The 2026 State of the Industry session at Unified was cautiously optimistic but did delivered a clear message: the wine industry is not in a temporary downturn, it is undergoing a structural reset. We are deep into this adjustment but there is still work to be done. Declining consumption, excess supply, margin pressure, and changing consumer behavior are no longer emerging risks; they are now realities. They are now the operating reality. What made this year different was the alignment between market data, producer behavior, and financial results. The conclusions echoed the themes in the most recent SVB State of the Wine Industry Report: slower demand, elevated inventories, capital constraints, and the need for sharper business discipline. A Global Market Under Pressure As Mike Veseth, The Wine Economist, noted, wine is now a global commodity. Approximately 45% of all wine crosses at least one international border. While global trade continues to grow, overall consumption is

For the fourth consecutive year, four seasoned wine industry thought leaders return to examine the critical challenges and opportunities defining the wine landscape in 2026. Each panelist will share their most important predictions and trends that wineries need to understand to thrive in the year ahead. This engaging panel discussion offers multiple perspectives on the forces shaping our industry, equipping you with practical insights to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities throughout 2026. Session Panel: Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates Moderator: Damien Wilson, Faculty Director and Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business / Sonoma State University

In this WIN Insiders special edition, George interviews Pat Delong, managing partner and founder of Azur Associates, a wine industry consultancy specializing in mergers and acquisitions and strategic advisory. Pat shares his 30-year wine business journey and how Azur evolved into a full-service firm combining consulting with M&A expertise. The conversation covers critical topics including wine industry real estate and brand valuations, preparation strategies for owners considering exits, market oversupply impacts, and the influx of new private investors with long-term horizons. Learn More: https://www.azur-associates.com/.

Turning the Tables on Lauren Mowery

By Carl Giavanti Founder of Azure Road, a digital publication devoted to conscious living, Lauren Mowery has written about wine, food and travel for more