This link is a curated collection of Liquor Industry News on Flipboard, put together by Mark Lenzi from The Wonderful World of Wine. Since it’s curated just ahead of Independence Day weekend, several of the top stories tie into American history and patriotic celebrations.
The standout stories featured in the collection include:
Top 10 Oldest Wineries and Distilleries in the US: A feature looking at the ten oldest beverage-making facilities in the country that are still actively running today.
Champagne on Course for Earliest Harvest Ever: An update on the wine industry showing that following a heavily frost-damaged start to the season and recent intense heatwaves, the Champagne region in France is on track for an unprecedentedly early harvest.
Beer Considered the ‘Most American’ of Drinks: Highlighting newly released polling data and statistics ahead of the July 4th weekend showing that the vast majority of U.S. adults view beer as the ultimate patriotic drink.
Ten Whiskeys for the US 250th Anniversary: A spotlight on ten commemorative American whiskeys—including a special America250 Commemorative Edition from Evan Williams—released to celebrate the country’s milestone anniversary.
The magazine contains 16 stories in total, primarily pulling insights from industry trade publications like The Drinks Business and The Spirits Business.
This Flipboard magazine, curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine), features a collection of recent updates shaking up the beverage world.
Here are the top stories highlighted in that collection:
Are Low-Cal Beers the Next Big Thing? (from Beervana) This piece covers how breweries are shifting their attention toward low-alcohol beers (sitting at or below 3% ABV) as an emerging market trend, leveraging consumer interest in lower-calorie and lighter alternatives.
The No. 1 Nonalcoholic Beer in America (from Food & Wine) Detailing the results of the inaugural North American Nonalcoholic Cup (NANA)—a blind-judged competition that evaluated over 100 alcohol-free options—this story highlights Best Day Brewing’s Wild American Pilsner, which took home the coveted “Best in Show” title.
The Ultimate Champagne Flavor Map (from VinePair) An article featuring an infographic mapping out Champagne flavors. It explores how critical brand recognition and a distinct “estate identity” are for Champagne houses compared to other winemaking regions.
Toast America the Way Thomas Jefferson Intended (from Slate) A historical look at American drinking traditions, diving into how founding figures like Thomas Jefferson approached their wine and spirits.
Here is a summary of the featured stories shared in that liquor industry news collection:
Buffalo Trace’s Prohibition Revival: Buffalo Trace Distillery has revived five historic whiskey brands for its new Prohibition Collection. The unique lineup includes the distillery’s highest-proof rye whiskey in modern history, drawing inspiration from the medical exemptions that allowed legal spirits production during the Prohibition era (1920–1933).
California Grape Labeling Debate: A legislative piece touches on how California can protect local agriculture by ensuring that any wine labeled as “American” is made exclusively with American grapes. The state legislature faces a choice between global beverage corporations and local wine growers regarding iconic labeling rights.
Sazerac’s Expansion: Tom Collins Distilling, an affiliate of Buffalo Trace owner Sazerac, has purchased the former Garrard County Distilling property for $20 million, continuing the massive beverage company’s expansion in Kentucky.
New RTD Flavors: The popular ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail brand, The Finnish Long Drink, is expanding its lineup by exploring a new raspberry flavor.
Mark Lenzi regularly builds these daily roundups to pull together articles focusing on:
Wine & Spirit Trends: Deep dives into rising regions, grape varieties, or changes in how younger generations (like Gen Z) are shifting the drinking culture toward lower-ABV options or earlier hours.
Industry Analysis & Market News: Frequent coverage of how economic changes, distillery expansions, or global trade issues are currently affecting major alcohol brands.
Consumer Guides: Practical advice ranging from wine bottle math and how to read craft beer labels, to identifying high-quality tequilas or finding budget-friendly spirits at major retailers.
This Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 06-29-26”, curated by Mark Lenzi from The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), contains 17 stories covering a mix of alcohol news, cocktail recipes, history, and wine culture.
Several prominent stories are highlighted from the collection:
Liquor Industry News Overview (from thewonderfulworldofwine.education): This serves as the anchor post for the newsletter/roundup, authored by Mark C. Lenzi (who holds multiple industry credentials like CSW, CSS, and FWS). It introduces new products hitting the market and gives an overview of recent developments across the industry.
11 Discontinued Light Beers Your Grandparents Probably Remember (from mashed.com): A nostalgic look back at the history of light beer. While light beers sometimes get a bad rap for being weak, this piece dives into classic, crisp, and refreshing light brews from decades past that have since been phased out.
Kentucky Coffee Is A Bourbon Cocktail That’s Perfect For Brunch (from mashed.com): An alternative to the classic brunch standard. Instead of a Mimosa or a Bloody Mary, this story highlights a unique, bourbon-infused coffee cocktail designed to elevate brunch for whiskey lovers.
