community, and share a glass of wine with friends and neighbors amidst busy modern schedules.
What Are Tannins, and Why Do They Matter? (Source: The Drinks Business)
Summary: Breaks down the science of tannins—naturally occurring compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems—explaining how they affect wine structure, texture, aging potential, and food pairings.
Here is a summary of the featured stories from the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-13-26” collection:
The 12 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers and Hop Waters in America for 2026 (Quartz): Highlights the gold- through bronze-medal-winning non-alcoholic beers and hop waters from the 2026 Great American Beer Festival. Notably, Deschutes Brewery’s Super Stoked—a unique low-calorie golden lager built from its own standalone recipe rather than as a de-alcoholized version of an existing full-strength brew—captured a repeat gold medal in the Classic Non-Alcohol Ale or Lager category.
A Virginia Wine Expert Says These Are the Region’s Best Varietals (Northern Virginia Magazine): In celebration of October’s Virginia Wine Month, a regional expert highlights the top-performing grape varietals in the commonwealth. The standout grapes leading Virginia winemaking include Cabernet Franc (the most widely planted red, thriving in the region), Petit Manseng, and Albariño.
7 Chardonnays You Should Try if You Like Big, Oaky Wines (VinePair): A curated guide for wine lovers who appreciate rich, buttery, and oak-forward Chardonnays that still maintain a structural balance of acidity and elegance. Recommended bottles include the Concannon Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay (2024), Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay (2024), and options from Soter Vineyards and Domaine Serene.
Top 10 Wine-Related Baby Names (The Drinks Business): An analysis of decades of birth registrations in England and Wales revealing the most popular wine-inspired baby names. Names like Margaux (ranking highest with over 900 registrations) and Chardonnay lead the pack, while other wine monikers like Sherry, Shiraz, and Brandy also make appearances.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-12-26” collection by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW):
Episode 326 – Drink, Eat And Do With Monique Soltani Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore various topics in the drinks and culinary world, featuring guest Monique Soltani.
Mexico Moves to Certify Wine Origin as Production Grows Mexico’s Institute of Industrial Property and the Mexican Wine Council have signed an agreement to establish a certification mark verifying the origin and authenticity of Mexican wines as domestic production increases.
These Are the Top 3 Gins in the World, According to the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition Producers from Japan, Laos, and Taiwan swept the top gin honors at the 2026 IWSC, highlighting the rapid growth and high quality of the modern craft gin movement in East Asia (including a near-perfect 99-point score).
10 Must-Visit Canadian Whisky Distilleries A curated guide highlighting ten top Canadian whisky distilleries worth visiting for enthusiasts looking to experience the country’s rich distilling heritage.
Additional Industry Highlights & Global Wine/Spirits News The remaining curated articles in the collection cover ongoing updates, trends, tasting notes, and insights into the global wine and spirits market.
Based on the Flipboard collection titled “Liquor Industry News 10-11-26”, here is a summary of the featured stories:
Stop Complaining About “Season Creep” in Craft Beer (by Courtney Iseman / Slate)
Summary: Defends the phenomenon of seasonal beers arriving early on shelves (such as Christmas ales during Oktoberfest), arguing that consumers should embrace the practice if they want the industry to continue innovating and offering diverse, creative flavor profiles.
Common Wine Myths (via CTV News)
Summary: A wine expert dispels widespread misconceptions about wine, encouraging consumers not to overthink their choices and offering a simpler, more accessible approach to enjoying it.
5 Of The Best Wines Of 2026, So Far (by Lindsey Reynolds / Tasting Table)
Summary: Explores top-rated wine selections for 2026 so far, acknowledging that because wine preferences vary wildly from person to person (much like footwear or personal tastes), there is a range of standout bottles highlighted for different palates.
Classic Cocktails That Taste Better With Rye (by DB Kelly / Tasting Table)
Summary: Provides a guide to mixology and classic cocktail recipes, highlighting why substituting standard spirits with spicy, robust rye whiskey can significantly elevate well-known drinks.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News” collection:
Offering Alcohol-Free Beer on Tap Boosts Pub Choices While Keeping Revenues Intact (phys.org): New research demonstrates that making simple changes to pub environments—such as providing alcohol-free beer on tap—encourages customers to choose non-alcoholic alternatives without negatively impacting business profits.
