This Flipboard magazine “Liquor Industry News 12-26-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi (owner of Franklin Liquors and host of The Wonderful World of Wine), is a collection of articles focusing on current trends, market shifts, and consumer guides for the wine and spirits industry.
This December 25, 2025, edition of Liquor Industry News curated by Mark Lenzi on Flipboard is a specialized roundup focusing on end-of-year trends, holiday spirits, and the evolving economic landscape of the beverage alcohol industry.
As a certified wine and spirits expert (owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts and host of The Wonderful World of Wine), Lenzi’s Christmas edition typically emphasizes celebratory themes and industry forecasts for 2026.
This link is a curated collection of wine and spirits industry articles titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-24-25,” compiled by Mark Lenzi on Flipboard.
Mark Lenzi is the owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts and a highly certified wine and spirits expert (holding titles such as CSW, CSS, and CWAS). He curates these “Liquor Industry News” magazines daily or weekly to track global trends, market reports, and consumer advice.
This Flipboard magazine, titled “Liquor Industry News 12-23-25,” is a curated collection of articles, podcasts, and industry updates compiled by Mark Lenzi. Lenzi is a wine and spirits expert (owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts) who regularly publishes these roundups to help professionals and enthusiasts stay current on market shifts.
The December 23, 2025, edition serves as a year-end review and a guide for the upcoming holiday week. Based on the most recent entries and the curator’s themes for this period, here are the key highlights:
1. Holiday & New Year’s Trends
“All Things Bubbly”: A major focus of this edition is a primer on sparkling wines. This includes educational content on Champagne vs. Prosecco, budget-friendly “editor picks” for New Year’s Eve (starting at $10), and a guide to sparkling wine regions that rival expensive classics.
Holiday Entertaining: The magazine features tips on “festive cocktail upgrades,” such as using simple refrigerator ingredients to make seasonal drinks, and a guide to the 25 cocktails readers loved most in 2025.
2. Industry Market Shifts
The “Premiumization” Normalization: While consumers are still buying high-end spirits, the market is seeing a “normalization” after the massive post-pandemic boom.
Impact of Health Trends: One featured article discusses how GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic) are quietly shifting consumer values toward more selective, health-aware drinking habits.
Gen Z’s Influence: The industry is reacting to younger drinkers who prioritize transparency, “better-for-you” ingredients, and social connections over traditional brand loyalty.
3. Notable News & Regulatory Updates
Kentucky Whiskey Pause: A prominent story discusses an iconic 230-year-old Kentucky distillery that has paused production for a year due to the impact of tariffs and slowing exports.
Excise Tax in Massachusetts: A proposed bill in Massachusetts would create an optional 2% excise tax on alcohol sales in bars and restaurants, a topic of local interest for Lenzi’s primary audience.
Sustainable Packaging: There is coverage of the move away from heavy glass bottles toward alternative packaging to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
4. Product Highlights
Award-Winning Bourbon: The magazine highlights a $150 Bourbon from Indiana (Starlight Japanese Mizunara Reserve) that was named “Best in the World” at the 2025 Top Shelf Awards.
Celebrity Partnerships: News on recent launches, such as Banshee’s partnership with Avril Lavigne for a “Complicated” Pinot Noir.
About the Curator
Mark Lenzi is a highly credentialed expert holding titles such as Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits (CSS). He hosts “The Wonderful World of Wine” (WWW) podcast, and these Flipboard magazines often serve as supplemental reading for his podcast episodes, which recently covered topics like “Holiday Songs Paired with Wine” and “Champagne Trivia.”
This link leads to a Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-22-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi for “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).” It features a collection of articles and media focused on the wine and spirits industry as of late December 2025.
Key content featured in this edition includes:
New Year’s Bubbly: A podcast episode (Episode 305) from The Wonderful World of Wine where hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi discuss Champagne, Prosecco, and other sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve.
Industry Trends & News:
An article from TheStreet discussing an iconic 230-year-old Kentucky whiskey brand that has paused distilling for a year due to tariffs and slowing exports.
