WineBusiness Monthly

26/07/2024

Relief for B.C. wineries protects 2024 vintage: https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2020-2024/2024PSSG0065-001191.htm

B.C. wineries will benefit from temporary support that will allow wines to be made with grapes and juice from outside of the province - such as WA - for the 2024 vintage year.

26/07/2024

Check out this exciting new research! The "Hyperspectral Virus Identification and Detection" (HYPERVID) project is revolutionizing how we detect grapevine viruses using hyperspectral remote sensing and autonomous vehicles.

Led by Dr. Luca Brillante at Fresno State, this game-changing tech aims to make spotting and removing infected vines faster and cheaper. Say goodbye to expensive lab tests and hello to high-tech vineyard health! 🌱

Dive into the details with author Ted Rieger and see how this innovation could transform our vineyards: https://zurl.co/QqOs

16/07/2024

Discover the impact of nitrogen on Chardonnay vineyards and wines:

From vine growth to fermentation, nitrogen plays a crucial role in fruit composition and wine quality. In our latest issue, learn how soil versus foliar nitrogen applications influence vine productivity and aroma development.

Dive into the details with author Tian Tian and explore the surprising findings that could reshape winemaking practices.

Read the full article to unlock the secrets of nitrogen's influence on your favorite Chardonnay wines: https://ow.ly/q8xz50SCHlp

Image: Leaf senescence was delayed in mature Chardonnay vines that received soil nitrogen application as compared to vines that received no nitrogen addition during the growing season. The experimental vineyard has a low nitrogen status (veraison leaf blade N = ~ 16 g N/kg dry weight) historically.

16/07/2024

Discover the winners of the 2024 PACK Awards on August 14th!🏆

Our show hosts will unveil top designs in:
⭐ Classic Format Package Design
⭐ Luxury Package Design
⭐ Package Series Design
⭐ Package Redesign
⭐ Alternative/Non-glass Format Package Design

And a special People's Choice category—your vote matters!

Don't miss out—register now and toast to innovation in packaging design with us ➡️ https://ow.ly/lvtA50SCwJ1

10/07/2024

The judges' comments are in, but now it's your turn! Cast your vote to decide the winner of the People Choice category for the 2024 PACK Design Awards. 🏆

Don't miss out—vote now and show some love for the bottles that catch your eye. Let's make a difference in the future of wine packaging design.

Cast your votes here ➡️wbmpack.com

09/07/2024

Even with high interest rates and slow wine sales, Pacific Northwest banks are still backing the wine industry.

Major players like Silicon Valley Bank (now part of First Citizens Bank), AgWest Farm Credit, Banner Bank, Umpqua Bank, Rabobank, and more continue offering loans. Credit's tighter, but deals are still going through—like Ackley Brands acquisition of The Hogue Cellars and Columbia Winery.

There's a big demand for capital, fueled by the growth of wineries in the area, even with the challenges of higher interest rates and borrowing costs. Read more in the July issue: https://ow.ly/sjEF50SxwQi

09/07/2024

Discover how a vineyard in Monterey County is revolutionizing the fight against climate change:

Using cutting-edge biochar technology, they're boosting wine yields and capturing carbon like never before.

Curious about how this ancient farming method is making waves in modern agriculture? Dive into the full story and learn about the future of sustainable winemaking: https://ow.ly/xPsR50SxwIk

05/07/2024

Wineries are getting creative by adding non-alcoholic (NA) options to attract more visitors and keep up with changing consumer demographics.

With wellness tourism booming and people's tastes evolving, traditional wine-tasting rooms face challenges like higher fees, fewer visitors, and flat sales. Offering NA drinks helps bring in a wider range of guests, including designated drivers and expectant mothers, making everyone feel welcome and boosting brand loyalty.

Wineries are trying different approaches, like serving sodas, teaming up with NA brands, or crafting unique mocktails. Even though NA sales don't make a ton of money, they improve the customer experience.

Places like Clif Family Wines, Brooks Winery, and Castello di Amorosa are leading the way, showing that offering these options can be a smart move.

What do you think? Read more about this in the July issue: https://ow.ly/8VaN50Su5r1

03/07/2024

Deborah Parker Wong is a powerhouse in the wine world, juggling roles as a writer, editor, educator, and judge. She's not just about writing and teaching—she's shaping the future of wine education.

From creating a wine studies program at Cabrillo College to teaching at big universities, she's all about spreading the love for wine and preparing students for careers in the industry. She's also a sustainability champion, pushing for eco-friendly winemaking practices.

Her secret to success? Uncover the answer in the latest Leader to Leader interview➡️

To watch, visit: https://ow.ly/lh4M50Su6Te

To read the article in the July issue, visit: https://ow.ly/NXHf50Su6Tc

03/07/2024

Echolands Estate Winery and Vineyard, launched by wine expert Doug Frost and conservationist Brad Bergman in Walla Walla, Washington, is making waves with its cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly practices.

