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08-28-26
Posts Tagged ‘Wine Education In Franklin MA’
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August 28, 2026Liquor Industry News 08-27-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 27, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the Liquor Industry News (August 27, 2026) magazine curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Key Stories & Headlines
- Changing Palates (World of Fine Wine)
- Summary: Renowned wine writer Terry Theise, alongside a panel of distinguished wine writers, explores how taste in wine evolves over a person’s lifetime as they grow older.
- Alcohol at the Supreme Court (SCOTUSblog)
- Summary: Kelsey Dallas reviews Supreme Court discussions regarding alcohol law precedents, examining how the justices referenced the Founding Fathers’ drinking habits while considering legal frameworks around substance regulations.
- Rally Dog Vodka Ade Launch (Boston Beer Co.)
- Summary: Boston Beer Company announced Rally Dog™ Vodka Ade, the latest RTD (ready-to-drink) canned cocktail from its innovation incubator, tapping into the rapidly growing vodka-ade category.
- Flavor Trends: From “Swicy” to “Newstalgia” (Craft Beer & Brewing)
- Summary: Author Randy Mosher breaks down emerging flavor profiles for brewers and beverage makers to consider, covering trends such as “swicy” (sweet + spicy) combinations and nostalgic flavor spins (“newstalgia”).
Liquor Industry News 08-26-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 26, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the key stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-26-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
- Health & Wine: We Asked Cardiologists: Is Red Wine Still Good For Your Heart? (Delish)
Cardiologists clarify that while moderate alcohol consumption can fit into an overall balanced lifestyle, red wine should not be relied upon or treated as heart medicine. - Product Innovation & RTDs: BuzzBallz Turns Pop-Tarts into RTDs (The Spirits Business)
Sazerac-owned ready-to-drink (RTD) brand BuzzBallz has partnered with Pop-Tarts to release two limited-edition toaster-pastry-flavored cocktail drinks. - Consumer Trends: The Most Sought-After Beers in Each US State (The Drinks Business)
A new data-driven map ranks the most popular and sought-after beer brands across every U.S. state, highlighting regional sales shifts and emerging craft trends. - Wine Region Spotlight: Check Out My Gravel Pit: Why The Rocks is on the Ascent (The Drinks Business)
An exploration of “The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater” wine region, detailing how its unique rocky, gravelly terroir is driving high ratings and growing acclaim for its Syrah and other varietals.
Liquor Industry News 08-24-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 24, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the main stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-24-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Welcome to the World, Asti Rosato!
- Source: Wine, Wit, and Wisdom (Society of Wine Educators)
- Summary: The European Union has approved a new style of pink sparkling wine within Italy’s established Asti DOCG classification: Asti Rosato. The regulation allows for two key styles:
- Asti Rosato / Asti Spumante Rosato: Produced via second fermentation in bulk tanks/autoclaves (Charmat/Martinotti method) with a minimum 1-month production/aging process.
- Asti Metodo Classico Rosato: Produced via traditional bottle fermentation (aged on lees for at least 9 months) using 70%–90% Moscato Bianco blended with 10%–30% Brachetto.
2. What Makes Vermentino So Special?
- Source: Substack – The Wine Classroom (Paul Vigna)
- Summary: While Vermentino is traditionally associated with Mediterranean regions like Sardinia and Tuscany, East Coast winemakers are increasingly championing the white grape variety. Industry insiders and growers highlight its adaptability, natural acidity, and ability to thrive in warm coastal and mid-Atlantic climates while delivering crisp, fruit-forward flavor profiles.
3. The Tequila Hangover Myth You Can Stop Believing
- Source: Tasting Table (Claudia Alarcón)
- Summary: Industry experts debunk the long-standing myth that tequila inherently causes worse hangovers than other spirits. Severe hangovers associated with tequila typically stem from consuming cheap, mass-produced mixto tequilas loaded with added sugars, artificial flavorings, and colorings. Distillers and bartenders advise looking for 100% agave, additive-free tequilas meant for sipping rather than shooting to avoid morning-after ill effects.
