Posts Tagged ‘Wine Events’

Liquor Industry News 06-02-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

June 2, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

06-02-26

This Flipboard link leads to a curated digital magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 06-02-26”, compiled by the profile The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), which is run by wine and spirits educator Mark Lenzi.

The magazine acts as a daily industry digest, aggregating major news stories, op-eds, and press releases impacting the global beverage market. The main stories featured in this specific collection include:

  • “The Empty Chair: What Sports Betting, Cannabis, and Weight-Loss Drugs Taught Me About the Wine Business” (via Wine Industry Advisor): A piece analyzing the unexpected macroeconomic and behavioral competitors taking market share away from traditional wine. It highlights how consumer discretionary spending and lifestyle habits are shifting toward modern alternatives like legal cannabis, mobile sports gambling, and appetite-suppressing GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
  • “Wine Losing the Class War” (via Wine-Searcher): An industry critique focusing on systemic diversity and socioeconomic barriers within the wine world. Citing a survey by Drinks United, the article argues that wine’s struggle to connect with younger, broader demographics is deeply tied to an ongoing “class war” and cultural gatekeeping that limits its accessibility.
  • “Why Wine Investors Need to Rethink Everything They Know Before Buying Whisky” (via The Whiskey Wash): Written by spirit expert Mark Littler, this article serves as a warning and guide for fine wine collectors looking to cross over into alternative spirit investing. It breaks down why the mechanics, aging processes, market valuations, and liquidation strategies for high-end whisky are fundamentally different from traditional wine cellaring.
  • “Best Canned Craft Beers Available Everywhere” (via The Manual): A commercial round-up focusing on consumer trends in the beer sector, specifically highlighting highly accessible, national-distribution canned craft beers that maintain artisanal quality while meeting the high demand for outdoor and casual summer drinking.

Liquor Industry News 06-01-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

June 1, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

06-01-26

This particular edition of Mark Lenzi’s Liquor Industry News (06-01-26) features 16 curated stories. Because it drops right at the start of June, the selection leans heavily into summer drink trends, seasonal recipe inspiration, and accessible wine deep-dives.

Here is a summary of the standout stories featured in this specific roundup:

☀️ Summer Cocktails & Seasonal Sips

  • 11 Grapefruit Cocktails to Shake Up All Summer Long (Food & Wine): A collection showcasing the bittersweet, tart profiles of grapefruit—from standard Palomas to creative summer mixes—highlighting its origin as an 18th-century Caribbean hybrid of sweet orange and pummeled pomelo.
  • What Is Lambrusco? Your Next Summer Sip (Taste of Home): A spotlight on Lambrusco, the fizzy, refreshing Italian red wine that is shedding its old 1970s reputation for cheap sweetness and emerging as a popular, chilled summer favorite.

🍳 Culinary Wine & Spirit Applications

  • 12 Creative Ways to Use Wine in Your Cooking (Mashed): Expert advice and culinary techniques for utilizing wine beyond standard pan deglazing. The piece covers everything from adding finishing touches to savory mains to incorporating wine profiles into creative desserts.

📊 Industry Briefings

  • Liquor Industry News (The Wonderful World of Wine): Mark Lenzi’s personal overview newsletter summarizing trade data, newly launched products, market adjustments, and how AI technology is being introduced into retail and production pipelines across the wine and spirits sector.

The rest of the 16 slots round out with similar consumer-focused guides, spirit reviews, and trade highlights designed to help professionals and hobbyists kick off their seasonal drink menus.

Liquor Industry News 05-31-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

May 31, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

05-31-26

The link provided goes to a specific edition of a daily digital magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 05-31-26” on Flipboard.

Here is what that link is about:

  • The Curator: It is curated by Mark Lenzi, a highly certified wine and spirits professional (holding credentials like CSW, CSS, and FWS) who is the owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts and co-host of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) podcast.
  • The Content: This specific May 31, 2026 edition serves as a curated digital news digest. It aggregates a collection of the day’s most important stories, articles, and columns sourced from across the web for beverage industry professionals and enthusiasts.

Liquor Industry News 05-28-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

May 28, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

05-28-26

The specific link provides a daily curated digital magazine briefing on Flipboard for today, May 28, 2026.

Compiled by Mark Lenzi—a highly certified wine/spirits educator and owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts—this link acts as a professional “snapshot” of the global beverage alcohol industry.

The link aggregates 10 to 20 trending stories, expert reviews, and market insights from primary trade and culinary outlets (such as The Drinks Business, VinePair, The Spirits Business, Food & Wine, and Mashed).

