Franklin Liquors-The Wonderful World of Wine

Franklin Liquors

Liquor Industry News

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

By: Mark C Lenzi

CSW, CSS, CWAS, FWS, IWS*, SWS, OWE, IWM*

01-27-2025

Liquor Industry Week In Review

The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW)

This Weeks Highlights:

New Products

Busting Myths About Alcohol-Removed Wine

Why America is in an alcohol recession

Alcohol Caught Between Science and Ideology

Is the writing on the wall for Australian Shiraz?

As Australia’s flagship grape variety reaches a crossroads, wine producers are looking to reinvent Shiraz for the modern age.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/is-the-writing-on-the-wall-for-australian-shiraz/

The class of nonalcoholic—or N/A, or nonalc, or spirit-free—beverages is a developing frontier.

“Damp,” “nootropic,” “zebra striping.” The language surrounding the N/A landscape is evolving in real time. Here, a non-exhaustive guide to the current lexicon.

https://punchdrink.com/articles/new-vocabulary-nonalcoholic-drinks-dry-january/

You’re About to Hear More About the Evils of Big Alcohol. Here’s Why

It’s not just the drink itself being demonised, but the companies who make it

https://www.drinksinsider.com/p/youre-about-to-hear-more-about-the?utm_medium=newsletter

Prosecco DOC Closes 2024 With Record Results at All Time High of 660 Million Bottles

Prosecco DOC Closes 2024 with Record Results, Looking Forward to 2025

https://glassofbubbly.com/prosecco-doc-closes-2024-with-record-results-at-all-time-high-of-660-million-bottles/

What New Research Tells Us About Red Wine in the Mediterranean Diet

Is the Mediterranean Diet healthy in spite of the wine, or partly because of the wine? A new study published in the European Heart Journal suggests the latter.

https://oldwayspt.org/blog/what-new-research-tells-us-about-red-wine-in-the-mediterranean-diet/

Wine’s Place in the Alcohol- Health Discussion

The recent advisory issued by the U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy underscores an important public health issue: the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

https://www.ciencia-e-vinho.com/2025/01/05/alcohol-cancer-and-the-case-for-moderate-wine-consumption/

Wine Just Got Fun-Sized

That’s right. It’s soon gonna be the Wild West of wine packaging

https://www.vinography.com/2025/01/wine-just-got-fun-sized?amp=1

Washington State announces latest AVA

Beverly, Washington is the latest winemaking appellation to achieve American Viticultural Area (AVA) approval, the seventh to be recognised in the state since 2020.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/washington-state-announces-first-new-ava-in-five-years/

Why Wine Must Change

To stay relevant, great wine must be affordable and sustainable

https://www.winespectator.com/articles/why-wine-must-change-in-2025-and-beyond

5 ways to deep-clean your decanter

If your decanter has more curves than a Magic Eight Ball, here’s how to remove wine and whisky stains from the trickiest nooks and crannies.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/5-ways-to-deep-clean-your-decanter-after-christmas/

The 6 biggest no and low trends for 2025

Low and no-alcohol products continue to capture the imagination of consumers. Sarah Neish investigates the top trends taking the category by storm in 2025.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/the-6-biggest-no-and-low-trends-for-2025/

Everything You Need To Know About Rioja Wine

For red wine drinkers, the northern region of Rioja reigns supreme, with yearly sales totaling more than 300 million bottles.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1750508/what-is-rioja-wine-guide/

New England Craft Distributors Merge to form Craft Collective Homegrown Distributing

Two craft-centric distributors in New England have finally joined forces, 10 months after sending letters of intent to their supplier partners.

https://www.brewbound.com/news/new-england-craft-distributors-merge-to-form-craft-collective-homegrown-distributing/

How the surgeon general’s alcohol advisory could impact restaurant sales

Dr. Vivek Murthy recommends updating the health warning label on alcoholic beverages to include their link to cancer

https://www.nrn.com/beverage-trends/how-surgeon-general-s-alcohol-advisory-could-impact-restaurant-sales

Science: Moderate Drinking is Good for You

Regardless of what the current Surgeon General and the New York Times think, moderate drinking is not dangerous.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/01/science-moderate-drinking-is-good-for-you

From Nashville to Paris, Zero-Proof Bottle Shops Cater to the Sober and Sober-Curious

“This is a much bigger market than anybody ever expected.”

https://www.foodandwine.com/non-alcoholic-bottle-shops-8769254

Deutsch Extends Josh Cellars Into Non-Alcohol Category

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is launching a new non-alcohol sparkling wine under the Josh Cellars umbrella, expanding the 6-million-case brand into the growing NA segment.