Not France, Not Italy — This Underrated Wine Region Has Some Of The World’s Oldest Producing Grape Vines (from islands.com): An exploratory piece focused on an underrated global wine destination. It skips over traditional powerhouses like France and Italy to look at an overlooked region that boasts incredibly deep historical roots and ancient, still-producing vines.
This Flipboard magazine, curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), pulls together 12 stories focusing on cocktails, spirits, wine travel, and industry facts. Here are the highlights from the top stories featured in the collection:
Tequila Pairings: A piece from Tasting Table breaks down the 14 best fruit juices to mix with tequila as the weather warms up, moving beyond standard lime juice to more creative options.
Costco Bourbon Finds: An article from Mashed highlights a budget-friendly, high-quality bourbon option available at Costco that outperforms its price point and rivals more expensive competitors.
The “Czech Tuscany”: A travel and wine feature from Islands introduces readers to an underrated European wine region nicknamed the “Czech Tuscany,” known for its rolling green hills, award-winning wines, and vibrant local culture.
Wine Bottle Math: A helpful guide from Southern Living answers the common question of exactly how many glasses of wine are inside a standard bottle, unpacking standard pour sizes versus typical restaurant servings.
This specific Flipboard link from June 26, 2026, is part of a regular digital magazine curated by industry expert Mark Lenzi (owner of Franklin Liquors and host of The Wonderful World of Wine podcast). He aggregates the most relevant legal, economic, and cultural news impacting the wine, beer, and spirits landscape.
Here is a summary of the top stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (06-25-26) Flipboard collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
The Hottest Gen Z Alcohol Trend Is Drinking Earlier (Food & Wine) Younger consumers are trading late nights at the bar for after-work drinks and earlier bedtimes. Gen Z is favoring post-work spritzes right at 5:00 PM, pre-dinner drinks, or afternoon glasses of wine in the sun, shifting the culture away from closing down bars at 2:00 AM.
The 6 Best Summer Beers, According to Experts (Esquire) A roundup of expert-recommended, ice-cold beers perfect for hot weather, tailoring selections for settings like the beach, golf courses, porches, and backyard campouts.
7 Producers You Should Know to Get Into Rioja (VinePair) An introductory guide to exploring Spain’s famous Rioja region through seven key winemakers. It highlights the versatility of the Tempranillo grape, noting how it goes by various names across different Spanish regions (like Cencibel).
The 32 Best Pinot Noirs for 2026 (VinePair) A curated, comprehensive list tracking the top-rated Pinot Noir wines to drink throughout the year, evaluated by industry experts for quality and profile.
This link takes you to a Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 06-24-26”, curated by Mark Lenzi under his profile The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).
It functions as a digital news round-up featuring around 19 stories tracking the latest trends, profiles, and regulatory updates in the alcohol industry. A few of the prominent articles featured in this edition include:
Orange Wine Making a Comeback: An article by Sandra E. Taylor via Substack diving into the modern resurgence of orange wine—an ancient, skin-contact white wine that is gaining traction for its sustainable production methods.
Buffalo Trace’s “Proof of Concept”: A Wine-Searcher piece highlighting an insider look at Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley’s warehouse of whiskey experiments, specifically looking at a successful trial that made it to print.
The 10 Most Popular American Whiskey Brands (2026): A VinePair industry analysis mapping out how global trade and ongoing tariff wars are reshaping the market landscape for major American whiskey producers.
The Blackberry Whiskey Trend: Another VinePair feature exploring why so many distilleries have suddenly pivoted to producing blackberry-flavored whiskey.
Essentially, it’s a curated hub for anyone wanting a quick snapshot of what’s happening right now across the wine and spirits landscapes.
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s “Liquor Industry News” collection:
Mindful Drinking Podcast: An episode from The Wonderful World of Wine podcast (Episode 318) featuring hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi. They interview Carrie Boyle to discuss “Sip, Sense, and Savor: Unlocking the Mindful Glass,” focusing on mindful wine consumption and tasting practices.
Rethinking Sauternes: A feature from Robb Report suggesting that many wine drinkers are enjoying Sauternes all wrong. The article encourages readers to open up their palates to new possibilities and alternative food pairings for this famous French sweet wine.
Green River Bourbon Upgrades: An article via Inc. Magazine highlighting Green River distilling company, which previously made waves by winning a “World’s Best Bourbon” title with an affordable $35 bottle. The distillery has now released a highly anticipated, upgraded full-proof version of that award-winning whiskey.
The Classic Sherry Cobbler: A piece from Tasting Table providing a spotlight and recipe for the classic Sherry Cobbler cocktail, a historic, refreshing drink making a modern comeback.