While the individual articles cycle in real time on Flipboard to reflect the exact news breaking on this specific day, these daily briefings consistently synthesize the following core themes:

  • Market Dynamics & Business Shifts: Real-time updates on global supply chains, economic pressures facing vineyards and craft breweries, and inventory tracking (such as fluctuations in bourbon demand or the impact of inflation on high-end vs. value-tier brands).
  • Consumer Trends: Tracking the ongoing mainstream expansion of non-alcoholic (No-and-Low) wine, beer, and ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails.
  • Production & Agtech: Articles exploring how wineries and distilleries are navigating climate weather challenges and adopting sustainable packaging or predictive AI tools.
  • Consumer Advice & Trivia: Lighter, educational deep dives covering wine/food pairings, distillery secrets (such as the origins behind store-brand spirits like Costco’s Kirkland Signature), and closure debates (e.g., screw caps vs. corks).

Ultimately, the link serves as a one-stop digital dashboard designed for sommeliers, beverage retailers, and passionate consumers to efficiently catch up on the day’s global alcohol industry headlines.

Liquor Industry News 05-27-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

May 27, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

05-27-26

The link provided points to a specific, daily digital magazine on Flipboard titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 05-27-26”.

Here is what this link is about:

  • The Curator: It is compiled by Mark Lenzi, a highly certified wine and spirits professional (holding titles including CSW, CSS, and CWAS), the owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts, and the co-host of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) podcast.
  • The Content: This specific link serves as a daily industry dashboard and news aggregator. Lenzi updates this magazine every single day to track global and domestic beverage trade developments.
  • What it aggregates: It brings together roughly 12 to 18 trending news stories, market features, and insights from top-tier beverage and food publications (such as The Drinks Business, VinePair, The Spirits Business, Mashed, and Food & Wine). The articles generally focus on:
    • Spirits & Beer: Investigative pieces into popular brands, upcoming whiskey/bourbon releases, and brewery trends.
    • Wine Industry Insights: Global harvest reports, innovations in grape-growing, shifting consumer trends, and debunked wine myths (e.g., discussions on closures or screw caps).
    • Retail & Regulations: Updates on legal or distribution shifts in the alcohol market, as well as consumer habits and economic factors affecting liquor sales.

Essentially, it functions as a curated daily “cheat sheet” for industry professionals, sommeliers, and beverage enthusiasts looking to stay on top of the day’s alcohol news without sorting through multiple publications.

Liquor Industry News 05-06-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

May 6, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

05-06-26

The Flipboard magazine for May 6, 2026, features a curated selection of news focused on the beverage industry, market trends, and consumer insights.

Liquor Industry News 04-27-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

April 27, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

04-27-26

The Flipboard link provided leads to a curated magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 04-27-26”, created by Mark Lenzi (under the profile “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)”).

This specific edition contains 16 stories focused on the beverage industry, spirits, and lifestyle. Key highlights from this link include:

  • Distillery Spotlights: A featured podcast episode (Episode 314) from The Wonderful World of Wine titled “From Prescriptions to Stills with GlenPharmer Distillery.”
  • Industry Trends: An article regarding a Vermont area poised to become a federally recognized wine region.
  • Labor & Business News: A report on a major alcohol distributor signaling nearly 2,800 job cuts due to industry restructuring.
  • Brand History: A story from Rolling Stone on how Dogfish Head became the official beer of the Grateful Dead.
  • Lifestyle & Mixology: * A DIY guide on upcycling glass bottles into privacy screens.
    • A feature on Frank Sinatra’s favorite two-ingredient cocktail (the “Rusty Nail”).

Mark Lenzi appears to curate these magazines daily, as the page also links to previous editions from earlier in the week.

Liquor Industry News 01-26-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

January 26, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

01-26-26

January 26, 2026, the liquor industry news roundup curated by Mark Lenzi includes the following stories:

  • Santa Barbara’s New Wine Experience: The Hilt Estate has launched “The Hideaway Experience” at The Barn in Santa Ynez, which is being described as a premier destination for wine tasting in the region.
  • Brewery Etiquette: A guide on brewery “faux pas” highlights common behaviors—such as indecisiveness at the tap—that cause frustration for staff and other patrons.
  • Old Fashioned Alternatives: For fans of the classic Old Fashioned, a new feature recommends various cocktail “riffs” and similar drinks to try next.
  • Non-Alcoholic Beer Rankings: An updated list evaluates the non-alcoholic beer market, identifying 15 brands worth buying and 10 that consumers should avoid.
  • Weekly Industry Roundup: Mark Lenzi (CSW, CSS, FWS) provides his “Liquor Industry Week In Review,” covering broader trends and insights across the wine and spirits sector.