Crown Royal Takes World’s Strongest-Performing Spirit Title (The Spirits Business): Diageo’s Crown Royal whisky has been ranked as the strongest-performing spirit globally, while three Tequila brands experienced the fastest growth in recent industry rankings.
Why Does Drinking Even One Beer Make Me Feel Awful Now? (GQ): An exploration of waning alcohol tolerance among adults as they age, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards reduced drinking and questioning the traditional role of alcohol in adulthood.
9 Champagne Coupes to Spice Up Any Bar Cart (Elle Decor): A curated guide highlighting nine stylish champagne coupes designed to elevate home bar carts and cocktail presentations.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-09-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi:
1. People Still Want Wine at Their Gatherings—but Gathering Is the Challenge
Source: Wine Enthusiast (by Kate Dingwall)
Summary: Survey findings from the “Come Over October” campaign indicate that while consumer desire to enjoy wine during social gatherings remains strong, modern social dynamics—such as changing schedules, inflation, and shifting social habits—make organizing physical gatherings the primary hurdle for wine consumption.
2. English Distillers Challenge Whisky GI
Source: The Spirits Business (by Joe Rogers)
Summary: Two English distillers, including Spirit of Birmingham, have filed a legal challenge against the newly established English Whisky Geographical Indication (GI). The appeal disputes the strict requirement that copper stills must be used to produce single malt whisky, arguing for broader production allowances.
3. 10 Bottles From Mexico to Try Beyond Tequila and Mezcal
Source: VinePair (by Annie Brown Verdin)
Summary: Highlighting the richness of Mexico’s craft spirits scene outside of mainstream tequila and mezcal, this feature showcases alternative traditional spirits and regional distillates (such as sotol, raicilla, bacanora, and Mexican whiskies/rum).
4. A French Appellation Has Died. Who Cares?
Source: Substack
Summary: An analysis discussing the structural issues facing France’s Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) system. It examines the decline and eventual dissolution of lesser-known French wine appellations amidst changing global market demands and consumer preferences.
Here is a summary of the stories from Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News 10-08-26 magazine feed on Flipboard:
1. Trentino Sparkling Wine Exploration
Source: Substack (Tom Hewson)
Summary: An in-depth feature exploring the mountain sparkling wines of Trentino, Italy, following a series covering the Franciacorta region, highlighting the region’s picturesque vineyard landscapes and traditional-method sparkling wines.
2. IWSC Best American Whiskey Award
Source: Food & Wine (Brad Japhe)
Summary: Bardstown Bourbon Company’s limited-release 104-proof bottle ($140) was named the top American whiskey for 2026 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC). The release blends aged bourbon and rye with a unique finishing process that earned it a near-perfect score.
3. Wild Turkey’s $300 Russell’s Reserve Release
Source: Food & Wine (David Thomas Tao)
Summary: Details why the new premium $300 Russell’s Reserve release from Wild Turkey carries a rye-like spicy and earthy profile. The article attributes this distinct flavor to where and how the barrels were aged over more than a decade in specific microclimates across the rickhouses.
4. Rise of Low-Alcohol Wine Trends
Source: Food & Wine
Summary: Examines the growing trend of low-alcohol wines as consumers seek moderate drinking options without completely foregoing wine, highlighting shifts in production methods and market demand.
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-07-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. The Human Cost of Cheap Wine
Source: Substack (Sandra E. Taylor)
Summary: Highlighted by a recent Los Angeles Times investigation, this story examines social equity and labor conditions in the wine industry. It argues that fair treatment and working conditions for agricultural workers are the true measure of sustainability in winemaking—exposing the underlying human cost of low-priced wines.
2. What’s The Difference Between Red Wine And Rosé?
Source: Mashed (Sinéad Cranna)
Summary: An educational breakdown explaining that rosé is not simply a diluted or lighter version of red wine. The article details how skin contact during the initial fermentation process and fundamental winemaking choices determine the distinct characteristics, color, and body of rosé versus red wine.
