For founders Michael and Perry, the launch of Wild Mannered wasn’t just a new name; it was a new expression of identity, culture, and community. But as their brand evolved, they quickly realized that a powerful story needs a package that tells it. With the support of AWT Labels & Packaging’s ASL team, they transformed their updated brand vision into a physical product that felt just as intentional and expressive as the story behind it. A Brand Rooted in Representation Originally launched as Neat, the company was known for its ready-to-drink soju cocktails. But over time, Michael and Perry found that the name “Neat” didn’t quite capture the cultural specificity or personality they wanted the brand to reflect—a modern beverage brand inspired by cherished memories of sharing drinks through the lens of being Asian Americans. As a brand, they value representation and embracing identity, community, and quality with no exceptions or shortcuts.  &

76 Restaurants from across the country and Mexico receive inaugural ‘Magnum Award’  SANTA ROSA, Calif. (September 2, 2025) – Seventy-six restaurants spanning from Graton, California, to Greenwich, Connecticut, are being honored with the 2025 Sonoma County Magnum Award for their exceptional support and promotion of Sonoma County wines.  Earlier this year, Sonoma County Winegrowers launched this new initiative to recognize restaurants that demonstrate outstanding support for Sonoma County wines and showcasing Sonoma County as a world-class wine region. Each restaurant will receive a uniquely etched magnum bottle, symbolizing their role as an ambassador for Sonoma County’s farmers, winemakers, and wines. During the year, Sonoma County wineries submitted nominations of restaurants they felt were deserving of recognition. Input was also provided by partners, trade, and sommeliers from throughout the country. Restaurants were selected based on key crit

Let’s be honest: There’s a certain magic to pouring wine in your own tasting room—the clink of glasses, the sunlight through the vines, the laughter echoing off the barrel room walls. But what if you could bottle that magic and uncork it anywhere in the world? Today’s top-performing wineries aren’t just waiting for guests to walk through their doors. They’re packing their corkscrews and passports, finding their biggest fans where they live, work, and play—from the next city over to the far side of the globe. Welcome to the golden age of wine roadshows—and, now, globetrotting wine adventures! Why Travel? Because Wine Is About Connection Wine is the ultimate connector. It brings people together and creates memories, whether it’s a backyard BBQ in Austin or a sunset dinner on the Amalfi Coast. Your most devoted club members and best customers crave those connections—and they’re hungry (and thirsty) for experiences that go b

Uncertain times can feel like a game of survival for many in the wine industry. With tighter budgets, shifting consumer spending, and market challenges, it’s tempting to cut back on non-essential expenses like staff training and development. Yet, those who invest in their teams during tough times often emerge stronger, with a distinct edge that sets them apart from the competition. Perhaps we’re preaching to the choir, but for anyone who needs to ‘sell’ the concept to others, let’s explore why investing in training your team now is not only essential but could also be the key to long-term growth, stability, and resilience. Elevating the Guest Experience: Training as a Core Strength A well-trained sales team creates an unmatched guest experience that can directly impact your bottom line, especially when fewer guests may be walking through the door. Every guest interaction is an opportunity to build loyalty and increase conversions, whether through wine sal

Afternoon Brief: Seaport Strike Could Spike NYC Wine Prices, Leave Produce Rotting Offshore, Experts Warn

A looming longshoremen's strike at seaports across the East Coast is slated to hammer New York City's supply chains -- and experts said the labor action could lead to a spike in wine prices, in addition to hundreds of tons of fruit going bad on ships stuck outside the harbor with no place to dock...

Chicago-headquartered company launches innovative shared ownership plan on a global scale Berlin Packaging, the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier, is thrilled to announce the introduction of its new 1Berlin Shared Ownership Program, giving employees at all levels and in all global regions of the Company an ownership stake in the business effective immediately. Sharing ownership with all employees solidifies Chicago-headquartered Berlin Packaging's dedication to investing in its workforce and fostering a positive and inclusive environment within its constantly expanding global business. No investment is required from employees to participate in the Shared Ownership Plan, and every employee with at least two years of continuous employment will be automatically enrolled. "We're introducing our 1Berlin Shared Ownership Program now because our team has collectively persevered through the last four years of pandemic disruption with unprecedented grit and resiliency,

Making Wine Entertaining at Windows on the World - Sonoma County Winegrowers

By Virginie Boone For decades, Windows on the World was the most desirable place to dine in New York City, set on the top floors of the North Tower of []

Selected from more than 350 submissions across five criteria groups, HipMaps has been named a 2024 Skift IDEA Award Finalist in the Creative Design category. As the smallest organization among the six finalists, HipMaps joins the ranks of prestigious names such as New York City Tourism + Conventions, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation. “HipMaps' recognition is a win for all small businesses” said Rachel LeRoy, founder and CEO of HipMaps. “Yes, our companies may be much smaller but we can stand shoulder to shoulder with industry giants.” Now in its sixth year, the Skift IDEA Awards celebrate excellence in design, creativity, and innovation within the travel industry. “The sixth edition of Skift IDEA Awards has been our biggest to date, and solidifies its standing as the travel industry’s most coveted achievement for excellence in design, creativity and innovation” the organization stated. Finalist