Billed as a non-alcohol complement to Josh Cellars Prosecco—which has been among the fastest-growing premium sparkling wines in the U.S. recently—the new entry is debuting in select market including Connecticut, Colorado, Massachusetts, Florida, Southern California, and Texas.

Positioned on the shelf next to Josh’s Prosecco, the non-alcohol sparkler has a suggested retail price of $17 a 750-ml. The brand is backing the launch with local digital, print, and broadcast media outreach, along with regional influencer activations themed around Dry January.

Will Your Wine Bottle Explode If You Forget It In The Freezer?

If you forgot an unopened bottle of still wine overnight in the freezer, it’s very unlikely that it will explode.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1750838/freeze-wine-myth-bottle-explode/

What Is Wine Pie, and Is It Actually Good?

Some things really are too good to be true.

https://www.foodandwine.com/wine-pie-8769186

5 Wine Industry Trends to Watch in 2025

From tariffs to climate change, the wine industry will face significant challenges in the year ahead, but changing consumer preferences could also bring opportunities

https://daily.sevenfifty.com/5-wine-industry-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

The Important Rule To Remember When Pairing Beer With Chocolate

An important rule to remember is to go with a beer that’s as sweet as the chocolate because a sweeter chocolate will make the beer taste watery and bitter.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1751103/how-to-pair-beer-with-chocolate/

Americans have already been ditching spirits and beer. Alcohol companies are future proofing themselves

Major brewers, including Molson Coors and Anheuser-Busch InBev, and spirit giants such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard, have all grown their portfolios with new non-alcoholic drinks to attract an increasing number of consumers, particularly younger ones, who are ditching drinking because of health concerns.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/03/food/beer-spirit-sales-non-alcoholic/index.html

Who can legally use the term Dry January?

The phrase Dry January has become a staple among drinks producers and retailers. But how carefully do you need to tread when using it?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/who-actually-owns-dry-january/

5 Wine Grape Names With Surprisingly Strange Meanings

It’s not often that we stop to think about the roots of grape names.

https://vinepair.com/articles/wine-grape-names-with-strange-meanings/

The New German Wine Law—And Why Place Matters

A new law sets criteria for designating vineyards as “Erstes Gewächs” and “Großes Gewächs” (essentially Premier and Grand Crus)

https://www.newwinereview.com/what-to-drink/new-german-wine-law/

How To Store Cream Liqueurs For The Best Freshness

You can keep a lot of your booze, like vodka, on the home bar or in the freezer — but cream liqueurs require different storage to stay fresh and not spoil.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1755742/absolute-best-flavor-cream-liqueurs-fridge/

Warning labels, the theory that can’t be proven

The frenzy over alcohol being dangerous is hitting a fever pitch that hasn’t peaked.

https://irishliquorlawyer.com/liquor-industry-insights/warning-labels-the-theory-that-cant-be-proven/

Dispelling myths about wines and foods

Let’s start off 2025 talking about something a lot of wine geeks seem to have little use for. Wine in the context of food.

https://www.lodiwine.com/blog/Dispelling-the-myths-of-wine-and-food-matching

How Josh Cellars Created One of America’s Most Popular Proseccos

Since launching its base Prosecco in 2019 (and adding a Prosecco Rosé offering the following year), the very American winemaker has quietly made significant inroads into the U.S. market for this very Italian sparkling wine.

https://vinepair.com/articles/josh-cellars-prosecco-powerhouse/

Consorzio Asti DOCG: 2024 Bottling Exceeds 90 Million Units

The balance of Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti production is  positive, with the total bottles for 2024 surpassing the 90 million mark

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/01/10/consorzio-asti-docg-2024-bottling-exceeds-90-million-units-ricagno/

WHAT I WISH I COULD TELL THE SURGEON GENERAL

THE INSIDIOUS DANGERS OF DRY JANUARY

https://winespeed.com/blog/2025/01/what-i-wish-i-could-tell-the-surgeon-general/

Why worker welfare is critical to truly “sustainable” wine production

“When you treat workers well . . . they’re more likely to stick around”

https://www.salon.com/2025/01/13/why-worker-welfare-is-critical-to-truly-sustainable-wine-production_partner/

I Like to Drink. Do I Have to Feel Bad About Alcohol Now?