Liquor Industry News 08-23-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 23, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the highlighted stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-23-26) collection curated by The Wonderful World of Wine:
1. Can Heavy Metal Help Save Wine? This Festival Thinks So
- Source: Food & Wine (by Jesse Koji Fukumoto)
- Summary: The Blood of Gods Annual Merrymaking festival is bringing new energy, unconventional programming, and a metal-head edge to the wine world. Sommelier and author André Hueston Mack kicked off the event’s panel discussions with the bold declaration to “burn it all down,” advocating for breaking traditional wine elite stereotypes to attract younger, new generations of wine drinkers.
2. This Kentucky Liquor Store Might Be The Best-Kept Secret On The Bourbon Trail
- Source: Southern Living (by Melinda Salchert)
- Summary: Highlighting a hidden gem located in Bardstown, Kentucky—the official “Bourbon Capital of the World”—this feature focuses on a local liquor store known for offering insanely affordable pours and rare bourbon finds. It stands out as an unpretentious, must-visit pitstop for enthusiasts touring the Bourbon Trail.
3. How to Make the Best Fall Cocktails
- Source: A Lush Life Manual (by Susan L. Schwartz)
- Summary: A seasonal guide detailing ten classic and signature autumn cocktails designed for cooler weather. The piece highlights how drink choices shift away from summer’s crisp citrus to richer, darker profiles centered around brown spirits, bitters, smoke, maple, and warming spices. Highlighted drinks include the Boulevardier, Rye Manhattan, Sidecar, Kentucky Hot Toddy, and Irish Coffee.
4. 10 Under-The-Radar Spirits From Around The World Worth Seeking Out
- Source: Tasting Table (by Xenia Turner)
- Summary: A global tour of unique, regionally celebrated spirits that go beyond standard bar staples. Featured bottles include:
- Mekhong (Thailand): A spiced, rum-like distilled spirit made from molasses, rice, and local herbs.
- Tsipouro (Greece): A potent pomace brandy deeply rooted in Greek meze culture.
- Other hidden gems mentioned include Sotol (Mexico), Singani (Bolivia), Feni (India), Chacha (Georgia), Poitín (Ireland), and Pálinka (Hungary).
Liquor Industry News 08-21-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 21, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
The stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (August 21, 2026) Flipboard collection curated by Mark Lenzi highlight new product releases, brand expansions, and industry milestones across spirits and wine:
1. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Releases Jura Cask & Discovery Expressions
- The News: Bardstown Bourbon Co. (under Lofted Spirits) introduced two new annual whiskeys: the 2026 Discovery and the Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish.
- Key Details:
- The Lochs of Jura Barrel Finish (52% ABV) blends 11-year Indiana bourbon, 10-year Indiana rye, and 12-year Kentucky bourbon, finished for 32 months in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks from the Isle of Jura distillery in Scotland.
- The 2026 Discovery (66.4% ABV) blends 10-year Indiana bourbon with 11-year and 7-year Kentucky bourbons, finished in custom Garryana (Oregon white oak) barrels.
- Both bottles retail for $139.99 USD and feature custom label artwork by artist Margaret Archambault.
2. Fireball Debuts “Torch’d Vanilla” Limited Release
- The News: Sazerac’s Fireball Cinnamon Whisky launched a new limited-edition variant in the US called Torch’d Vanilla.
- Key Details:
- Bottled at 33% ABV, it blends vanilla, toasted marshmallow, smoky oak, and baking spices with Fireball’s core cinnamon flavor.
- Rollout begins in September in two formats: 750ml bottles ($14.99 USD) and 50ml 10-packs ($9.99 USD).
3. Sazerac Expands into Soju with “Dalho”
- The News: Sazerac entered the rapidly growing US soju market with the launch of Dalho Soju, featuring a “category-first” 50ml mini format.
- Key Details:
- Bottled at 17% ABV, Dalho is available in Original, Peach, Strawberry, and Lychee flavors.
- Offered in traditional 375ml bottles ($5.99 USD) and 50ml bottles ($0.99 USD / $9.99 10-pack) to lower the barrier for consumers looking to try soju.
4. Seven New Masters of Wine Named (Largest Class Since 2021)
- The News: The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) announced seven new Masters of Wine (MW), bringing the total 2026 cohort to 11—the largest intake since 2021—and raising the total number of active MWs globally to 427.
- Key Details:
- The class includes historic national firsts: Tiago Macena MW becomes Portugal’s first resident MW, and Sue Tolson MW becomes Hungary’s first resident MW.
