Afternoon Brief: 2026 Smoke Summit: Equipping Growers and Wineries with the Latest Research and Tools on Wildfire Smoke
The summit will bring together leading researchers and industry experts to share the latest progress on wildfire smoke exposure and how that research is being applied in real-world vineyard and winery decisions, including practical guidance on interpreting lab results, understanding key smoke markers, and using that information to inform timely decisions...
Afternoon Brief: Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman Abandon Merger Talks, Both Confirm
Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman are no longer pursuing a potential deal, both companies confirmed in separate press releases today. Brown-Forman’s stock fell by 5.08 percent as of 4:54 p.m. in after-hours trading following the announcements...
The Hidden Cost Eating Into Winery Profits
From tasting rooms to wine clubs, credit card fees are quietly draining winery margins. Here's how to understand the fee structure—and fight back.
Afternoon Brief: Columbia Distributing and Republic National Distributing Company Announce Letter of Intent
Columbia Distributing and Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) today announced that they have entered into a non-binding letter of intent outlining proposed terms for Columbia to acquire certain wine and spirits distribution rights in Oregon and Washington...
Afternoon Brief: California’s Wine Grape Acreage Drops in 2025 as Industry Struggles Continues
As the California wine industry currently faces a crisis due to oversupply, weak demand and changing consumer habits, a new report released the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) shows that grape acreage in the state continued to shrink in 2025...
The Costly Tasting Room Mistake Owners Make Too Early
Before architects, before budgets, before renderings — winery owners need to answer one question first. Here's how to keep control of your tasting room vision.
Wine Builds Community This Spring: Share & Pair Sundays
Nine Sundays, one enduring idea: wine is best when shared. See how Share & Pair Sundays is uniting wine businesses and consumers this spring.
Afternoon Brief: ‘Widespread Devastation’ – Frost Damages Grape Buds Across Multiple Eastern States
Overnight temperatures dropped into the mid-20s from New York down to Virginia. What it means for a lot of wineries is far less fruit to harvest this fall...
Afternoon Brief: Understanding the Wine Drinker of Today
Although the majority (54%) of frequent wine drinkers still drink about the same as usual, 20% of regular wine drinkers said they were drinking less frequently, while 33% of occasional wine drinkers were lowering their consumption...
Stop Teaching Wine. Start Revealing People.
Why leading with terroir and tasting notes is driving away the next generation of wine drinkers — and what hospitality pros can do differently.