3. Maker’s Mark Releases First Bourbon Aged with Japanese Mizunara Oak
Source: Food & Wine (Gina Pace)
Summary: Maker’s Mark introduces an experimental new release featuring Japanese Mizunara oak finishing—a highly prized wood in the whiskey world known for imparting unique sandalwood and incense notes. The piece outlines the distillery’s wood-finishing strategy and the details on bottle availability.
4. Future Proof: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Source: The Spirits Business
Summary: An industry profile detailing how Buffalo Trace Distillery is navigating long-term growth, production expansions, and evolving market demands to secure its position and supply for the future.
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (10-06-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Top-Rated Budget Bourbon
World’s Best Bourbon for $25: A bottled-in-bond Kentucky bourbon priced around $25 earned a Gold Outstanding medal and 98 points at the 2026 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), outperforming spirits costing ten to twenty times as much. (Source: Food & Wine)
2. Beer Industry Trends & Highlights
Best Affordable Beers Beyond the Classics: An evaluation of top budget beer brands that punch above their price point, offering quality flavor profiles alternative to standard dive-bar choices like Pabst Blue Ribbon or Miller Lite.(Source: Tasting Table)
3. Innovation & Research
Whisky Making in Space: A joint Scottish-Japanese research initiative involving engineers and researchers is studying the physics and chemical reactions of whisky production in zero-gravity environments. Findings are expected to offer insights into fluid dynamics and potential medical manufacturing applications. (Source: The Spirits Business)
4. Wine Region Profiles
Virginia Wine Documentary: A new documentary highlights Virginia’s growing wine industry, showcasing local winemakers, vineyards, and the region’s evolving reputation in craft wine production. (Source: Alexandria Living Magazine)
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10/05/26) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi:
1. Liquor Industry News & New Products
Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
Summary: An industry update covering new beverage alcohol product launches, market trends, and industry updates compiled by wine and spirits certified specialist Mark C. Lenzi.
2. Our Favorite Cheap Beer Brand Of All Time Was Also The Favorite Of Miners
Source: The Takeout (by Joe Hoeffner)
Summary: A look back at classic budget-friendly American beer brands, exploring how historical working-class staples (such as mining-community favorite beers) continue to hold a nostalgic and appreciated spot alongside the modern craft beer market.
3. One Of America’s Most Beloved Beers Is Also The Worst Tasting Overall
Source: Tasting Table (by Autumn Swiers)
Summary: An analysis examining how one of the most ubiquitous and popular light beers across American tailgates and college campuses regularly ranks poorly in taste rankings, highlighting the divide between mass popularity/affordability and sensory quality.
4. There Are Rules That Distinguish Sparkling Wine From Champagne
Source: Morning Brew
Summary: An overview of the strict regional, legal, and production rules (such as traditional method fermentation and protected designation of origin in France’s Champagne region) that differentiate authentic Champagne from other global sparkling wines.
Producers and retailers can use cork as an indicator of wine quality without pricing themselves out of the mainstream market, according to new data from the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR).
Booker’s and Little Book Just Released Their New 2026 Whiskeys — Including Booker’s 2nd-Ever Rye
The Booker’s release draws on a Noe family tradition of apples, bourbon barrels, and cinnamon, while Little Book brings together whiskey from three generations.
The field blend, a brilliant concept that might be making a comeback
Most vineyard plots are planted with single varieties, and there are good reasons for this. But a few days in Portugal’s Douro make me wonder whether the tradition of field blends is worth revisiting.
Gallup has been tracking the U.S. consumer’s relationship with alcohol since 1939, with the two lowest moments before 2024 coming in 1939 and the mid-1980s.
Your Favorite College Sports Team Might Have Its Own Beer — Here’s Why
Universities and alcohol producers are finding that school-branded drinks can generate revenue while giving alumni and fans something more meaningful to raise on game day.
At one point or another during these three decades, certain styles have bubbled up to the craft beer scene’s forefront as the industry’s darling brews.
Could we be facing a fine wine shortage in two years’ time?