- The newly inducted members are Alice Archer (UK), Owain Hughes (UK), Weiran Liu (China), Gabriella Macari (US), Tiago Macena (Portugal), Jake Skakun (Canada), and Sue Tolson (Hungary).
Liquor Industry News 08-18-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 18, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-18-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. What Is Rum? Light, Gold, Dark and Sipping, Explained
- Source: Kosher Wine Direct
- Summary: An introductory guide breaking down the rum category. It highlights that sugarcane is the only universal rule for rum, leaving room for diverse styles across light, gold, dark, and aged sipping rums due to a lack of single protected geographic regions or rigid global aging mandates.
2. Wax on Wine Bottles: Does It Provide an Extra Barrier for Oxygen?
- Source: Substack (Jamie Goode)
- Summary: An examination of whether sealing wine bottles with wax offers functional oxidation protection or serves purely as aesthetic packaging. Wine writer Jamie Goode explores winemakers’ claims regarding oxygen ingress and bottle aging versus standard capsules.
3. 2026 Price Map: What an Old Fashioned Costs on Average in All 50 U.S. States
- Source: VinePair (Stephen Bradley)
- Summary: A state-by-state pricing breakdown analyzing the average cost of an Old Fashioned cocktail across America. The piece charts how inflation, regional spirit pricing, and state liquor tax variations affect bar menu prices nationwide.
4. Trump Tariffs Hit US Wine Imports
- Source: The Drinks Business
- Summary: An industry report analyzing the trade and financial impact of federal tariffs on international wine imported into the United States, highlighting supply chain adjustments, increased costs for distributors, and retail price pressures.
Liquor Industry News 08-15-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 15, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
The Flipboard magazine collection “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 08-15-26” curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine) features articles covering trends, regions, and market developments across spirits, wine, and beer.
Here is a summary of the featured stories in the collection:
1. Want to Drink Rare Bourbons for a Good Price? Try Winning the Lottery
- Source: Wine Enthusiast (by Kristy Alpert)
- Summary: Details how consumers can acquire highly sought-after, rare bourbons (like Pappy Van Winkle or BTAC) at manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP) rather than extreme secondary market markups through state-run or retailer-sponsored liquor lotteries.
2. Vermentino, Explained: The Distinctive Italian White Wine You Should Know
- Source: Food & Wine (by Tom Hyland)
- Summary: Profiles Vermentino, an Italian white wine grape primarily grown in Liguria, Tuscany, and Sardinia. Known for its salinity, coastal influence, herbal notes, and surprising aging potential, it stands out against standard straightforward Italian whites.
3. World Cup Is Gone. Beer’s Summer Blues Remain. Now What?
- Source: VinePair (by Dave Infante)
- Summary: Analyzes the beer industry’s market performance following major summer sports events like the World Cup. It examines how the anticipated sales boost provided temporary relief, but underlying challenges and demand shifts in the beer sector persist.
4. Ancient Areni Reawakens
- Source: Deborah Parker Wong
- Summary: Explores the resurgence and heritage of Areni, an ancient indigenous grape variety from Armenia, highlighting how modern winemakers are reviving historical winemaking traditions and indigenous varietals to bring Armenian wines onto the global stage.
Liquor Industry News 08-13-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 13, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s curated Flipboard collection Liquor Industry News (08-13-26)from The Wonderful World of Wine:
Key Stories & Headlines
1. Crown Royal Partners with Juicy Couture
- Source: The Spirits Business
- Summary: Diageo’s Crown Royal has teamed up with Y2K lifestyle brand Juicy Couture to release limited-edition bottle bags and matching velour tracksuits inspired by Crown Royal’s flavored whiskies (Regal Apple, Peach, and Blackberry).
- Key Detail: The collaboration supports diversity in the fashion industry through a $75,000 donation to RaiseFashion, funded by 100% of the net proceeds from tracksuit sales.
2. Old Elk Releases 10-Year-Old Whiskey Trio
- Source: The Spirits Business
- Summary: Following its acquisition by Ohio-based Middle West Spirits, Colorado whiskey maker Old Elk introduced three high-ABV 10-year-old expressions:
- Straight Bourbon (52.2% ABV): Unique high-barley recipe (51% corn, 34% malted barley, 15% rye).
- Straight Wheat Whiskey (51.5% ABV): 96% wheat and 4% malted barley.