Frost, a rare double Master of Wine and Master Sommelier teamed up with Bergman to acquire a 50-acre spot in the SeVein Water Project, surrounded by prestigious wineries like L'Ecole No 41 and Leonetti Cellar. They named their piece "Taggart Vineyard," and Frost's passion for community and top-notch wines shines through.

With a stellar team and innovative facilities, Echolands focuses on sustainability and producing wines that echo the unique landscape of Walla Walla.

Read more in the July issue: https://ow.ly/VaqZ50Su565

02/07/2024

Meet the winemaker of the month!🍇Gilles Martin, the winemaker at Sparkling Pointe in Southold, NY, opens up about his journey and the winery’s unique focus on sparkling wines.

Sparkling Pointe, started in 2004 by Tom and Cynthia Rosicki, is all about traditional method sparkling wines made from sustainably grown grapes on their 40-acre vineyard in North Fork. Born in the Champagne region of France, Martin’s background in biology and oenology took him all over Europe, Australia, and California, with inspiration from Champagne Roederer and Deutz mentors.

Sparkling Pointe is known for its Pinot Noir, Meunier, and Chardonnay, producing around 6,000 cases annually. Martin loves learning and staying innovative, often turning to WineBusiness Monthly for fresh ideas and industry insights.

Read more about Gilles in the July issue: https://ow.ly/uiCx50Su61O

02/07/2024

2023 was a rollercoaster for wineries — despite fewer visitors and a dip in wine club sign-ups, direct sales stayed strong thanks to higher order values.

Tasting room orders jumped to $97, and wine club orders soared to $175. Wineries got creative, boosting phone, website, and text sales to make up for less foot traffic.

Curious how they did it and what this means for the future? Dive into the details in our latest article ➡️ https://ow.ly/G2wK50Su3Og

[Data collected from the 2024 WineBusiness Monthly Tasting Room Survey]

25/06/2024

Registration is now open for the 2024 Wine Industry Financial Symposium, the premier event for industry leaders, CFOs, finance professionals, winery owners, and executives.

Join the wine industry's most influential leaders for engaging sessions, earn CPA credits, and network at the exclusive wine reception. 🍷

Register early to enjoy exclusive benefits, including discounted rates: https://winebusinessfinancial.com/financial-symposium-registration-fees/

16/05/2024

Meet the 2024 Pack Design Awards Judges!

The independent panel of wine industry and design industry experts will determine the winners in 5 categories:
⭐Classic Format Package Design
⭐Luxury Package Design
⭐Package Series Design
⭐Package Redesign
⭐Alternative/Non-glass Format Package Design

Enter your designs today, and put your brand in the spotlight!

Winners will be announced in August.

Enter here➡️https://wbmevents.com/pack/entry/

09/05/2024

WineBusiness in White Plains, NY for NAWR

Founder of Colangelo & Partners, Gino Colangelo, speaks on neo-prohibition efforts challenging the wine industry at the annual National Association of Wine Retailers in NY. Included in his presentation, Colangelo references an article in the April issue of Wine Business Monthly, Wine Under Attack, by Felicity Carter.

02/05/2024

Join us live on May 22 for the Tasting Room Survey Results Webinar, where wine industry experts Erin Kirschenmann and Andrew Adams will unveil insights from the 2024 tasting room study.

Discover invaluable strategies to elevate your business and shine during the peak season. The webinar will cover everything from refining tasting room operations to optimizing direct-to-consumer approaches. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to get all your questions answered by the experts.

Benchmark your business against industry leaders and gain actionable insights! Register here➡️ https://ow.ly/J6lr50Rvcwm

Thank you to our sponsor, Riedel, The Wine Glass Company.

29/04/2024

April Winemaker of the Month 🍇🍷
Maura Johnson, winemaker, VASO Cellars, produced by DANA Estates, St. Helena, CA

Read more about Maura's winemaking background and challenges in the field: https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/285103

28/04/2024

Next up in the Leader to Leader Series: Regine T. Rousseau interviews Yoav Gilat, the founder and CEO of Share-A-Splash Wine Company.

Yoav Gilat highlights his journey in the wine industry, showcasing his unique approach to success through passion, innovation, and resilience.

As a family man and CEO, Gilat emphasizes the importance of balancing and learning from challenges, driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Read more about his story: https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/284947

Watch the interview: https://youtu.be/Wjdhq_AKSL4?si=C1JSjUC7iu-hm_6s

27/04/2024

Richmond, VA, – Winebow is proud to announce the addition of Boisset Collection's DeLoach Vineyards, Elizabeth Spencer, J. Moreau & Fils, Mommessin, Laboure-Roi, and Domaine Maire wineries to Winebow Imports, effective May 1, 2024. Winebow Imports will be the full-service national sales and marketing partner for these selected wineries from the Boisset Collection.

