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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 December 25, 2025, edition of Liquor Industry News curated by Mark Lenzi on Flipboard is a specialized roundup focusing on end-of-year trends, holiday spirits, and the evolving economic landscape of the beverage alcohol industry.
As a certified wine and spirits expert (owner of Franklin Liquors in Massachusetts and host of The Wonderful World of Wine), Lenzi’s Christmas edition typically emphasizes celebratory themes and industry forecasts for 2026.
This link leads to a Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-22-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi for “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).” It features a collection of articles and media focused on the wine and spirits industry as of late December 2025.
Key content featured in this edition includes:
New Year’s Bubbly: A podcast episode (Episode 305) from The Wonderful World of Wine where hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi discuss Champagne, Prosecco, and other sparkling wines for New Year’s Eve.
Industry Trends & News:
An article from TheStreet discussing an iconic 230-year-old Kentucky whiskey brand that has paused distilling for a year due to tariffs and slowing exports.
A piece from The Hub reflecting on the state of the wine world at the end of 2025.
Consumer Guides:
A list of nine budget-friendly U.S. wine regions that rival more expensive destinations (via Mental Floss).
Editor picks for New Year’s wines starting at $10, including Rosé and Prosecco (via Food & Wine).
Gifts & Gear: A section from Wine Enthusiast focusing on wine accessories and “trimmings” for holiday celebrations.
The page also provides links to previous daily editions of Mark Lenzi’s liquor industry news.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-19-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi (The Wonderful World of Wine), features a collection of articles focused on seasonal beverage trends, holiday hosting, and industry insights.
Here is a summary of the featured stories:
Holiday Entertaining & Gift Guides
Best Wines for Holiday Parties: Recommendations include pouring magnums of Saint-Émilion and Soave Classico, along with Champagne, to elevate festive gatherings.
2025 Sparkling Wine Guide: A comprehensive primer on “all things bubbly,” covering essential terms, trivia, and tips for selecting the right sparkling wine for New Year’s toasts.
Festive Cocktail Upgrades: A guide on using simple, everyday refrigerator ingredients to make cocktails look and taste more seasonal.
Spirits & Mixology
The Best Bloody Mary Recipes: Esquire highlights nine expert-backed recipes for this savory classic, emphasizing its popularity as a “hair-of-the-dog” brunch drink and detailing the best ratios for tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and horseradish.
Beer & Food Pairings
Beer to Avoid with Hot Wings: An article from Chowhound warns against certain beer styles that may clash with or overwhelm the spice of hot wings, suggesting better alternatives for a balanced pairing.
Industry & Cultural Perspectives
Wine’s Brighter Future: Author Jon Bonné discusses “The Seven Percenters” and how certain movements in the wine world are attempting to bring back missing elements of character and trail-blazing spirit to the industry.
The magazine is part of a daily series curated by Lenzi that explores the intersection of wine culture, industry news, and consumer tips.
The provided link leads to a Flipboard magazine titled “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-18-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi for The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW).
The collection features several articles from December 18, 2025, covering wine industry controversies, sustainability, regional guides, and festive tips:
San Francisco Wine Competition Controversy: The San Francisco International Wine Competition is facing allegations of including Russian wines, which would potentially violate U.S. law.
Sustainability Re-imagined: Dr. Laura Catena of Domaine EdeM is featured for her work in reframing the sustainability debate, focusing on more than just carbon footprint to include broader environmental and social impacts.
Regional Wine Labels: A piece on Alto Adige discusses the linguistic complexities of its labels (Italian vs. German) and how this cultural history defines the region’s unique winemaking identity.
Consumer Guides: * Toscana Wines: A guide identifying 8 of the best red Toscana wines available for under $30.
Festive Cocktails: A recipe and feature for a “Gingerbread White Russian” as part of a holiday cocktail countdown.
Holiday Maintenance Tip: A warning from plumbers regarding a specific “Christmas drink” (likely cream-based or fat-heavy beverages) that should not be poured down the kitchen sink to avoid expensive emergency repairs.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-17-25,” curated by Mark Lenzi of The Wonderful World of Wine, features a collection of articles highlighting current trends in the wine and spirits sectors.
Here is a summary of the key stories from the December 17, 2025, edition:
Wine Market Trends
Shift Toward Lighter Styles: Consumers are increasingly moving away from heavy, “classic” wine styles in favor of fruit-forward, aromatic, and expressive wines like Sauvignon Blanc.
