An exceptionally small 2025 grape harvest would help balance wine inventories and potentially stimulate grape demand next year There wasn’t much change in the complexion of the wine market in the third quarter. Sales continued to decline across channels and price points, though at varying rates. Some segments improved while others worsened. Wine exports continued to flag because of provincial bans in Canada.  I continue to believe the slump is mainly structural, particularly at the lower end of the market (see Page 3). But I also believe economic factors such as inflation and depressed consumer sentiment have played a role, and I expect wine sales to firm up once the economic backdrop improves. Unfortunately, we aren’t expecting much change in the economy, for better or worse, in the months ahead, so the wine market isn’t likely to see much improvement either.  2025 was a painful year for California grape growers. Weather was an issue, but the grape market p

Dry January is no longer just a health challenge or a new-year reset—it’s a global movement. But here’s the kicker: savvy brands know that real success in the no- and low-alcohol (No/Low) category comes from building momentum well beyond one month. At BevZero, we help our clients turn the buzz of January into a sustainable, year-round beverage strategy using expert product development, cutting-edge dealcoholization services, and full-spectrum beverage solutions. Let’s talk about how. Why Dry January Is Only the Beginning Dry January consistently delivers a spike in consumer interest, online searches, and sales for No/Low products—especially non-alcoholic wines, beers, and spirits. But interest doesn’t flatline in February. In fact, there are multiple high-impact moments throughout the year where brands can meet growing demand: Spring (March – May): Holidays like St. Patricks, Easter, and Mothers Day can be a great time to provide low or no

Another month of calm November typically marks the end of a new harvest and the middle of our busiest sales quarter. October’s government shutdown created unbelievable market uncertainty. But with the system back up and Thanksgiving almost normal, stability returned rather than the predicted surges or collapses by pundits from both sides. Still, questions remain about the future of our economic recovery prospects. For now, it is a reprieve, allowing us to regroup for the new year. Market dynamics The delayed reports from Commerce and the Bureau of Labor Statistics have started to trickle in, bringing some key takeaways: Unemployment is holding at 3.8%. Inflation easing to 2.3% YoY. Consumer spending down ~2% from Q3, but no hint of a cliff. As we close out the year and look to 2026, the focus will be on staying agile in both supply planning and capturing winery sales and marketing opportunities. The key trends persist: Steady demand, no major swings, and a growing gap between spe

​​Come Over October 2.0: A Movement Goes International

"Do something!" That's my mantra when we face challenges, and there's no better example than Come Over October, an international promotion of wine as the beverage that has brought us [...]

October is calling; for friends, laughter, and raising a glass 🥂.  Check out Come Over October, a movement rooted in togetherness and authenticity.  For over six decades, we’ve crafted bottles that not only protect the wine inside, but also symbolize the value of quality, sustainability, and shared experience.  This October, we invite partners, customers, and colleagues to raise a glass with intention. Here’s to meaningful connections, thoughtful craftsmanship, and the role wine plays in bringing people together.  

Harvests downgraded; buyers largely unmoved The recent downgrading of Italy’s 2025 crush-size forecast means that none of this year’s major Northern Hemisphere winegrape harvests are now projected to reach their five-year averages. At least three, in fact, are expected to fall considerably short, due to climatic conditions but also vineyard removals and mothballing. As this month’s Italy page points out, this raises the possibility that “global wine output in 2025 will come in lower than in 2024”, a year that – according to the International Organisation of Vine & Wine – saw the lowest wine production since 1961. Indicative of demand pressure at the retail end, or the lack of it, the response of bulk wine buyers has mainly been to sit back and assess rather than jump onto the market, especially where wine prices have risen. As one of our European pages states this month: “Suppliers were understandably pushing for pricing in line with

Napa Valley, CA — October 9, 2025 — Scout, the vineyard intelligence platform built by and for growers, announced today that its Scout Gen5 technology has been named to TIME’s list of the Best Inventions of 2025, which features 300 innovations transforming the way we live, work, and connect with the world.  Each year, TIME’s editors evaluate thousands of submissions across industries, considering originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact. The 2025 list highlights breakthroughs in healthcare, sustainability, AI, and agriculture, recognizing inventions that are shaping a better future.  The Modern Farmer’s Eye: Grower-Centric Innovation  Scout was founded on a simple idea—the farmer’s eye is the best sensor in the field. Our mission is to scale that intuition and experience for the decades ahead. Scout delivers clarity and confidence through AI that sees and analyzes what humans can’t, and empowers what they can, so e