We proudly announced the recipients of the inaugural WISE Rising Stars Scholarships during a live presentation at the DTC Wine Symposium last week, celebrating the next generation of DTC wine industry leaders in front of more than 500 winery professionals. As one of the event’s original sponsors, WISE continues to invest in the Symposium’s mission of education, collaboration, and forward‑thinking leadership. The Rising Stars Scholarships extend that commitment—supporting people, developing leadership, and strengthening the DTC community across the industry. The Rising Stars Scholarships received an overwhelming response from across the country. The strength of applications prompted Commerce7 to step in and match one of the scholarships, allowing WISE to expand the program and support additional recipients. Join us as we raise a glass towards this year's recipients! Kelsey Gomes is the DTC Marketing Manager at Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards. Upon re

From Midnight Mocktails to Croatian Coasts: The Top Travel Trends Stealing Wine Country's Thunder As travelers eagerly plan their next getaways, the tourism landscape is shifting—fast. Driven by changing values, advancing tech, and global events, how we explore the world in 2025 looks very different than it did just a few years ago. From AI-crafted itineraries to wellness retreats designed around your sleep cycle, travel today is more curated, personal, and purpose-driven than ever. But while adventurers chase hot springs in Iceland and food tours in Tokyo, one classic destination is quietly slipping from the spotlight: wine country. Once a top choice for weekend getaways and special occasions, winery visits are on the decline. And for the wine industry, that’s more than just a hospitality hiccup—it’s a missed opportunity to turn curious sippers into lifelong fans. Understanding this season’s top travel trends isn’t just about keeping up. It&rsq

Popular Agency Expands to Cover Texas Wineries WineGlass Marketing, LLC announces today the expansion of its services into Texas with the addition of a presence in Austin. Effective immediately, the popular marketing agency will provide on-the-ground assistance to clients throughout the thriving Texas wine regions, including the Hill Country and beyond. Keith KennySusan DeMatei, President of WineGlass Marketing, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to extend our reach into the Lonestar state. Texas has a dynamic wine scene, and its spirit of innovation and the growing consumer interest in Texas wines make it a perfect match for our agency’s expertise.” She continued, “Having a dedicated presence in Austin allows us to truly understand the unique challenges and opportunities within the Texas wine market.” The agency states that the initial cornerstones of services for the Austin area will be web development and social media. Two of the agency

Afternoon Brief, March 14th

Wine Blogger from New Jersey Disappeared in Italy 5 Years Ago—FBI Seeks Help Trying to Find Him: The FBI is asking for the public’s help as they continue to search for a New Jersey native and self-described wine blogger who was last seen nearly five years ago in northern Italy...

Afternoon Brief, February 2nd

‘Emergency’ €80 Million Promised to French Winegrowers Amid Farmer Protests: France's government has promised an €80m 'emergency fund' for crisis-hit winemakers, as ministers also try to de-escalate widespread farmer protests covering many agricultural sectors...

Afternoon Brief, January 26th

Axe Falls Again at Vintage Wine Estates: After announcing the sale of several wine brands last week, VWE is now offloading employees...

Afternoon Brief, January 19th

Ryan Klobas, Chief of Napa County Farm Bureau, Dies: Peter Nissen, president of the Farm Bureau’s board, said the bureau is “shocked and saddened” to learn of Klobas’ death...