Liquor Industry News 01-14-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

January 14, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

01-14-26

The following is a summary of the articles featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 01-14-26” collection on Flipboard:

  • New U.S. Dietary Guidelines and Alcohol: The Trump administration released new dietary guidelines that emphasize “real food” over highly processed products. However, the guidelines remain vague regarding alcohol consumption, leaving many to wonder about the specific health implications and recommended limits.
  • The Rise of Oregon Chardonnay: While Oregon is long-established as a benchmark for Pinot Noir, the region’s Chardonnay is now “stepping into the sun.” It is increasingly being recognized for producing some of the best expressions of the varietal in the world.
  • Pennsylvania Rare Whiskey Lottery: The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has opened a lottery for rare and limited-edition whiskeys. Residents have a specific window to enter for a chance to purchase these highly sought-after bottles.
  • Wyoming Whiskey’s Latest Release: A feature on Wyoming Whiskey highlights their latest special bourbon. The article focuses on the brand’s commitment to local craftsmanship, from the specific grains used to the barreling process.
  • Enhancing Classics with “Bubbly Booze”: This piece explores how adding sparkling elements or specific “bubbly” spirits can elevate classic cocktails, transforming standard drinks into more “exalted” versions.
  • Why Wine Tastes Better at Restaurants: This article explains the psychological and environmental reasons why a bottle of wine often tastes superior in a restaurant setting compared to at home, and provides tips on how to recreate that “magic” in a domestic environment.

Liquor Industry News 01-06-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

January 6, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

01-06-26

Episode 306: A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake A new podcast episode from The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) featuring hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi. They interview wine writer Raymond Blake to explore his unique perspective on the industry.

Introducing New Michelob ULTRA Zero Lime: A Refreshing Alcohol-Free Brew with a Citrus Twist Anheuser-Busch announced the launch of a new non-alcoholic lime-flavored beer under the Michelob ULTRA brand, targeting the growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives.

The 20 Best Non-Alcoholic Beers for 2026 A curated list by VinePair highlighting the top-performing non-alcoholic beers in the current market, noting that the category continues to lead growth in the U.S. beverage sector.

Brassfield Estate Winery Concludes 2025 with Exceptional Sales Growth and Expansion of National Sales Team A report from Wine Industry Advisor regarding the winery’s year-end success, detailing their sales growth and the strategic expansion of their sales force to handle increased demand.

Liquor Industry News 01-05-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

January 5, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

01-05-26

This Flipboard link for Liquor Industry News 01-05-26, curated by Mark Lenzi of “The Wonderful World of Wine,” contains the following articles:

  • Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark (Franklin Matters) A feature on the radio show/podcast (Episode #1621) where hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi discuss their award-winning wine series.
  • The Cheap Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon You Shouldn’t Look Down On (Tasting Table) An article exploring the prestige of the “Bottled-in-Bond” label and highlighting affordable options that enthusiasts often overlook despite their high quality.
  • How to Make The Americano, With Amaro (A Lush Life Manual) A guide on upgrading the classic low-proof Americano cocktail by incorporating Amaro for a more complex flavor profile.
  • What’s The Actual Difference Between A Bar And Cantina? (Chowhound) An educational piece explaining the cultural and functional differences between these two types of establishments.
  • Taste Test: Cult Distillery Willett’s New Bourbon Doesn’t Live Up to Its Unicorn Bottles (Robb Report) A review by critic Jonah Flicker of a new whiskey release from the famous Willett distillery, noting that while solid, it lacks the “unicorn” status of their previous rare bottles.
  • 10 Best Whisky Stories of 2025 (Man of Many) A retrospective of the year’s top whisky news, including a highlight on the House of Suntory’s partnership with artist Hiroshi Senju for ultra-rare Hibiki releases.

Liquor Industry News 01-02-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

January 2, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

01-02-26

This Flipboard magazine curated by Mark Lenzi for January 2, 2026, focuses on the transition from New Year’s celebrations into “Dry January” and the emerging trends for the new year.

Liquor Industry News 01-01-26 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

January 1, 2026

Exploring all things wine with you!