A piece from The Hub reflecting on the state of the wine world at the end of 2025.
Consumer Guides:
A list of nine budget-friendly U.S. wine regions that rival more expensive destinations (via Mental Floss).
Editor picks for New Year’s wines starting at $10, including Rosé and Prosecco (via Food & Wine).
Gifts & Gear: A section from Wine Enthusiast focusing on wine accessories and “trimmings” for holiday celebrations.
The page also provides links to previous daily editions of Mark Lenzi’s liquor industry news.
This curated collection by Mark Lenzi for December 21, 2025, provides a snapshot of the current state of the beverage alcohol industry, focusing on market shifts, regulatory updates, and upcoming consumer trends.
The Flipboard magazine “Liquor Industry News 12-20-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi of The Wonderful World of Wine, provides a roundup of recent trends, regulatory updates, and consumer insights in the beverage alcohol sector.
Based on the latest curation for this date, here are the key highlights and stories featured:
Market Trends & Consumer Behavior
The “Premiumization” Shift: Despite economic pressures, there is a continued focus on premium spirits, though some categories are seeing a “normalization” after the post-pandemic boom.
Low-and-No Alcohol Momentum: Articles highlight the continued rise of the non-alcoholic (NA) segment, particularly as consumers prepare for “Dry January.” There is a focus on high-quality NA spirits that mimic the mouthfeel of traditional liquor.
Gen Z Drinking Habits: Insights into how younger legal-drinking-age consumers are prioritizing “better-for-you” ingredients, transparency in labeling, and unique flavor profiles over traditional brand loyalty.
Wine Industry Updates
White Wine Dominance: A notable trend shows white and rosé wines outperforming reds in several global markets, driven by a consumer preference for lighter, “chillable” styles.
Sustainability in Packaging: Coverage of new alternative packaging methods beyond the traditional glass bottle, aimed at reducing the industry’s carbon footprint.
Spirits & Cocktails
Tequila’s Staying Power: Reports indicate that Tequila and Mezcal continue to gain market share in the US, with a particular interest in “Cristalino” and aged expressions.
Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Evolution: The magazine features news on the “next generation” of RTDs—moving from simple malt-based seltzers to high-end, spirit-based canned cocktails.
Regulatory & Industry News
Legislative Watch: Updates on potential tax changes or shipping regulations in various US states that could affect how consumers purchase wine and spirits online.
Industry Awards: Recognition of top-performing brands and “Winery of the Year” announcements for the 2025-2026 season.
About the Curator: Mark Lenzi is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits (CSS). He regularly curates these industry “magazines” to help professionals and enthusiasts stay informed about the rapidly changing alcohol landscape.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-19-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine), features a collection of articles focused on seasonal beverage trends, holiday hosting, and industry insights.
Here is a summary of the featured stories:
Holiday Entertaining & Gift Guides
Best Wines for Holiday Parties: Recommendations include pouring magnums of Saint-Émilion and Soave Classico, along with Champagne, to elevate festive gatherings.
2025 Sparkling Wine Guide: A comprehensive primer on “all things bubbly,” covering essential terms, trivia, and tips for selecting the right sparkling wine for New Year’s toasts.
Festive Cocktail Upgrades: A guide on using simple, everyday refrigerator ingredients to make cocktails look and taste more seasonal.
Spirits & Mixology
The Best Bloody Mary Recipes: Esquire highlights nine expert-backed recipes for this savory classic, emphasizing its popularity as a “hair-of-the-dog” brunch drink and detailing the best ratios for tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish.
Beer & Food Pairings
Beer to Avoid with Hot Wings: An article from Chowhound warns against certain beer styles that may clash with or overwhelm the spice of hot wings, suggesting better alternatives for a balanced pairing.
Industry & Cultural Perspectives
Wine’s Brighter Future: Author Jon Bonné discusses “The Seven Percenters” and how certain movements in the wine world are attempting to bring back missing elements of character and trail-blazing spirit to the industry.
The magazine is part of a daily series curated by Lenzi that explores the intersection of wine culture, industry news, and consumer tips.