- Wheated Bourbon (52.5% ABV): 51% corn, 46% wheat, and 3% malted barley.
- Pricing & Availability: All three bottles are priced at $69.99 (750ml) and distributed nationwide.
3. The “Frozen Pickle Wine” Viral Trend
- Source: Sporked
- Summary: An analysis of the latest internet drink trend: dropping frozen dill pickle slices into a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc as savory ice cubes.
- Takeaway: Evolving from frozen grapes and “spicy Sauvy B” (frozen jalapeño slices in white wine), the trend highlights how consumers embrace low-effort, high-novelty freezer hacks—even if food critics conclude that the brine clash is best kept separate from good wine.
4. How to Grow Wine Without Herbicides
- Source: Beyond Organic Wine (Substack)
- Summary: Examines sustainable and organic viticulture practices, detailing modern advances in vineyard tools, cover crops, and soil management aimed at eliminating chemical herbicides in favor of regenerative grape growing.
Liquor Industry News 08-12-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 12, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the stories featured in the Liquor Industry News (08-12-26) collection curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
- Copper & Kings Expands Distillery-Exclusive Shipping: Louisville, Kentucky-based brandy producer Copper & Kings announced it is offering nationwide shipping for its distillery-exclusive bottlings, making limited-edition spirits available directly to consumers across the country.
- Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Cocktails Gain Ground in Bars: Beyond conquering supermarket retail shelves, ready-to-drink canned and bottled cocktails are increasingly being integrated into on-premise venues and behind bar programs as bars adopt them for speed, consistency, and convenience.
- Extreme Heat Forces Early & Nighttime Grape Harvests in Italy: Climate change and scorching temperatures in Italy (specifically the Franciacorta sparkling wine region) are shifting harvest schedules. Vineyards are harvesting grapes up to 10 days earlier than usual and relying on pre-dawn/nighttime picking to protect fruit quality from intense heat.
- The Producers Behind Costco’s Kirkland Boxed Wine: An inside look into the sourcing, wineries, and production partnerships behind Costco’s popular and budget-friendly Kirkland Signature boxed wine offerings.
Liquor Industry News 08-11-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 11, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
The stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-11-26) collection cover a mix of industry launches, legal developments, and market trends:
1. China’s Top Wine Influencer “Lady Penguin” Faces Smuggling Trial
- The Story: The company behind Wang Shenghan (known online as Lady Penguin), China’s prominent wine influencer with over 6 million followers, is set to stand trial in Beijing on September 1, 2026.
- Details: Both the corporate entity (Beijing Lady Penguin Wines & Spirits) and an individual are accused of smuggling goods and duty evasion. This marks a dramatic downturn for a digital brand that previously generated up to RMB 350 million ($48M+) in annual sales before facing debt, lawsuits, and declining operations in recent years.
2. PourPlays Launches Gamified Wine Education & Discovery Platform
- The Story: Startup PourPlays announced the official launch of its interactive “Play–Learn–Win” mobile platform designed to make wine education engaging for new generations of consumers.
- Details: The app combines game mechanics (such as pairing challenges and trivia levels) with AI-powered tasting notes, live event integrations, and promotional coupons. It aims to bridge the disconnect between traditional wine marketing and younger, digitally native drinkers.
3. Bota Box Debuts Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in a 1.5-Liter Format
- The Story: Major boxed wine brand Bota Box launched a premium Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon packaged in a 1.5-liter box (equivalent to two standard 750ml bottles) at a suggested retail price of $20.
- Details: Crafted by winemaker Alicia Ysais using select lots from recent Napa vintages, the launch reflects growing industry demand for premium-tier wines packaged in sustainable, eco-friendly alternative formats.
4. A Look Back at Pre-1984 State Drinking Laws in the U.S.
- The Story: A historical analysis published by VinePair explores the state-by-state landscape of legal drinking ages prior to the passage of the 1984 National Minimum Drinking Age Act.
- Details: The article highlights how state drinking ages varied widely—ranging from 18 to 21—and examines how the federal government used federal highway funding leverage to standardize the age at 21 nationwide.