Here is a summary of the prominent stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (06-22-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
Why You Should Decant White Wine (Food & Wine) Experts at the 2026 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen challenge the traditional notion that only red wines should breathe. They argue that white wines are far more resilient than people think, and decanting them can significantly open up their aromas and enhance their flavor profiles.
The Best Wine for Fried Chicken Might Surprise You (Food & Wine) While often reserved exclusively for milestones and celebrations, Champagne is highlighted as an incredibly versatile food-pairing wine. Its high acidity and effervescence make it the ultimate match to cut through the richness of crispy, crunchy fried chicken.
John Wayne’s Favorite Whiskey Brand Is Still Beloved Today (Tasting Table) This piece looks at the enduring Hollywood legacy of silver-screen icon John Wayne, diving into his personal liquor preferences and highlighting the specific, classic whiskey brand he famously favored that remains a favorite among enthusiasts today.
13 High-Quality 6-Packs of Beer for Under $10 (Chowhound) A budget-focused roundup that proves you don’t have to break the bank for a great brew. The article identifies thirteen highly rated, widely available six-packs of beer that maintain great quality while staying under the ten-dollar mark.
Here is a summary of the top stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (06-21-26) Flipboard magazine curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
The No. 1 Mistake to Avoid Before Your First Sip of Wine (Food & Wine) Sommelier and wine educator Amanda McCrossin advises wine drinkers to stop reaching for their water glass right before taking their first sip of wine. Doing so can cleanse the palate too harshly or alter the perceived flavor, leading people to judge a wine too early or write it off incorrectly.
West Coast IPAs for Fans of Bitter Hops (The Manual) This piece dives into the bold, aggressive world of West Coast IPAs. Acknowledging that their intense, resinous, and bitter hop profiles aren’t for everyone—often called the “cilantro of the beer world”—it highlights the best options currently on the market for true hopheads.
One of the Best New Tequilas of 2026 (Tasting Table) With an overwhelming number of tequila brands on the shelves, this article highlights a standout new release from a highly popular, established brand that is dominating the market for both shots and high-end cocktails.
Are Four Vats Better Than One? Blade and Bow’s New Bourbon (The Manual) A feature on Blade and Bow’s latest whiskey release, exploring their unique production methods. The story details how their multi-vat blending process shapes the flavor profile and elevates their bourbon line.
Here are summaries of the top stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s liquor industry news roundup:
Why the World Cup is a “Make or Break” Moment for Alcohol (CNN): Major global sporting events are traditionally massive windfalls for the beverage industry. However, brands like Anheuser-Busch InBev are facing a unique hurdle with the upcoming World Cup due to a multi-year global decline in alcohol consumption. The event is seen as a critical test of whether major sports sponsorships can reverse or buffer these sobering consumer trends.
Stemmed vs. Stemless Wine Glasses: Which Style is Best? (Westgarth Wines): A dive into the ongoing debate over glassware. The piece explores the etiquette and practicalities of choosing between elegant stemmed glasses (which prevent your hand from warming the wine) and modern, casual stemless options that are perfect for picnics and relaxed gatherings.
Can You Taste History? We Try George Washington’s Original Beer (NPR): The New York Public Library and Talea Beer Co. teamed up to recreate a “small beer” using a recipe George Washington scrawled in a notebook back in 1757 during the French and Indian War. The article explores how vital beer was to early American armies—serving as a safe hydration source and a caloric staple rather than just a casual barbecue drink.
Why European Wine Brands Struggle in the U.S. Market (The Brand Leader): This piece touches on the marketing, regulatory, and cultural friction that European vineyards encounter when trying to break into America. It breaks down why traditional Old World labeling conventions and regional classifications often fail to connect with U.S. consumers who are accustomed to clear, variety-forward branding.
Here is a summary of the top stories featured in the “Liquor Industry News” collection by The Wonderful World of Wine:
Moving Beyond “Organic” (via Substack / Sandra E Taylor): A comprehensive regional guide focusing on holistic sustainability certifications that are transforming the wine industry from New York to Chile. It highlights how world-class wineries are embracing standards that go far beyond standard organic labeling.
The Ultimate Guide to Pairing Burgers With Wine (via VinePair): An infographic-driven piece demonstrating that burger and wine pairings have evolved beyond a simple “high-low” novelty. As chefs elevate the humble burger patty, matching them with the right wine has become a true culinary craft.
Are Washington Wines ‘Volcanic’? Yes, No, and Maybe. (via Northwest Wine Report / Sean P. Sullivan): An exploration into the growing trend and press surrounding “volcanic wines.” The article dives into the varying definitions of what makes a wine volcanic, specifically looking at whether vines grown in Washington State meet the criteria.
Private Label Preference at Grocery Stores (via Supermarket News): A report indicating that consumers increasingly prefer shopping at grocery stores that offer superior private-label store brands, a trend heavily impacting retail and private-label beverage choices.