The provided link leads to a Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-18-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi for The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).
The collection features several articles from December 18, 2025, covering wine industry controversies, sustainability, regional guides, and festive tips:
San Francisco Wine Competition Controversy: The San Francisco International Wine Competition is facing allegations of including Russian wines, which would potentially violate U.S. law.
Sustainability Re-imagined: Dr. Laura Catena of Domaine EdeM is featured for her work in reframing the sustainability debate, focusing on more than just carbon footprint to include broader environmental and social impacts.
Regional Wine Labels: A piece on Alto Adige discusses the linguistic complexities of its labels (Italian vs. German) and how this cultural history defines the region’s unique winemaking identity.
Consumer Guides: * Toscana Wines: A guide identifying 8 of the best red Toscana wines available for under $30.
Festive Cocktails: A recipe and feature for a “Gingerbread White Russian” as part of a holiday cocktail countdown.
Holiday Maintenance Tip: A warning from plumbers regarding a specific “Christmas drink” (likely cream-based or fat-heavy beverages) that should not be poured down the kitchen sink to avoid expensive emergency repairs.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-17-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi of The Wonderful World of Wine, features a collection of articles highlighting current trends in the wine and spirits sectors.
Here is a summary of the key stories from the December 17, 2025, edition:
Wine Market Trends
Shift Toward Lighter Styles: Consumers are increasingly moving away from heavy, “classic” wine styles in favor of fruit-forward, aromatic, and expressive wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Gen Z’s Impact: Data indicates that Gen Z is rewriting the wine industry’s rules. They prioritize transparency, values-focused brands, and lighter styles. Their preference for tasting rooms emphasizes social connection over traditional wine-tasting formalities.
The Need for Advertising: One featured article argues that the wine industry must “go to the mattresses” and invest heavily in broad-scale advertising to pull itself out of a current market slump.
Spirit & Cocktail News
New Product Launch: Stoli Group has introduced Stoli Halapeño Pepper, a flavored vodka specifically designed to enhance Bloody Mary cocktails.
Scotch for Beginners: Experts and bartenders suggest that the common misconception of Scotch being exclusively “smoke bombs” is fading. Recommendations are provided for entry-level Scotch whiskies to help newcomers enter the category in 2025.
Health & Science
Alcohol Metabolism: An article from Women’s Health explores how hormonal fluctuations—specifically during the luteal phase—can change how a woman’s body metabolizes alcohol, causing a single glass of wine to feel more potent at certain times of the month.
The “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-16-25” magazine on Flipboard, curated by “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW),” includes several recent stories covering various aspects of the liquor and wine industry.
Key topics in the collection include:
Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Trends: There is a rise in consumer and producer interest in dealcoholised and low-alcohol wines, although uncertainties about the market remain. Additionally, there is a recipe for a Non-Alcoholic Mojito, highlighting the growing non-alcoholic beverage segment.
Impact of Health/Weight Loss Drugs: The article “‘The role of Ozempic isn’t just about reduced consumption, it’s about a shift in values’” suggests that weight loss medications are quietly influencing how and why people drink, leading to a more selective and health-aware future for alcohol consumption.
Wine Tourism: A global report indicates that wine tourism drives up to 28% of revenue for small wineries, marking it as a key factor for the global wine industry.
Market Rivals and History:
Americans are increasingly hearing about a “surprising rival to Champagne”: English sparkling wine.
A story discusses The Accidental Origin of One of History’s Best Rye Whiskeys.
From medieval monastic labour to papal vineyards, the Catholic Church played a pivotal role in shaping how we understand wine, land and terroir, writes Kathleen Willcox. Today’s winemakers are the inheritors of that legacy, but who will protect it as monastic influence fades?