Liquor Industry News 08-10-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 10, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-10-26) collection on Flipboard:
Key Stories in this Edition
- Liquor Industry News Roundup (thewonderfulworldofwine.education)
Curated by wine & spirits educator Mark C. Lenzi, this issue covers industry updates, new beverage releases, regulatory notes, and retail market developments across the wine, spirits, and beer sectors. - How Weight-Loss Medication is Changing Relationships with Alcohol (BBC News)
An exploration into an unexpected side effect of popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy): many users report a significant decrease in alcohol cravings and overall consumption alongside their reduced appetite. - Best Champagne for Celebrations: How to Choose (winesfromfrance.com)
A practical guide to selecting Champagne for major milestones and events, detailing differences in sweetness levels, grape blends, price points, and serving tips for memorable toasts. - Mexico Became the World’s Largest Beer Exporter (mexicosolidarity.com)
A report detailing Mexico’s dominant milestone as the top global exporter of beer, driven by sustained international demand for Mexican lager brands in major export markets like the United States.
Liquor Industry News 08-08-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 8, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News:
Key Headlines & Summaries
- Slovenian Winemakers Face Threat of Not Being Allowed to Sell Wine (The Morning Claret)
- Summary: Slovenian winemakers are facing regulatory hurdles and uncertainty following new regional wine legislation, which creates risks around compliance and licensing that could prevent some producers from legally selling their wines.
- Cutwater Named Fastest-Growing Alcohol Brand in the U.S. (The Spirits Business)
- Summary: Anheuser-Busch InBev’s ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktail brand, Cutwater, recorded a 104% growth surge over the past 12 months, making it the fastest-growing alcohol brand in the United States amidst rising consumer demand for premium RTD beverages.
- Exploring Eight EU Wine Regions Set to Win Over Drinkers (The Drinks Business)
- Summary: Highlighting a recent industry masterclass, this piece explores eight emerging European Union wine regions positioned to gain market share by leveraging strong EU quality assurance standards and evolving consumer preferences.
- New Study Finds Alcohol Industry Fails on Nutrition & Ingredient Transparency (Center for Science in the Public Interest / CSPI)
- Summary: A report published by health advocacy groups highlights significant gaps in consumer disclosure across major alcoholic beverage manufacturers, arguing that the industry lags behind food and non-alcoholic drinks in disclosing calorie counts, ingredients, and nutritional facts.
Liquor Industry News 08-04-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 4, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-04-26) collection on Flipboard:
1. Declining Wine Consumption: Reliving 1986 or 1993?
- Source: Substack (Tom Wark)
- Summary: Analyzes current downward trends in U.S. per-capita wine consumption. The piece draws parallels to historical downturns in 1986 and 1993 to evaluate whether the American wine market is experiencing a temporary contraction or a long-term structural shift.
2. Tales of Kosher Alcohol
- Source: talk-a-vino.com
- Summary: Explores the landscape of kosher wines, spirits, and liquors (including whiskey, tequila, and vodka). It breaks down how kosher certifications influence production and consumer purchasing decisions beyond just price considerations.
3. Daily Marijuana Use Surpasses Daily Drinking in the U.S.
- Source: Fox News (Angelica Stabile)
- Summary: Reports on SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) survey data showing a major shift in substance habits. With 21.4 million Americans reporting daily or near-daily cannabis use, daily marijuana consumption has officially surpassed daily alcohol drinking in the United States.
4. How Heatwaves Affect What We Drink
- Source: The Drinks Business
- Summary: Examines how rising temperatures and seasonal heatwaves alter consumer preferences, driving shifts toward lighter, colder, and lower-ABV beverage formats.
Liquor Industry News 08-03-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
August 3, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the featured stories in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (08-03-26) collection from The Wonderful World of Wine:
1. Episode 321 — Crushin’ It in Boston: Redefining Wine Culture with Gabrielle Malina
- Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast
- Summary: Co-hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi sit down with Gabrielle Malina, the driving force behind Boston’s First Crush. The episode explores how local wine culture is being redefined through natural wines, community-focused events, and initiatives aimed at making wine more approachable and inclusive for everyday consumers.
2. The World’s Best-Selling Vodka Isn’t Grey Goose or Ketel One — It’s Cheaper
- Source: Tasting Table
- Summary: Despite the premium marketing of brands like Grey Goose, Cîroc, or Ketel One, Smirnoff remains the undisputed global leader in vodka sales. Backed by global distribution via Diageo, Smirnoff moves roughly 23.4 million nine-liter cases annually—nearly double its closest competitor, Absolut. Its dominance is driven by an affordable price point (~$12 a bottle) and its status as an industry-standard, versatile workhorse mixer for high-volume bars.
