This liquor industry news for December 29, 2025, curated by Mark Lenzi, highlights several key trends and stories focusing on non-alcoholic options, health, and industry insights:
Industry & Product Trends
The Rise of Non-Alcoholic (NA) Sparkling Wines: The news highlights 11 alcohol-free sparkling wines that aim to replicate the “Champagne energy” and complexity of traditional bubbly, making them suitable for holiday celebrations without the alcohol content.
Consumer Regret with NA Brands: Not all non-alcoholic entries are hits; the digest includes a review of a specific NA sparkling wine brand from a well-known producer (Josh Cellars) that missed the mark for reviewers.
Prosecco Mixers: For those drinking traditional spirits, the news features five “unexpected” mixers for Prosecco that offer refreshing alternatives to standard cocktails.
Health & Science
Alcohol and Blood Pressure: A featured article explores the physiological effects of alcohol on blood pressure, specifically addressing whether red wine’s reputation for heart health holds up for those with hypertension.
Global Wine Insights
Beyond the Scores: A story from Marca Chile regarding Viña Santa Sofía emphasizes that while wine scores and points are useful guides for consistency, the true definition of a wine’s quality should be determined by the consumer’s experience in the glass.
Curator Note
The digest is part of “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” series by Mark Lenzi, an industry expert with multiple certifications (CSW, CSS, FWS), aimed at providing a weekly review of trends and news across the liquor and wine sectors.
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 11-26-25” curated by “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” covers several topics in the wine and spirits industry, including:
The Guinness 60/40 Trend: Discussing the use of a 60/40 blend of Guinness 0.0 (non-alcoholic) and original stout as a lower-alcohol option during the festive season.
Prosecco Rankings: A list of “The 20 Best Proseccos to Drink in 2025.”
Emerging Wine Regions: Information on Balcarce, a fledgling wine region in Argentina.
Rum Consumption in the US: An article about the top 10 US states consuming the most rum.
Challenges in the Fine Wine and Spirits Market: An article titled “Tough Times for Fine Wine and Spirits” covering themes like falling consumption, a shift to low- and no-alcohol alternatives, falling prices, and market consolidation.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-25-25” curated by “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” covers several recent topics in the liquor and wine industry, including:
Market Trends: California is noted as the leading US market for both Tequila and American whiskey volume sales. Portugal is highlighted as a leader in global wine consumption.
Wine Culture & History: An article explores the historical influence of the Catholic Church in shaping the concept of terroir (the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced).
Expert Recommendations: The magazine features a list of the “Top 10 Wines to Add to Your Collection” according to buyers, and a “2025 Ultimate Gift Guide” for wine lovers.
Product Deep Dives: There is a piece discussing the chemistry of Port wine, specifically its origins and the fortification process used to stabilize it for shipping.
The “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-24-25” Flipboard magazine features a collection of stories covering various aspects of the wine and spirits industry, with a focus on holiday pairing and spirits awards.
The key stories included are:
Award-Winning Bourbons: News highlights two bourbons receiving top honors:
A $150 bourbon from Indiana was named the “Best in the World” by Top Shelf 2025, judged by experts from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
A widely available and affordable $30 wheated bourbon was named “Best Overall Bourbon” at the New York World Spirit Competition.
Thanksgiving Focus: Multiple pieces center on the upcoming holiday, including a podcast episode on a “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Food And Wine Pairing” and an article about “The One Drink Most Americans Ignore” that is key to a perfect Thanksgiving.
Wine and Spirits Insights: Articles providing deeper industry knowledge, such as how oak barrels (French vs. American) affect the flavor of wine, and an exploration of how Japanese whisky blends tradition and innovation.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-20-25” curated by @MarkLenzi, focusing on “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW),” includes several recent stories covering various aspects of the liquor and wine industry.
The most recent stories featured are:
The Four Reasons Great Wine is Expensive: An article from Karen MacNeil discussing why wine prices are high.
Consumer preference for screw caps versus corks: A piece on the trend and preference for screw caps, particularly in places like Australia.
Elijah Craig releases Bourbon-inspired cologne: News about the Heaven Hill-owned Bourbon brand stepping into the fragrance market with “Char No. 3.”