There is now a language for describing the aromas of weed, much like wine
A new lexicon aims to capture the different varieties of cannabis, just as familiar descriptors are used to identify a bottle of wine for varying consumer preferences
The Top 10 Wines to Add to Your Collection, According to Buyers
Which bottles would sommeliers and wine buyers add to their own wine cellars for aging? From Barolo and Burgundy to Riesling and Chenin Blanc, here are their picks
Prosecco DOC: the first tricolor bands on the bottles of the world’s most popular Italian wine
Starting today, Prosecco DOC bottles will feature the new state seal with the Italian tricolor. The most widely consumed Italian wine in the world was the first to apply the new security seals
Which US states limited alcohol sales over Thanksgiving?
Many states in the US still adhere to centuries-old ‘blue laws’ that restrict or ban the sale of alcoholic beverages over major holidays including Thanksgiving. But a tangle of different sub-rules makes it a minefield for drinks companies to navigate.
Indianapolis-based company Amoon Spirits has launched a vodka with a bottle featuring a patented Vortex Control Unit (VCU) system that can be controlled with an app.
Diageo-owned Smirnoff has reprised its ‘We Do Game Days’ campaign for its fifth season as the official vodka sponsor of the National Football League (NFL).
Proposed Bill Would Increase Excise Tax On Alcohol Sales In Massachusetts
A newly proposed bill would create an optional 2% excise tax on the sale of alcohol in Massachusetts bars, restaurants, and liquor stores. The funds would be used for addiction and recovery programs for participating municipalities.
Balcarce: what you need to know about Argentina’s fledgling wine region
If you’ve never heard of Balcarce in Argentina as a wine producing region, you’re probably in good company. But Sebastian Perez Companc of Bodega Puerta del Abra is hoping to change all that as he eyes up international expansion. Arabella Mileham reports.
As the festive season approaches, pubs are offering a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 and Guinness original stout for a lower alcohol pint, but punters are torn. Is it marketing catnip or an insult to the black stuff?
In 2024, Prosecco saw a 17 percent increase in imports to the U.S. compared to the previous year, and now accounts for 31 percent of the total value of Italian wines sold stateside.
Western Spirits’ Bird Dog Whiskey has launched Select Reserve, a new Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The whiskey is bottled at 43% abv and carries a suggested price of $23. The whiskey, according to the company, is meant to be accessible and approachable and a complement to the brand’s line of flavored whiskies. Bird Dog Select Reserve is now available in most markets across the U.S. Last year, Bird Dog was up 7.5% to 285,000 cases, according to Impact Databank.
7 Things You Should Know About Widow Jane, the Beloved Brooklyn-Made Bourbon
The Brooklyn-born brand was founded by Daniel Preston and Vince Oleson with a mission to make bourbon with a distinctly New York spin.
Australia’s wine production climbed 9% in 2025, but the sector faces growing pressure from mounting inventories and declining global consumption, according to new figures from Wine Australia.
Trump Vodka returns after 14-year hiatus with US-made relaunch
Trump Vodka has reopened for pre-orders in the United States, marking a fresh push by the Trump Organisation into the domestic spirits sector. Produced entirely in the US, the brand avoids the rising import tariffs affecting European wines and spirits and enters the market with a renewed patriotic pitch.
How Robert Mondavi Winery is moving with the times
From adopting regenerative organic viticulture to creating a new hospitality centre, while investing in raising brand awareness worldwide, Robert Mondavi Winery is making changes to remain relevant now and in the future.
The definition, according to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) — which regulates spirits in the U.S. and provides standards of identity — is that vodka must be a neutral spirit “without distinctive character, aroma, taste, or color.” It changed slightly in 2020, after years of pushback from distillers who argued the rule didn’t reflect how vodka is actually made or understood.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-14-25” by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) features several recent stories related to the alcohol and wine industry. Key topics include:
Product Releases and Partnerships: Banshee has released a new wine, Complicated Pinot Noir, in partnership with singer Avril Lavigne.
Regulatory Issues: A discussion about the possibility of banning mini-liquor bottles in Connecticut due to littering concerns raised by an environmental group.
Reviews and Recommendations: A review of the best wine openers, tested and rated, as well as a list of five spiked eggnog brands to potentially avoid this winter based on reviews.
Industry Recognition: A Texas winery earned “world-class” recognition, marking a significant first for the state’s wine industry.