3. Why You’ll Never Find Norway’s Best-Selling Beer on American Shelves
- Source: Tasting Table
- Summary: Norway’s top-selling pilsner, Ringnes Bryggeri (brewed since 1886 and owned by Carlsberg), is virtually impossible to find in the United States. Due to heavy alcohol production taxes in Scandinavia and high US import costs, bringing the domestic lager stateside is economically unfeasible for distributors. While traditional Norwegian lager remains abroad, American beer lovers can still sample Norwegian influence through craft imports or local beers brewed using traditional Norwegian kveik yeast.
4. What Real Vikings Drank When They Wanted Something Stronger Than Beer
- Source: The Takeout
- Summary: Centuries before modern distillation introduced hard liquor to Scandinavia, wealthy Vikings drank fruit wine when they wanted drinks with higher alcohol content than standard beer or mead. Using locally abundant ingredients like cherries, apples, pears, lingonberries, and cloudberries, ancient producers fermented fruit wines reaching ABVs similar to modern grape wines—a craft that parallels today’s revival in artisanal fruit wines, traditional ciders, and perries.
Liquor Industry News 07-31-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
July 31, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a summary of the news stories featured in Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News:
1. Australian Wine Exports Drop to 22-Year Low (The Drinks Business)
- Key Takeaway: Australian wine exports have dropped to their lowest level in over two decades.
- Details: The decline is primarily driven by a broader global drop in wine consumption, which continues to put downward pressure on international demand for Australian vintages.
2. ‘Worst Crisis Since WWII’: Bordeaux Wildfires Continue Amid Extreme Heat (The Drinks Business)
- Key Takeaway: Extreme heatwaves and wildfires near Bordeaux have created severe crisis conditions for the region.
- Details: The fires and scorching temperatures have severely disrupted local wine regions, with officials describing the situation as one of the hardest challenges the area has faced in modern history.
3. How to Pair Tequila With Food Without Screwing It Up (Tequila Report)
- Key Takeaway: A practical guide to integrating tequila into dinner pairings rather than treating spirits and food as separate entities.
- Details: Author Jay Baer breaks down how different styles of tequila (Blanco, Reposado, Añejo) complement various flavor profiles, sauces, and cooking techniques to elevate meal pairings.
4. 10 Summer Cocktails Food & Wine Readers Loved This July (Food & Wine)
- Key Takeaway: A roundup of the most popular summer drinks favored by readers over the month.
- Details: Features top-rated seasonal cocktail recipes, emphasizing refreshing ingredients, fruit-forward flavors, and easy-to-make summer classics.
Liquor Industry News 07-30-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
July 30, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Key Highlights Featured in This Issue
- Beyoncé Expands Her Whisky Empire
- The Story: Beyoncé has formally taken full ownership of SirDavis American Whisky, a brand created in partnership with Moët Hennessy (LVMH).
- The Details: Named after her great-grandfather Davis Hogue—a prohibition-era moonshiner—the brand reflects a high-rye American whisky profile finished in sherry casks.
- Svedka Introduces a “Vodka Water Cooler”
- The Story: Svedka Vodka (owned by Sazerac) launched a marketing campaign featuring an office-style water cooler dispensing its new Ready-To-Drink (RTD) canned Vodka Waters.
- The Details: This move targets the fast-growing canned RTD market, capitalizing on the shift away from sugary malt beverages toward low-calorie, spirit-based canned drinks.
- European Sparkling Wines & Regional Heritage
- The Story: A feature by VinePair exploring how European sparkling wines (beyond Champagne, such as Cava, Prosecco, and Crémant) communicate regional identity and terroir.
- The Takeaway: As the European Union remains the world’s third-largest wine exporter, producers are doubling down on regional heritage to connect with budget-conscious yet craft-focused consumers.
- Tuscan Terroir Focus: Wine, Food, and Olive Oil
- The Story: A spotlight piece via Vero examining the agricultural triad of Tuscany, with a focus on Sangiovese-based reds (like Montalcino) produced without oak aging to preserve freshness and versatility with food
Liquor Industry News 07-29-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
July 29, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Key Stories & Highlights
- The Wine That Refuses to Behave: A Love Letter to Pét-Nat (Substack – Sandra E. Taylor)
- The Premise: For those looking for sparkling wine without paying Champagne prices, Pétillant Naturel (Pét-Nat) is having a moment.
