In the film Field of Dreams, a quiet voice whispers a simple promise: “If you build it, he will come.” The idea was never really about baseball. It was about creating something meaningful and trusting that the right people would be drawn to it. The wine industry is standing at a similar crossroads. For decades, wineries have operated on a simple assumption: make great wine, tell a compelling story, and consumers will come. Craft the product. Earn the accolades. Build the brand. But the next generation of wine consumers is telling us something different. Gen Z, now entering legal drinking age and shaping the future of hospitality, is not primarily seeking bottles to collect or scores to chase. Many say they are looking for something more fundamental: connection, community, and places where they can gather with friends away from the constant pull of the digital world. In other words, they are looking for a third space. For winery owners, executives, and Direct-to-Consumer lea

If you’ve been waiting for real-world proof that electric material handling vehicles (MHVs) can outperform internal combustion in busy, space-constrained operations, this is it. Our new white paper, Electrifying Material Handling Vehicles, shows how Golden State Lumber made the switch to an all-electric fleet and increased uptime, safety, and cost control. Below is a short overview of what you’ll learn in the full paper, and we’ll explain why now is the time to get serious about your own electrification roadmap. Why the Shift to Electric Is Accelerating Electrification isn’t just an environmental initiative; it’s an operational upgrade. Modern electric forklifts offer consistent power, instant torque, and whisper-quiet operation. With electric MHVs, communication is clearer, and air quality is high. And with fewer moving parts, they also tend to require less time in the shop, helping reduce the total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle. Add in

Navigate shifting tastes, rising digital expectations, and the next wave of opportunity. The wine industry stands at a crossroads. After years of challenging market conditions, 2026 is expected to be a pivotal year that could reshape how many wineries operate, compete, and connect with consumers. If you're running a winery or wine brand, the predictions for 2026 aren't just industry forecasts; they're your roadmap to success. A turning point for the wine industry Industry experts are calling 2026 a potential "turning point" for wine, marking the transition from decline to a new growth cycle. But this recovery won't look like anything we've seen before. The old playbook of volume-driven sales is over. The new rules center on premiumization, authentic storytelling, and direct-to-consumer excellence. These shifts present both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. Get the full story

Loyalty, Deconstructed: Small Moments, Big Retention What actually makes members stick? In Session 4, Jason Curtis sits down with industry veteran Brian Baker to break down loyalty into practical, repeatable steps you can deploy without requiring bigger discounts or heavy lifting. In this replay, you’ll learn: Story by generation: Gen Z (values & moments), Millennials (experiences), Gen X (clarity), Boomers (legacy). Micro-exclusivity that scales: tiny lots, off-menu pours, member-only moments that feel special. Personalization beyond the name: preferences, simple “your year in wine” recaps, timely outreach. Surprise & delight: thoughtful unboxing layers, quick QR thank-you videos, occasional “upgrade” moments. Hospitality that converts: use the 80/20 guest-talk ratio and a 3-second pause to show you’re listening. Community & values: partner events, cause alignment, and easy member micro-communities. “Aim small, miss small. Start l

SAN JOSE, CA – June 18, 2025 – LibDib, the leading web-based wholesale alcohol distributor, today announced a new partnership with The Beverage Blueprint to support wine, spirits, no- and low-alcohol brands seeking distribution in California. This partnership offers full-service merchandising and chain retail support for Makers with existing business, as well as a tailored “à la carte” solution for brands transitioning from traditional distributors. With this partnership, LibDib expands its footprint beyond logistics and compliance, now offering merchandising services, chain retail support, and onboarding solutions that are specifically designed for brands navigating change—especially those impacted by recent shifts in the California distribution landscape. “This partnership gives our clients an on-the-ground solution to activate and expand in California,” said Will Clark, Founder of The Beverage Blueprint. “We work closely wi

Migration Planning | Growth Tactics | Shopify For Wine | Ask Us Anything DTC Wine Unleashed is a highly tactical afternoon event designed to help wineries build an end-to-end, scalable DTC system they can actually implement. With the acquisition of WineDirect Software by Commerce7, wineries across the globe are re-evaluating their tech stacks and looking for clarity, efficiency, and results. This event goes beyond platform demos. Attendees will leave with a full-stack DTC blueprint — from DTC mechanics to storefront, fulfillment, retention and compliance — and a clear path forward. Register here.

Eco-Friendly Small Businesses: Guide to Handle Waste Sustainability When it comes to creating small business sustainability goals, you may think you have to go big or go home. But bigger isn’t necessarily better   With mounting global environmental challenges, small businesses face increasing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices. The popular misconception is that sustainable changes must be huge to make an impact. But the truth is modest shifts in habits can significantly reduce a company's carbon footprint, especially when it comes to recycling and waste. Half of all consumers are ready to invest more in sustainable brands according to the National Retail Federation.  Let's explore some actionable steps small businesses can take to reduce, reuse and recycle. Embrace Sustainable Packaging For businesses that rely heavily on e-commerce, every parcel shipped is an opportunity to advocate for sustainability. Shift from plastic-based packaging to recyclable mate

What’s the opportunity cost of stopping to ingest another piece of content? Two sentences in, are you gripped with a guilty impulse to reach for your phone or keyboard and start making calls instead? I’d like to redirect your energy so that your success in sales isn’t random or acute, but consistent and chronic — the result of a strategic, focused effort that means doing less and selling more. Defining Success If I “get you” to read this article, does that mean I’ve written it well?  “Well,” you might say, “that depends on your goal, I guess. What are you trying to do here —put words in my mouth?” As tribal creatures, we tend to assume everyone around us is on the same page, that we define success in the same way.  In Chapter 1 of The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel argues that “Nobody’s Crazy” — every one of us handles our finances based on different values, informed

Elevate your pre-season planning with this mini-workshop designed for tasting room leads, managers and winery owners. Presented by Shae Frichette and April Reddout.   Calling all Tasting Room Leads, Managers, and Owners! Elevate your pre-season planning game with our exclusive mini-workshop, a dynamic segment extracted from our Winter Refresh webinar series. Join us to delve into two key topics curated for professionals like you. Unlock the power of SMART goal training to revolutionize your approach to goal-setting. Gain invaluable insights on planning intentional events for 2024 that align with your brand personality and objectives. This session is your blueprint to strategic success—don't miss out on refining your skills and maximizing your planning prowess. Register now and set the stage for a remarkable 2024. This mini-workshop is hosted by training professional and winery owner Shae Frichette and April Reddout of Reddout Wine Consulting. Register here now

For some, the passion for winemaking evolves into the responsibility of leading a team, but without prior managerial experience, you might find yourself steering through uncharted waters. According to research from CEB (Gartner), 60 percent of new managers fail within the first two years of their new role! InnoVint’s Director of Client Success, Amanda Turner, has trained and supported many new managers through these challenges. Here’s a distilled version of Amanda’s insights tailored for those stepping into management roles within the wine industry. 1. Building Personal Connections It’s not just about the wine production process; it’s about the people driving that process. Picture this: You’re in the middle of a hectic harvest. Amidst logistics concerns like delayed barrel shipments, a team member excitedly shares a personal milestone– their child just took their first step! It’s these moments of connection that transform workplaces