Climate Threats: A new study highlights how an “uncontrollable phenomenon” (climate change) is threatening the production of coffee, wine, and chocolate.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-12-25” curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) features several stories related to the alcohol industry and wine, including:
An article discussing the effect of alcohol consumption on medical strokes, suggesting the effect of wine on medical conditions is not all bad.
News about Fowles Wine’s “BatNav” system, which received a $500,000 grant to develop technology with the potential to save millions.
A piece arguing that Misguided USDA Guidelines Regarding Alcohol Need to be Fixed.
A discussion about Magnum Bottles and the effect of bottle size on wine aging and chemistry.
A recipe guide on How to Make the Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned.
A recipe for a No-Added-Sugar Mulled “Wine” (a non-alcoholic mocktail).
The Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-08-25,” curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), is a collection of stories mostly focused on wine and liquor-related topics.
Recent stories featured in the magazine include:
Holiday Hacks: “The Clever Holiday Hack For Hosting In Smaller Spaces” (from chowhound.com).
Wine Tourism: “12 European Small Towns for Wine Lovers” (from worldwildschooling.com) and an article about vineyards and paddling between Montreal and Plattsburgh (from Islands).
Beverage Accessories: “12 Cheap Champagne Flutes To Buy This New Year’s Eve” (from thedailymeal.com).
Pricing: “Alcohol prices in Europe: Which countries are the most expensive?” (from Euronews).
Wine Recommendations: “This $22 California Red Is the Perfect Wine to Bring to Any Holiday Party” (from Parade Magazine).
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-07-25” curated by “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” features recent stories in the liquor and wine industry.
The most recent stories included in this collection are:
Boxed Wine: News about a new boxed wine made from 100% Texas grapes.
Wine Gift Suggestions: An article by Anthony Gismondi offering wine suggestions for holiday gifting.
Mulled Wine: An explanation of “5 Reasons Why Mulled Wine Gets You Drunk Faster.”
Batch Cocktail Mistake: An expert-approved fix for a common mistake that “ruins” batch cocktails.
Alternative Wine Packaging: A story about a California winery that “bottles wine without a bottle at all.”
Limoncello Trend: South Australian distillers are capitalizing on a growing interest in limoncello.
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 ( […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 308 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Talking Whiskey With Colonel Craig Duncan Grab a glass 🥃 and join us for a very special episode as Kim and Mark take their first deep dive into the world of whiskey! We're thrilled to […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 307 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 306 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you! A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake Join hosts Kim and Mark on as they uncork a fantastic conversation with acclaimed Irish wine author, Raymond Blake. In this spirited episode, Raymond takes us […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 305 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! All Things Bubbly For New Years Bubbly Bonanza! 🍾 Join your hosts, the effervescent Kim, the Bubbly Queen, and Mark, for the last show of 2025, where they pop the cork on a year of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 304 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Holiday/Christmas Songs Paired With Wine Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! Get ready to deck the halls and pour the wine with hosts Kim and Mark in this festive holiday special of The Wonderful World of […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 303 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Get ready for a Thanksgiving episode that's anything but ordinary! The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) hosts Kim and Mark are celebrating a classic: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving! Ever wondered what wine […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 302 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! The Umami King Tim Hanni MW Join hosts Kim and Mark as they welcome a true icon of the wine world: Master of Wine (MW)Tim Hanni. Tim, the first American to earn the prestigious MW […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 301 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Kiana Keys-The Unpolished Grape On this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine(WWW), Kim and Mark sit down with Kiana Keys, author of Unpolished Grape 101-The Basics of WineAnd Little Black Book of Food + […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 300 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Celebrating Our 300th Episode With Len Presutti A lot can happen in 300 episodes. Kim and Mark, the hosts of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), celebrate this incredible milestone with their good friend and […]
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 299 Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you! Vino Therapy With Kelly Lewis Kim and Mark of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) welcome the visionary Kelly Lewis to the show to uncork the secrets of vino therapy. The founder of the first-ever […]
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