Press Release

26/04/2024

In Washington, a distillation cooperative project is being considered as a solution to excess bulk wine, with potential for long-term branding alignment with consumer preferences.

Interest from British Columbia wineries presents an opportunity for Washington and Oregon to alleviate oversupply, with resources available for exporting bulk wine and grapes.

Read the news article here: https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/286307

26/04/2024

With the 2024 PACK Design Awards entries pouring in, Michael S. Lasky examines what it takes to become an award-winning brand.

For over a decade, WineBusiness Monthly has celebrated innovative wine packaging through its PACK Design Awards, recognizing exceptional designs across classic, luxury, series, redesign, and non-glass categories.

The intricate design process involves collaboration between producers, designers, and judges. It focuses on functionality, aesthetics, and consumer resonance and can take up to six months from concept to production.

What features are congruent among successful designs?

Find out here: https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/284941

Image: The simple, yet bold and effective, design of these labels for a new line from McPrice Myers Wine Co. caught the judges' eyes. This is a great example of Rule #7: Tell consumers everything they need to know while still maintaining shelf appeal.

26/04/2024

Paul Goldberg, President of Bettinelli Vineyards, has been named the 2024 Napa Valley Grower of the Year by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. With over 15 years of active involvement in the organization and various leadership roles, Goldberg has shown exceptional dedication to the local agricultural community and is recognized for his commitment to sustainable farming practices. The award highlights Goldberg's contributions to viticultural excellence and his efforts to promote Napa Valley's reputation for quality vineyards.

Press Release - Paul Goldberg has been named the Napa Valley Grapegrowers 2024 Napa Valley Grower of the Year

26/04/2024

The Willamette Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) marked its 40th anniversary back in 2023 with a year-long series of celebrations thrown by the Willamette Valley Wineries Association (WVWA).

David Adelsheim, a pivotal figure in the Oregon region, looks back on how the AVA got started in '82 and how things have changed over the last 40 years. He talks about how bringing in different grape varieties and getting investments from around the world have been key.

Plus, getting the nod from the EU with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in 2022 was a major win, and they're still going strong with all kinds of educational and fun events, showing just how much the region has grown and how it's being recognized globally.

Read the full story here: https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/286407

Picture: Ginny & David Adelsheim of Adelsheim Vineyard at their first harvest in 1971.

18/04/2024

Get recognized for your beautiful packaging 🏆Enter the PACK Design Awards and put your brand in the spotlight!

⭐ 100% ONLINE: Simply submit a form with specific details about your packaging, and Outshinery will create a flawless bottle shot of your product.

⭐ 5 CATEGORIES
-Classic Format
-Luxury Package
-Best Package Series Design
-Package Redesign
-Non-Glass Format

⭐ WHO CAN ENTER?
-Wineries
-Designers
-Packaging Vendors

Winners of each category receive full-page features in the September and October issues of WineBusiness Monthly and are announced during a WineBusiness webinar in August.

Enter today for the best rate! https://ow.ly/ONwL50Rjp1B

15/04/2024

Your packaging tells consumers a story about the incredible wine inside, the vines it came from, and the hard work you put into it🍷🍇💪 Enter your package design in the PACK Design Awards and find out how your packaging compares to the competition, as evaluated by an independent panel of experts!

🐦Early bird pricing for entries ends this Friday, so submit your package designs today! 🔗https://ow.ly/Pm2F50RfF9p

28/03/2024

Thank you joining us in Paso Robles for another successful WiVi Central Coast! A special thank you to the associations, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and partners who make this event possible. See you next year on the Central Coast 🍇

27/03/2024

Thank you to those who joined us in Paso Robles for Central Coast Insights! We look forward to seeing the positive impact the discussions will have on your wine businesses.

See you tomorrow at WiVi 🍷

25/03/2024

The World Health Organization has said "no amount of alcohol is safe"—ignoring what scientific research has shown. Influencing this organization are temperance, anti-alcohol organizations. Felicity Carter discovered who those organizations are, their motives, and what that means for the wine industry.

Read the full story in our April issue, or at the link below. Tomorrow, we'll post another article that looks into why no real research has been done on alcohol—the benefits, side effects, or otherwise—and our health.

https://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/article/284944

22/03/2024

WiVi Tradeshow and Session passes are still available! 🎟️ Don't miss out on the ultimate Central Coast wine experience happening next week.

Secure your pass now to access:
🍾 Bottle Bash
🍇 200 exhibitors with winemaking solutions
🍷 Central Coast wine tastings
🥩 BBQ luncheon + Beer Garden
🌿Winemaking, Viticulture & DTC Sessions

Grab your passes today and join us next week in Paso Robles! 🔗WiViCentralCoast.com