In an interview last week, drinks business Bordeaux correspondent Colin Hay projected a rebalancing of fine wine supply and demand around 2028 – which could mean price rises for blue-chip brands in two years’ time.
Family-run Californian winery up for sale after Canada booze ban
McManis Family Vineyards, a massive 36-year-old Northern California winery known for its organic varietal wines, is selling its main winery and vineyards after exports nosedived amid Canada’s boycott of American alcohol.
Hard Mountain Dew offers US$1 million for Bigfoot sighting
The team behind the alcoholic flavoured malt beverage is offering a US$1 million bounty to anyone who can provide “verified evidence” that Bigfoot exists as it puts the mythical (or real) creature at the heart of its latest campaign.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids releases its first non-alcoholic beer amid decline in alcohol use
More Americans are choosing to stay sober at bars and restaurants, and Lawson’s is the latest Vermont business to get in on the growing trend of offering non-alcoholic products.
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-04-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Quick Trick for Chilling Wine (Southern Living)
Summary: Offers practical guidance on how to chill a bottle of wine down in as little as 15 minutes without relying on the freezer, providing a fast solution when preparing for dinner parties or last-minute gatherings.
2. Advocating for Wine Consumption (Post-Journal)
Summary: A commentary encouraging readers to enjoy a glass of wine with friends or family, framing wine consumption and appreciation as an enjoyable routine to share with loved ones.
Summary: Honig Winery in Napa Valley is introducing detailed ingredient labels (listing simple ingredients like grapes, yeast, and sulfites) on their bottles, sparking discussions around transparency and wine-labeling standards across the industry.
4. How to Serve Sake Like a Pro (Elite Traveler)
Summary: Explores proper sake serving techniques and etiquette, aimed at demystifying traditional Japanese sake service for international drinkers accustomed to standard small ceramic cups.
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (10-03-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
1. 3 of the Best Wineries in Napa Valley to Visit
Source: Quartz (Haley Chamberlain)
Summary: Highlights top wineries to visit in Napa Valley, showcasing destinations that feature unique wine-tasting experiences alongside beautiful scenery—ranging from subterranean wine caves to mountaintop vineyard views.
2. Introducing the Old Vine Registry Seal
Source: Vinography (Alder Yarrow)
Summary: Addresses the ambiguity surrounding terms like “old vines,” “vieilles vignes,” and “vigna vecchia” on wine labels. The article explores the launch of an official Old Vine Registry Seal designed to help consumers identify genuinely historic vineyards.
3. What Really Caused Your Red Wine Hangover?
Source: D Magazine (Ben Reynolds)
Summary: Written by one of Dallas’ top sommeliers, this article looks into the real culprits behind red wine hangovers, shedding light on the role of wine additives like Mega Purple and other manufacturing practices.
4. Machines Are Replacing This Centuries-Old Sparkling Wine Tradition
Source: Food & Wine (Lauren David)
Summary: Discusses how modern automation and machinery are replacing traditional manual practices (such as hand riddling) in the production of traditional-method sparkling wines.
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 326 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Drink, Eat And Do With Monique Soltani In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with broadcast journalist, media personality, and wine expert Monique Soltani. As the […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 325 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Adapting, Judging, and Unlearning Wine with Joe Roberts In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down for an engaging conversation with Joe Roberts, the creative force behind […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 324 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Inside the Mind of a Master Sommelier with Michael Meagher What does it actually take to reach the absolute pinnacle of the wine world? In this powerhouse episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), […]
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 […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 322 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! A Masterclass With Deborah Parker Wong 🍷 Prepare to be inspired! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Mark sit down with one of the most influential figures in […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 321 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina Grab a glass and settle in! This week on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), Kim and Mark are joined by the powerhouse behind Boston’s […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 320 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Unveiling Perfection: Napa’s New Icon with Jayson Hu From a world-class collector to a visionary creator, Jayson Hu is redefining the pinnacle of Napa Valley luxury. In this episode, Kim and Mark sit down with […]
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 […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 318 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass with Carrie Boyle Cheers, wine lovers! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), your hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the incredibly multi-talented […]
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 […]
