We live in a world where distributed brands have to do real work to help customers find the best and right place to buy, wherever they are. The old answer was the “retailer locator”: a sad cluster of outdated pins on a map, with no genuine path to purchase and a short whitelist of stores that ignore the majority of retailers selling your product. Antiquated Map Solutions Then “carting solutions” showed up. In theory, they were an upgrade of the experience: software that turns brand demand into a buy flow and gives you attribution along the way. In practice, they offer a path to purchase from a painfully limited roster of retailers, mostly big national chains plus marketplaces.Modern Carting Solution But in the U.S., most products don’t have clean, national-chain coverage. And most carting tools don’t have a multitude of smaller chains or independent retailers. So they do the expedient thing: when they can’t find a great retailer match, they

Stop by TCW Equipment at booth D3 to discover complete crush pad solutions that solve the stuff that keeps winemakers up at night. Whether you’re building your first setup or upgrading an existing one, we’ll show you how our industry-leading equipment works together seamlessly. At D3, you’ll see the full lineup in action: the Ragazzini MS2 peristaltic pump—from the absolute pioneer in gentle pumping technology—alongside our SQN20 workhorse pumps for reliable, damage-free fluid handling. We’ll walk you through the Sraml Press for premium results at real-world pricing, the Mori Destemmer/Deselector and Elevator for streamlined workflows, plus the TCW/Ragazzini Doser and Foil Spinner handling the finishing touches. Sraml VP26 Pneumatic Membrane Press  We’re not just equipment displays. Our website is part of your solution—24/7 access to technical resources and uber-quick ordering whenever you need it. Late night equipment emergency? 4 A

By Cheryl Durzy, Founder & CEO, LibDib From my desk here at LibDib, the recent closure of Drizly has been a topic of both professional and personal contemplation. Drizly wasn't just another tech startup; it was a pioneer in the compliant delivery of alcohol, blending innovative tech with a flair for irreverent marketing—exactly what the beverage industry needed back in 2015. Despite its downfall, partly hastened by a significant data breach, I have only respect for what Drizly achieved and for its team, some of whom I've been fortunate enough to know personally. In fact, one of the Drizly founders reached out to me within days of LibDib's launch. We discussed potential synergies, shared visions and experiences that highlighted the power of innovation in our field. Later, during the pandemic, we even exchanged town hall meetings and company swag, fostering a spirit of camaraderie. These interactions are cherished memories now (along with my Drizly hoodie), especial

Happy New Year! It is time to dust off the employee handbook, review your policies and procedures, and make sure they comply with all the new laws, regulations, and interpretations that have either already gone into effect or will in early 2024. Below, we have identified our “top 10(ish)” changes.  Please keep in mind there were hundreds of laws, regulations, and changes implemented at the local, state, and federal levels throughout 2023.  So, if you need a handbook/policy review or have any questions, please call.  1. California and Local Minimum Wage Raised – In addition to the gradual increase to minimum wage by the state, several Sonoma County cities have increased minimum wage beyond that required by the state.  Below is a table that describes the state and local city requirements:                     Locality Effective Date All Employers California 1/1/2024 $16.00 Santa Rosa 1/1/

5 Ways to Handle Intoxicated Guests A group walks in. They are greeted with a splash of wine and as they are seated, IDs are checked. The server comes by to introduce themself and break the ice. Shortly after introductions are made it becomes evident that this is not this groups first winery today. Uh-oh. One person in particular appears to be inebriated. This is a moment we all dread, isn’t it? A choice must be made. Do we pretend we don’t notice and carry on (that’s illegal and thus, the wrong choice) or do we deny this person or people the opportunity to participate in the fun. Those of us who are in wine industry typically have a strong service heart – we want to help everyone who walks through that door have a great time at our winery! So how do we say “no” to our guests without being a total fun-sucker? Consider our Decision Criteria for when we need to say ‘no’, but not every ‘no’ is created equal. Safety /

Are you flying "private" to your next corporate, executive business or personal visit in Wine Country? Then be sure to book a first-class, private airport transfer with Sonoma Sterling as well! Stretch your legs and relax in our immaculate, high-end vehicle with an award winning chauffeur waiting to whisk you and your guests conveniently to your next destination. (No more waiting in line for over priced car rentals or Uber no shows)! And our dispatch center tracks your flight as a courtesy - so we're always prompt and staged for your arrival. Don't forget to ask how to have a bottle of champagne on ice waiting just for you. Or you could even add on a wine tasting or two during your ground transfer time with us. We're all about the customer experience. Pictured is our opulent, spacious 7 passenger Chevrolet Suburban SUV with its all leather interior and room for luggage. We also offer many other vehicle choices for small and large group transfers, too. For your quo

Wineshipping has a new equity partner - Greenbriar. The transaction closed October 29. The company’s previous equity partner, going back to 2014, was Endeavour Capital. “I’m very excited about Greenbriar who we carefully selected,” Wineshipping CEO Eric Lewis told Wine Business Monthly. “They are a growth oriented company whose primary focus is on logistics with investments in companies like LaserShip, Uberfreight and Wineshipping.  The Wineshipping management team and founders remain shareholders who are fully invested in and running the company.  “We believe strongly in the growth of the DTC wine industry and that we are the only company that has the scale to provide meaningful solutions for both small and large wineries,” Lewis said. “We are committed to our customer’s success.” Lewis said Wineshipping will continue to invest in technology and people to provide service and innovative technical solutions.