Gen Z’s Impact: Data indicates that Gen Z is rewriting the wine industry’s rules. They prioritize transparency, values-focused brands, and lighter styles. Their preference for tasting rooms emphasizes social connection over traditional wine-tasting formalities.
The Need for Advertising: One featured article argues that the wine industry must “go to the mattresses” and invest heavily in broad-scale advertising to pull itself out of a current market slump.
Spirit & Cocktail News
New Product Launch: Stoli Group has introduced Stoli Halapeño Pepper, a flavored vodka specifically designed to enhance Bloody Mary cocktails.
Scotch for Beginners: Experts and bartenders suggest that the common misconception of Scotch being exclusively “smoke bombs” is fading. Recommendations are provided for entry-level Scotch whiskies to help newcomers enter the category in 2025.
Health & Science
Alcohol Metabolism: An article from Women’s Health explores how hormonal fluctuations—specifically during the luteal phase—can change how a woman’s body metabolizes alcohol, causing a single glass of wine to feel more potent at certain times of the month.
The “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-16-25” magazine on Flipboard, curated by “The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW),” includes several recent stories covering various aspects of the liquor and wine industry.
Key topics in the collection include:
Non-Alcoholic and Low-Alcohol Trends: There is a rise in consumer and producer interest in dealcoholised and low-alcohol wines, although uncertainties about the market remain. Additionally, there is a recipe for a Non-Alcoholic Mojito, highlighting the growing non-alcoholic beverage segment.
Impact of Health/Weight Loss Drugs: The article “‘The role of Ozempic isn’t just about reduced consumption, it’s about a shift in values’” suggests that weight loss medications are quietly influencing how and why people drink, leading to a more selective and health-aware future for alcohol consumption.
Wine Tourism: A global report indicates that wine tourism drives up to 28% of revenue for small wineries, marking it as a key factor for the global wine industry.
Market Rivals and History:
Americans are increasingly hearing about a “surprising rival to Champagne”: English sparkling wine.
A story discusses The Accidental Origin of One of History’s Best Rye Whiskeys.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-14-25” by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) features several recent stories related to the alcohol and wine industry. Key topics include:
Product Releases and Partnerships: Banshee has released a new wine, Complicated Pinot Noir, in partnership with singer Avril Lavigne.
Regulatory Issues: A discussion about the possibility of banning mini-liquor bottles in Connecticut due to littering concerns raised by an environmental group.
Reviews and Recommendations: A review of the best wine openers, tested and rated, as well as a list of five spiked eggnog brands to potentially avoid this winter based on reviews.
Industry Recognition: A Texas winery earned “world-class” recognition, marking a significant first for the state’s wine industry.
Climate Threats: A new study highlights how an “uncontrollable phenomenon” (climate change) is threatening the production of coffee, wine, and chocolate.
The Flipboard magazine “LIQUOR INDUSTRY NEWS 12-12-25” curated by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) features several stories related to the alcohol industry and wine, including:
An article discussing the effect of alcohol consumption on medical strokes, suggesting the effect of wine on medical conditions is not all bad.
News about Fowles Wine’s “BatNav” system, which received a $500,000 grant to develop technology with the potential to save millions.
A piece arguing that Misguided USDA Guidelines Regarding Alcohol Need to be Fixed.
A discussion about Magnum Bottles and the effect of bottle size on wine aging and chemistry.
A recipe guide on How to Make the Spiced Apple Cider Old Fashioned.
A recipe for a No-Added-Sugar Mulled “Wine” (a non-alcoholic mocktail).
In The Mood To Try Something New, Or Want A Little Personalized Help In Navigating Our Aisles? Check Out The New Free Vinobly App Which Makes Personalized Recommendations From Wines In Our Store. You Can Find Wine To Pair With Your Meal, Or Take Their Fun 3-Question Palate Profiler Quiz To Get Started
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No On Question 2: Stop Forced Deposits is trying to defeat a ballot question that if passed would expand the bottle deposit law to include water bottles, tea and sports drinks, but not milk or liquor.
After the group launched a television ad this week claiming 90 percent of Massachusetts residents have curbside recycling programs, arguing the bottle-deposit is unnecessary to boost recycling, the environmental groups seeking passage of Question 2 protested, arguing that figure was incorrect.