- Takeaway: Made using the ancient méthode ancestrale (where wine is bottled before primary fermentation completes), Pét-Nat offers a playful, rustic, and unpredictable sparkle that makes high-end bubbles feel accessible and fun for casual summer drinking.
- The Case for Buying Wine You Actually Understand (River Journal Online – Thurman Hunter)
- The Premise: Most consumers experience aisle anxiety—grabbing bottles based on familiar price points or pretty labels and hoping for the best.
- Takeaway: The article argues for demystifying wine shopping. Instead of trying to decipher overly complex or obscure descriptions, consumers benefit far more from buying styles and regions they genuinely understand and enjoy.
- What Happens When Every Wine Region Wants to Be Premium? (Food & Wine Aesthetics – Dwight Furrow)
- The Premise: Exploring the global industry push toward “premiumization,” using regions like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo in Italy as an example.
- Takeaway: As nearly every wine region tries to elevate its status and price tier, it shifts market dynamics—forcing consumers to navigate higher prices while regions balance local tradition with high-end global prestige.
- 3 Summer Sparkling Wine Cocktails (That Aren’t Aperol Spritzes) (Sporked)
- The Premise: Moving beyond the ubiquitous Aperol Spritz.
- Takeaway: Highlights refreshing alternative cocktail ideas that leverage affordable sparkling wines as a versatile base for summer entertaining.
Liquor Industry News 07-28-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
July 28, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Key Stories Featured in the Edition
- Ditching Industry Jargon: “Porch Pounders” (Substack / Kiersten Hickman) A commentary examining the popular casual term “porch pounder”—frequently used to describe easy-drinking, high-acid summer wines—and arguing why the phrasing dilutes appreciation for light-bodied wines and should be retired by industry professionals.
- Wales Pursues World’s First Natural Wine Appellation (The Drinks Business / Barnaby Eales) Welsh wine producers are applying for formal protected status to establish the world’s first official natural wine appellation, signaling growing recognition and regulatory structure for low-intervention winemaking in the UK.
- Old Forester Unveils Milestone Louisville Release (The Spirits Business / Joe Rogers) Old Forester has introduced the latest expression in its limited 117 Series. This release marks a significant brand milestone as the first whiskey produced entirely at its downtown Louisville, Kentucky distillery since the facility re-opened.
- Cocktail Alternatives: Twist on the Long Island Iced Tea A feature exploring cocktail variations and substitutions—such as the Florida Iced Tea—offering drinkers alternative recipes when tequila or standard bar staples run short.
Liquor Industry News 07-27-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)
July 27, 2026Exploring all things wine with you!
Here is a breakdown of the featured stories in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 07-27-26” Flipboard magazine, curated by wine specialist Mark C. Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine):
Key Article Summaries
- “Say Goodbye To Mediocre Wine — This 20-Minute Rule Makes It Taste Premium”
- Source: Tasting Table (by Sean Bell)
- Summary: Offers accessible serving hacks to instantly elevate inexpensive wines. The core tip centers on proper temperature management—chilling lighter reds for roughly 20 minutes before serving, or taking whites out of the fridge 20 minutes ahead to unlock their full aroma and flavor profile without muting them.
- “What Is Blouge Wine? A Guide to the Chilled Hybrid”
- Source: Wine Guide 101 (by Damon Segal)
- Summary: Explores the emerging trend of “Blouge” (a blend/co-fermentation of white and red grapes). Positioned between a light red and a dark rosé, these juicy, low-tannin hybrid wines are designed to be served chilled, appealing to modern drinkers looking for vibrant, casual summer wines.
- “The Wildest Flavored Vodkas Bartenders Actually Recommend”
- Source: Food & Wine (by Kate Dingwall)
- Summary: Highlights unique and unorthodox flavored vodkas that professional bartenders endorse for craft cocktails. It looks beyond artificial sweet flavors to focus on savory, botanical, or craft-infused spirits that add genuine complexity to drinks.
- “Liquor Industry News 07-27-26”
- Source: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Education (by Mark C. Lenzi)
- Summary: An industry news roundup covering new product rollouts, retail beverage trends, market insights, and educational updates for industry professionals and wine enthusiasts.