A clinical psychologist on how to approach guilt and memories of revelry after the surgeon general’s warning against alcohol.

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/01/alcohol-surgeon-general-drinking-cancer-warning/

Surfside RTD Brand Set To Debut New Extensions After Big Year In 2024

Philadelphia-based Stateside Brands saw its Surfside label soar from 1.2 million cases in 2023 to 4.9 million cases last year, according to Impact Databank. Surfside will be debuting a series of Green Tea line extensions during the first quarter, including a variety 8-pack, single flavor 4-packs, and a new 700-ml. single can “The Longboard,” aimed at stadium venues and convenience stores. That dovetails with the brand’s strategy of targeting pro sports venues to drive expansion.

Surfside’s professional sports partnerships grew to a total of 11 teams across MLB, NHL, and NBA last year, and in 2025 it’s expecting to double that figure. Additional retail chain placement are also expected to drive gains this year. Surfside is line-priced $10 for a 4-pack of cans and $20 for its variety 8-packs.

Making the Case for Crémant de Bourgogne

When it comes to sparkling wine, Champagne has done all the heavy lifting of establishing the image of bubbles as one of celebration, class, and sophistication.

https://www.guildsomm.com/public_content/features/articles/b/miquel_hudin/posts/making-the-case-for-cremant-de-bourgogne

Will Anti-obesity / Weight-loss drugs harm the alcohol and wine industry?

Studies and reports have highlighted that individuals using these weight-loss medications tend to drink less alcohol.

https://bcwinetrends.com/2025/01/10/will-anti-obesity-weight-loss-drugs-harm-the-alcohol-and-wine-industry/

After the surgeon general’s warning on alcohol, people of faith should rethink sacramental wine

Christian communities face similar concerns with Communion wine, which represents the blood of Christ.

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2025-01-14/surgeon-general-alcohol-warning-wine-jewish-kiddush

Brooks Among First Wineries to Launch Reusable Revino Bottle Program, Expanding Sustainability Efforts

Guests Can Use Brooks’ Green Loyalty Points to Support Sustainability Efforts and Earn Perks at Winery

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297133

Is drinking alcohol ever good for you? Here’s what the science says.

If you’re confused, you’re not alone.

https://www.popsci.com/science/is-alcohol-good-for-you/

Organic wine market set to triple in value by 2030

The organic wine market is increasing year on year, whether you embrace it or not, with younger consumers driving growth.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/organic-wine-market-set-to-triple-by-2030/

ICCPUD Report Says Any Drinking Increases Mortality Risk

The second of two reports into alcohol and health contradicts the first one

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297184

7 Facts About Non-Alcoholic Wine You Should Know

Despite the present growth in the industry, non-alcoholic wines have been produced for decades.

https://www.tastingtable.com/1760770/facts-non-alcoholic-wine/

What the surgeon general’s warnings about alcohol mean for individual drinkers and public health

In a Q&A, Peter Monti, a professor of alcohol and addiction studies at Brown University and a leading researcher of alcohol and disease exacerbation, shared his perspective on alcohol and cancer.

https://www.brown.edu/news/2025-01-14/alcohol-cancer-warning

What Is The Difference Between A Wine Fridge & A Regular Refrigerator?

While a regular refrigerator might seem like a convenient option, it isn’t designed to meet the specific needs of wine.