Canadian Club has released an all-rye grain whisky called Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye, according to Whisky Advocate. The whisky is aged for seven years at Alberta Distillers, Beam Suntory’s western Canada distillery at Calgary, and then shipped to Walkerville, Ontario, for bottling at 40% abv. The product is priced about $1.50 higher than Canadian Club Premium at retail. Just 70,000 cases will be made available annually, and only in Canada—which may lead to some cross-border shopping, the magazine noted. See the full story in Whisky Advocate.
Things you didn’t know about craft beer
There’s plenty that sets craft beers apart from classic ales.
‘Game Of Thrones’ Beer Is Back: Why Not Throw A Party?
Game of Thrones fans and beer enthusiasts rejoice! Brewery Ommegang just released the next in it’s incredibly popular line of Game of Thrones-inspired beers
Gruppo Campari has released a ghost pepper version of its Wild Turkey American Honey flavoured whiskey to take advantage of growing demand for spicy shots in the US.
Diageo’s Baileys liqueur has extended its lineup with the launch of Baileys Chocolate Cherry Irish Cream. Featuring a blend of chocolate and cherry flavors, the female-focused entry is targeted primarily toward the shot occasion. This month, the offshoot’s launch will be supported by Baileys’ second annual “Stylish Shots on the Go” event in New York City, where the brand will host a pop-up “selfie station” and offer sampling of Chocolate Cherry’s signature Cherry Bombshell shot, which is made with Captain Morgan rum, chocolate syrup and a cherry. Baileys Chocolate Cherry is currently available nationwide, priced at around $21 a 750-ml.
Q: Can a dry red wine have higher sugar content than a sweet wine? Does the amount of residual sugar indicate the alcohol content of a wine?—Pat B., Huntington Beach, Calif.
A: Let’s start by noting that the fermentation process converts the sugar in the grapes to alcohol. It’s not unusual for at least a little bit of sugar to be left at the end of fermentation. Technically a wine is considered “dry” if there are less than 10 grams per liter left, while a “sweet” or dessert wine has more than 30 grams per liter. Stuff in between is considered “off-dry.”
Of course, most people don’t sip a wine and think, “Boy, this tastes like it has 13 or 14 grams per liter of residual sugar!” Our perception of the sugar is based on our own sensitivity to sweetness (some of us like cotton candy more than others) as well as on the interplay of the other factors in a wine: alcohol, acidity, tannins and glycerin. Two wines might have the same exact amount of residual sugar and alcohol, but one’s fruit flavors could taste more jammy and ripe (and therefore sweet) than the other’s.
Since we’ve noted that fermentation converts grape sugars to alcohol, there’s definitely a relationship between a wine’s residual or unconverted sugar and its alcohol level. The more residual sugar, the lower the potential alcohol that wine could have. But it’s not a simple relationship—there are other factors at play, particularly how much sugar the grapes had to begin with. Two wines could have widely different alcohol percentages but the same amount of residual sugar—or vice versa—depending on how ripe the grapes were.—MaryAnn Worobiec
Quiz: What Type Of Wine Drinker Are You?
Take a quiz and see…I was a wine geek! I knew that!
Screwcap manufacturer Guala Closures opens US design studio
Screwcap manufacturer Guala Closures has opened a design studio in California which will allow wineries to choose design and have it printed in one location.
Dead Bolt Wine Launches Limited Edition Design by Tattoo Artist David Hale
David Hale has collaborated exclusively with Dead Bolt to produce an original artwork inspired by Dead Bolt wine, which is featured on the limited edition bottle.
The dark side of pumpkin beer: 8 to try
Go on over to the dark side and search for these sultry seasonals.
Grapevine Red Blotch Disease Threatens Pinot Noir & Other Grapes
An aggressive virus producing Grapevine Red Blotch Disease (GRBV) is now widespread in California vineyards of the North Coast, Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley of California.
California Wine Appellation Specialist-CWAS-San Francisco Wine School
Quini Certified Educator- QCE
Our Wines Are On Vinobly
In The Mood To Try Something New, Or Want A Little Personalized Help In Navigating Our Aisles? Check Out The New Free Vinobly App Which Makes Personalized Recommendations From Wines In Our Store. You Can Find Wine To Pair With Your Meal, Or Take Their Fun 3-Question Palate Profiler Quiz To Get Started
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