Nikka celebrates milestone with double release: A story about the Japanese whisky producer marking the 40th anniversary of its Nikka From the Barrel release with a double release.
Putting Sangiovese di Romagna on the Map: News detailing a plan for a new series of maps to promote the underrated Sangiovese wines from Italy’s Romagna region.
The 10 Most Expensive Bordeaux Wines in the World (2025): A report listing the most expensive Bordeaux wines.
The Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-10-25” curated by Mark Lenzi (@MarkLenzi) features several recent stories related to wine, whiskey, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Here are the most recent stories included in the magazine:
10 Old Fashioned Recipes That Prove Less Is More (from FOOD & WINE): Discusses the essentials and subtle changes that enhance the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.
How Oak Gives Wine and Whiskey Their Character (from FOOD & WINE): Explores the transformative role of oak barrels in aging both wine and spirits.
A Sommelier’s Tips for Ordering Wine With Confidence, Even on a Budget (from CNET): Offers advice on selecting a bottle of wine in a restaurant setting without overspending or feeling intimidated.
25 Non-Alcoholic Thanksgiving Drinks Everyone Can Toast To (from immigrantstable.com): Provides recipes for non-alcoholic mocktails suitable for Thanksgiving.
It’s not a wine train — it’s Amtrak. But it takes you to California’s coolest wine region (from sfstandard.com): Highlights using Amtrak to travel to the Paso Robles wine region in California.
Not all joven tequila is equal: Know the difference (from The Manual): Explains the nature and characteristics of Joven tequila.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-07-25” curated by Mark Lenzi contains several stories, including:
Trade and Economics: American whiskey exports have generated $1.3 billion, and the American Whiskey Association (AWA) is pushing the US government to remove trade barriers. The US Supreme Court appears likely to reject most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign goods, which would impact the industry.
Products and Brands: BeatBox Beverages, a ready-to-drink (RTD) brand that started on Shark Tank, has been named “RTD of the Year” and is popular at music festivals.
Wine and Hospitality: There is a discussion on how music helps shape the perfect atmosphere in a wine bar, and a guide on what wine to pair with black truffles.
Health (Grape-related): An article highlights the health benefits of grapes, including their role in skin health.
The linked Flipboard magazine, “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-06-25,” features a collection of recent stories primarily focused on the wine sector of the liquor industry.
Key stories in the magazine include:
Corporate Ownership of Wine Brands: A chart detailing which companies own America’s top wine brands.
Winemaking Techniques: An article discussing whether ‘forest-blend’ barrels are the secret to producing fine wine.
Health and Wine: A piece on the relationship between red wine consumption and acne.
Industry Figures: News about a celebrated San Francisco restaurateur who is quietly building a wine brand.
New Product Development: An announcement that Chianti has been approved to also be produced as a Rosé wine (“Chianti DOP Rosé”).
Champagne Knowledge: An older article explaining the importance of the disgorgement date for Champagne.
The “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 11-05-25” Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi of “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” covers several recent developments in the wine and spirits industry:
Ukraine’s Wine Industry Growth: Approximately 70 new wineries have emerged in Ukraine during the war years, attributed to a significant improvement in legislation.
High-End Spirits in China: Luxury spirits experienced a 28% plunge in sales value in China last year, while the US surpassed China to become the segment’s second-biggest market.
Garda DOC Consortium Regulations: The Garda DOC Consortium approved changes to its production regulations, including provisions for “Low Alcohol” wines and “Crémant.”
New Wine Grape in Japan: Scientists in Japan, specifically at Okayama University of Science, created a new wine grape named Muscat Shiragai, by crossing the wild Shiraga grape with Muscat of Alexandria.
Tips for Cheap Wine: There is an article offering advice on how to improve the taste of a cheap bottle of wine.
Music and Wine: A story is included about “13 Wine Songs.”
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-30-25” curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) focuses on various topics in the liquor and wine industry.
The most recent stories included in the magazine cover:
Wine and Health:
The beneficial effects of moderate wine consumption on blood clotting markers in patients with coronary heart disease (a Greek intervention study).
The short-term health effects of de-alcoholized red wine.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages:
The redefining of non-alcoholic beer, featuring John Mulaney & Years.