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2501/S00087/what-is-the-difference-between-a-wine-fridge-a-regular-refrigerator.htm

Portuguese Company Launches Chestnut Flower Based Wine Preservative as a Substitute for Sulfites

The idea came about in response to the preoccupations of vintners, who are increasingly interested in finding a substitute for sulfites – an additive used to increase the shelf life of products, but also associated with allergic reactions.

https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/297170

Alcohol Caught Between Science and Ideology

Who do you believe? Scientists or a stacked jury of neo-Prohibitionists? It’s a tough call.

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/01/alcohol-caught-between-science-and-ideology

Red wine no longer turns French people’s heads

Nor of the rest of the world actually

https://www.nssmag.com/en/lifestyle/39561/crisis-red-wine-france-rest-of-the-world-gen-z

The biggest beer trends to watch in 2025

The top five leading beer trends have been outlined in a series of new reports showcasing the potential growth of the brewing industry.

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/the-biggest-beer-trends-to-watch-in-2025/

How To Read A German Wine Label Like A Sommelier

What’s more, German wine labels have a particularly bad reputation.

https://www.thetakeout.com/1759340/how-to-read-german-wine-label/

Priscilla Hennekam: we’re scaring consumers with ‘good’ or ‘bad’ wine

“The concept of ‘good vs. bad’ wine has been one of the most damaging narratives in the industry.

https://www.the-buyer.net/opinion/priscilla-hennekam-why-there-is-no-such-thing-as-good-and-bad-wine

How US Wineries Saved Canada’s Wine Industry After a Devastating Freeze

A “catastrophic” freeze devasted 90% of British Columbia’s grapes in 2024 — prompting a historic trade arrangement between U.S. and Canadian wine growers. Here’s what’s happening now.

https://www.foodandwine.com/british-columbia-wineries-saved-by-washington-winegrowers-8776080

Why America is in an alcohol recession

Beer, wine, and spirit sales have trended upward for years. But the industry now faces new threats.

https://thehustle.co/news/why-america-is-in-an-alcohol-recession

13 Ways To Infuse Liquor Into Baked Goods

Even if you craft a couple of cocktails each week at home, you’re probably sitting on liquor bottles for longer than you’d like.

https://www.chowhound.com/1762720/ways-infuse-liquor-baked-goods/

U.S. government proposes alcohol labeling rules to advance transparency, health, and safety

The Treasury Department’s Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau published two proposed rules to provide consumers with better information about the contents of alcoholic beverages.

https://www.cspinet.org/statement/us-government-proposes-alcohol-labeling-rules-advance-transparency-health-and-safety

COORS LIGHT BEER MISSPELLS “REFRESHMENT” IN HUGE NATIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT

If you’re a regular visitor to American Craft Beer, you’re well aware that we’re no strangers to the occasional misspelling or punctuation error.

https://www.americancraftbeer.com/coors-light-beer-misspells-refreshment-in-huge-national-announcement/

Colorado lawmakers will again try to limit hard liquor sales in grocery stores in bid to help small business

Western Slope Sen. Dylan Roberts said the effort is meant to protect independent liquor retailers struggling to compete with corporate chains

https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-lawmakers-will-again-try-to-limit-hard-liquor-sales

Wine sales down for almost all European producers: Prowein analysis encourages investment in new trends

THE SURVEY OF 1,300 COMPANIES AND TRADE PROFESSIONALS REVEALS A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN SALES IN 2024 AND A SHIFT TOWARDS LOWER PRICE RANGES. OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, SPARKLING WINES, WHITES, AND NO-LOW ALCOHOL CATEGORIES ARE ON THE RISE

https://www.gamberorossointernational.com/news/wine-sales-down-for-almost-all-european-producers-prowein-analysis-encourages-investment-in-new-trends/

Busting Myths About Alcohol-Removed Wine

In a world of increasing fake news, misinformation can befall many industries, and the wine world is no exception.

https://edenvale.com.au/blogs/news/busting-myths-about-alcohol-removed-wine

Personal injury powerhouse Parker Waichman goes after alcohol industry over cancer

The class action lawsuit against alcohol is coming

https://www.oregonlive.com/wine/2025/01/personal-injury-powerhouse-parker-waichman-goes-after-alcohol-industry-over-cancer.html

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Podcast

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Podcast Award Nominations 2019, 21, 22 ,23, 24 AND 2025!!

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