This Flipboard collection, curated by Mark Lenzi for The Wonderful World of Wine, features a handful of interesting updates and guides across the wine, beer, and spirits landscape.
Here are the key stories highlighted in this edition:
What is Moscato Wine? A Beginner’s Guide (from moscato.life) An introductory deep-dive into Moscato, highlighting why it is one of the world’s most widely loved wine styles—celebrated for being naturally sweet, aromatic, and approachable for newcomers.
94% of Alcohol-Free Beer Drinkers Also Consume Booze (from thedrinksbusiness.com) New industry research reveals a shifting consumer mindset toward moderation. Instead of cutting out alcohol entirely, the vast majority of people buying low-and-no-alcohol alternatives are “cross-drinking”—using alcohol-free options to pace themselves while still continuing to buy traditional alcoholic drinks.
This Company Has Made Cocktail Ice Affordable and Accessible (from insidehook.com) A profile on drinks veteran Todd Stevenson and his mission to bring premium, clear cocktail ice to everyday consumers. The piece explores how high-quality ice has evolved from a luxury bar staple to an accessible “simple pleasure” at home.
The Best Wines to Bring for Every Kind of Picnic (from wineenthusiast.com) A seasonal guide tailored for outdoor dining, matching distinct wine profiles with various picnic scenarios—ensuring you pair the right bottle with everything from casual park finger foods to more upscale outdoor spreads.
The magazine serves as a quick snapshot of current beverage trends, focusing heavily on how consumer habits around lifestyle, moderation, and home entertaining are evolving.
This Flipboard magazine, curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), pulls together a collection of industry articles focused on recent trends and news.
Here are the standout stories highlighted in this specific mix:
Wine’s Big Bet on Sports Advertising (VinePair): A deep dive into how wine brands are increasingly investing heavily in sports ads. With commercial slots dominated by betting apps and traditional beer brands, the article looks at whether swinging for the fences with sports sponsorship is actually paying off for the wine industry.
Lambrusco Reconsidered (Vero): A feature re-evaluating the classic Italian wine, specifically focusing on a unique dry, sparkling Pet Nat style made from the rare Uva Tosca grape (which tastes remarkably like a crisp sparkling cranberry juice). It makes the case for why modern Lambrusco is highly versatile and works for everyday drinking.
Embracing White Wine Season (Substack – Sandra E. Taylor): Framed as “A Red Drinker’s Guide to the White Wine World,” this piece kicks off from International Drink Chenin Blanc Day to guide fans of heavy red wines into refreshing white alternatives perfect for the summer season.
Garrison Brothers’ Double-Digit Growth (The Spirits Business): Moving slightly outside of wine, this report highlights the commercial success of Texas-based bourbon distiller Garrison Brothers, noting their impressive double-digit growth trajectory across the United States.
This Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (“The Wonderful World of Wine”) highlights several interesting shifts and insider perspectives happening across the wine and spirits landscape.
Here is a breakdown of the key stories featured in the collection:
1. Behind the Scenes of High-End Champagne
The Story: The Making of Champagne’s Most Elusive Prestige Cuvée (from SevenFifty Daily)
What it’s about: This piece explores the concept of the “prestige cuvée”—a Champagne house’s absolute top-tier, flagship wine. It dives into how these elusive wines are crafted in highly limited quantities, focusing on the meticulous production methods and intentional marketing strategies used to signal ultimate rarity and luxury to collectors.
2. Demystifying Retail Wine Buying
The Story: This Is Who Chooses The Wine Selection At Costco (from Mashed)
What it’s about: As one of the largest wine retailers in the world, Costco’s buying power is massive. This article pulls back the curtain on the corporate wine buyers who curate the warehouse selection. It details their decision-making process, including how they decide to stock established third-party brands versus when they choose to develop a new bottle under Costco’s private label, Kirkland Signature, to meet price and quality expectations.
3. Alternative Packaging and Low-Alcohol Trends
The Story: Bag wines, low alc wines, no alc wines. It’s all happening! (from Northwest Wine Report)
What it’s about: Focusing on the Pacific Northwest, this report highlights how modern winemakers are aggressively experimenting to keep up with changing consumer habits. It tracks the rising popularity and premiumization of boxed/bagged wines alongside the booming demand for low-alcohol and completely non-alcoholic wine alternatives.
4. Shaking Up Traditional Etiquette
The Story: 5 Wine Rules That Deserve to Be Broken, According to Sommeliers (from Food & Wine)
What it’s about: Wine culture can sometimes feel intimidating, but top sommeliers are pushing back against rigid traditions. This piece outlines five outdated “rules” of wine drinking—such as strict food pairing guidelines or temperature assumptions—that industry pros say you should happily ignore to enjoy your glass more freel
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 […]
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 […]