01-01-26

The following is a summary of the stories featured in the LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 01-01-26 collection:

  • Understanding “Still-Strength” Spirits: An exploration of what “still-strength” means for curious drinkers. These spirits are bottled directly at the proof they leave the still, without being diluted with water, offering a more intense and pure expression of the production process.
  • Champagne Industry Challenges: While New Year’s Eve sparked the typical surge in Champagne sales, the industry is currently facing significant headwinds. These include ongoing labor abuse allegations in French vineyards and the looming threat of international tariffs.
  • The 100 Best Whiskeys of 2025: A year-end retrospective ranking the top whiskeys tasted throughout 2025. The list serves as a guide for enthusiasts looking for the “best of the best” as the new year begins.
  • Ranking the 100 Best Bourbons of 2025: A specific focus on Bourbon, highlighting the top 100 bottles of the year. The report notes that the whiskey industry faced “existential challenges” in 2025, including trade uncertainty and shifting consumer trends.
  • Orange Wine Fatigue: For those tired of the skin-fermented “orange wine” trend, experts and sommeliers suggest exploring alternative styles of wine that offer similar complexity without being part of the specific orange wine category.
  • Global New Year’s Drinks: A cultural look at 10 alcoholic beverages from around the world that are traditionally used for New Year’s toasts, along with travel advice on accepting drinks in different international settings.

Liquor Industry News 12-31-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 31, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-31-25

Based on the “Liquor Industry News 12-31-25” Flipboard curated by Mark Lenzi, the stories posted on December 31, 2025, focus heavily on New Year’s Eve preparation, sparkling wine education, and the industry outlook for 2026.

Liquor Industry News 12-30-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 30, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-30-25

This Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-30-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine), features several key stories reflecting the state of the alcohol industry at the end of 2025. Here is a summary of the featured content:

Industry Trends & Economic Outlook

  • Whiskey Trends of 2025: Industry insiders report that 2025 was a challenging year for whiskey producers. Factors like tighter economics, category growth slowdown, and tariffs led to a surplus of well-aged barrels. Trends shifted toward ultra-aged bourbons and smaller bottle formats to adapt to changing consumer habits.
  • The “Breakout” Wines: Despite reports of declining wine consumption, retailers and beverage professionals identified nine “breakout” wines that managed to capture consumer interest in 2025 by offering something unique or high-value.
  • Resilience of Sustainable Labels: While overall wine sales slumped, brands with sustainable, organic, or biodynamic certifications resisted the downward trend, as consumers increasingly prioritize environmental and political values in their purchases.

Regional News & Sustainability

  • California Wine Country’s New Strategy: A proposal is being discussed to implement a small fee on every bottle of wine sold to help fund and “save” California’s wine regions, which have seen a decrease in weekend tourism from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
  • Biodynamics in Champagne: In the face of mounting climate pressures, growers in regions like Épernay and Côte des Bar are arguing that biodynamic farming—focusing on soil health—is essential for producing precise and vibrant wines in a changing climate.

Demographic Shifts

  • The Gen Z Influence: Marketing experts highlight how Gen Z (born 1997–2012) is quietly reshaping the wine industry. Their relationship with alcohol is different from previous generations, forcing brands to rethink how they communicate and what types of products they offer.

Liquor Industry News 12-29-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 29, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-29-25

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.

Liquor Industry News 12-28-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 28, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-28-25

The following summary covers the articles featured in the “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-28-25” collection curated by Mark Lenzi:

Wine Highlights

  • The Rise of Alsatian Pinot Noir: This region is gaining significant attention for its bright and juicy Pinot Noirs. The recent addition of this grape variety to the Grand Cru sites of Hengst and Kirchberg de Barr (as of late 2022) has solidified Alsace as a serious contender for high-quality red wine.
  • Top Affordable Wines of 2025: Critic Henry Jeffreys reflects on the year’s best “budget-friendly” bottles, providing a curated list of high-value wines for consumers looking to maximize quality at a lower price point.
  • New Year’s Eve Bubbly Guide: A guide for holiday celebrations categorizes the best sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve, offering recommendations ranging from $10 budget finds to $100 premium bottles.

Beer Trends

  • Lagers to Dominate 2026: Industry analysts predict that lagers will continue their strong re-ascendance in the market. The style is expected to be the dominant choice for American beer drinkers heading into 2026.
  • The Italian Pilsner: The industry is shining a spotlight on the “Italian Pilsner” style, highlighting how Italian brewers are refining traditional beer styles with unique dry-hopping techniques.

Industry & History

  • Historical Liquor Establishments: A look at the oldest liquor store in the U.S., which has been in operation for over 300 years. The article discusses how bars and liquor stores have served as historical landmarks, including sites that hosted meetings during the American Revolution.

Liquor Industry News 12-26-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 26, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-26-25

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.

Liquor Industry News 12-19-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 19, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-19-25

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.

Liquor Industry News 12-18-25 The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

December 18, 2025

Exploring all things wine with you!

12-18-25

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.