Alcohol’s Effects:
An exploration of whether different types of alcohol affect people differently.
Wine and Sports:
The potential for a pairing between fine wine and professional sport, mentioning former American football quarterback Drew Bledsoe.
Whiskey:
A look at the 10 most important American Single Malt Whiskeys ever released.
The linked Flipboard magazine, “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-27-25” by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), is a collection of stories related to the liquor and wine industry.
The most recent stories in the magazine include:
Episode 301-Kiana Keys-The Unpolished Grape: A podcast episode from The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) featuring Kiana Keys.
The Gen Z Beer Trend That Has Some People Freaking Out: An article discussing a recent beer trend popular with Gen Z.
Explore the Heart of Romagna at Sangiovese Wine Festival in Ravenna – Travel And Tour World: A story about a wine festival in Italy.
How Billecart-Salmon became the hospitality industry’s champagne of choice: An article detailing the success of the Billecart-Salmon champagne brand.
Wine scam victim’s warning as fraudsters are jailed: A BBC News story about a win
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-25-25” curated by @MarkLenzi, covers several recent topics in the beverage industry, including:
Craft Beer Trends: The end of the “craft brewery-loving IPA guy” is suggested, with reports of declining craft beer sales and a decreasing focus on highly specific hop and flavor profiles. There is also an article explaining why IPAs and hot wings are a poor food pairing.
Wine: The magazine features a closer look at the world of Mexican wine and lists eight highly-rated Prosecco values from the Veneto region of Italy.
Spirits: Topics include a podcast discussion asserting that bourbon will be “fine,” and a professional bartender’s explanation of common mistakes that cause homemade cocktails to fall flat.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-23-25” curated by Mark Lenzi of “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” covers several recent topics in the alcohol and liquor industry:
Non-Alcoholic Wine: A story discusses the challenges and methods for creating non-alcoholic wine that is considered high-quality enough for fine dining.
Hemp Drinks Lobbying: The alcohol industry is increasing its lobbying efforts on hemp drinks as the U.S. Congress debates a potential ban on THC products.
High-Alcohol Beer: A new Sam Adams beer is mentioned, noting that it is so strong it is illegal to purchase in 15 U.S. states.
Dry Weddings Trend: An article explores the growing trend of couples opting for “dry weddings” (alcohol-free receptions).
Wine History: A historical piece details how Prohibition and the Mexican Revolution influenced the shaping of an iconic California wine family.
Argentinian Wine Exports: Wines of Argentina has launched a global campaign, “The Wine for Now,” as exports to the U.S. and Brazil surge.
The “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-22-25” Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (@MarkLenzi) features several recent stories related to the alcohol industry:
Bartenders Share the Strangest Drink Requests of Their Careers: A piece on unusual cocktail requests, such as a Negroni in a plastic bag or bourbon in a Bloody Mary.
The best breweries in Massachusetts: A guide to the top breweries in Massachusetts, including reader favorites.
Carlsberg creates the world’s smallest beer: Carlsberg has introduced a non-alcoholic beer measuring only twelve millimeters, symbolizing responsible drinking.
Rant: Don’t Stress Over Choosing Your Thanksgiving Wines! An article advising readers not to worry excessively about wine pairings for Thanksgiving dinner.
Diageo could sell Crown Royal site: Diageo responded to rumors that buyers have emerged for its Crown Royal site in Ontario, stating it has not received any offers.
Chianti Classico grows up: A look at how the Chianti Classico wine region is beginning to acknowledge the importance of its diverse geography, starting with the 2021 vintage.
The “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 10-18-25” Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi of “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)” covers several recent stories related to the alcohol industry. Key headlines from the collection include:
Brown-Forman is warning that its goal to double the size of the group will be delayed by “a couple of years longer” due to a Bourbon slump.
The German wine harvest for 2025 is set to increase by 5% over the previous weak crop, with strong gains for Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc.
An explanation of how wine can be described as “floral.”
A doctor discussing the question of whether alcohol can age you prematurely.
News about Chicago wine expert Kiana Keys releasing a new book that “Fashion meets flavor.”
Patriots legend Vince Wilfork teaming up with Samuel Adams for a grilling-themed beer launch.
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