The wine market is less predictable than ever, and so is the consumer. Rapid fluctuations in the economy or political situation mean customers have less certainty in potential sales, so when inflation or tariffs rise or fall, or a retail account is gained or lost, wineries need a quick turnaround to capture the sale. That often means last-minute orders with a sense of urgency. Bringing It All Together Crealis CEO Enrico Bracesco is transitioning the eight companies Crealis has acquired (Maverick, Corchomex, Rivercap, Enoplastic, Sparflex, Le Muselet Valentin, Supercap, Pe.Di), which together have a heritage dating back 70 years, into a cohesive organization under a single name: Crealis.  The wine business will now have an integrated business unit with centralized operations, including supply chain, manufacturing, quality and R&D. This unification provides more agility, increases procurement synergies and results in tighter delivery times. Spirits will have a separate pro

The wine and spirits industry is standing on the precipice of a major design evolution. For years, “premium” was defined by weight, excess, and tradition. For 2026, a new definition of luxury is emerging; one that values intelligence over mass, and tactile storytelling over simple visual appeal. For brand owners and procurement leaders, staying ahead of these glass packaging trends in 2026 is no longer just about aesthetics; it is a matter of strategic survival. From the rise of “quiet luxury” and right-weighted glass to the complex pressures of global supply chains, the packaging decisions made today will define brand resilience tomorrow. In this forecast, we explore how sustainable luxury, ergonomic innovation, and smart supply chain strategies are reshaping the premium landscape, and how Global Package provides the specialized glass solutions needed to help you navigate this future. The State of Glass Packaging for Wine & Spirits At Global Package, we&r

Plata Wine Partners is a premium “vineyard-to-bottle” production house rooted in California’s top coastal AVAs. With more than 20,000 acres of sustainably managed vineyards, Plata provides bulk-wine, private-label, and custom-program solutions for brands of all sizes. Their team brings together expertise in viticulture, winemaking, production, and finance to deliver programs aligned with modern consumer preferences. As the business evolved, Plata recognized that their Winemaker’s Database (WMDB) system lacked the accuracy, speed, and real-time visibility required by a 12+ facility production model. Plata implemented InnoVint in 2024, and the difference after just one harvest was remarkable. The Challenge: A System That Slowed Down the Entire Business Before InnoVint, Plata’s production and finance teams were burdened by manual processes that made everyday work harder and introduced costly risk.  Excessive manual data entry. Every two weeks, the

The countdown is on, our Holiday Open House & Marketplace is less than 1 week away, happening Saturday, November 22nd from 11AM to 3PM! We’re thrilled to welcome back some of your favorite Grand Cru member wineries and craft artisans, along with a few new faces you won’t want to miss. Returning Favorites + Exciting First-Timers What’s waiting for you:  Taste 40+ wines from our family of small producers  Discover one-of-a-kind gifts and treats from local craft artisans  Kids crafts table for little hands  We’re dog friendly — bring your furry friends along  Sip coffee samples from Bella Rosa Coffee  Delicious bites from Benny's Smash Burgers and Three's a Platter Mobile Charcuterie (available for purchase)  Complimentary valet parking Featured Wineries: Bienvenue • Black Kite • Bucher • Boars' View • Copper Six • Cormorant • Jeff Cohn Cellars • Morét-Brealynn

The Sustainable Ag Expo isn’t just about earning CE hours—it’s a gathering place for wine industry professionals to learn, network, and celebrate the future of sustainable farming. From morning burritos to student-led research and vintage tractor showcases, this year’s Expo is packed with unique opportunities to make your experience more meaningful and memorable. Here are six can't-miss events happening alongside the seminars: 1. Monday Kick Off: Farming for the Future 🗓️ Monday, Nov 10 | 5:00–7:00 PM 📍 Center of Effort Winery Sponsored by Inland Desert Nursery Start your week with an evening of connection, SIP Certified wines, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Expo headliner Dr. Chris Chen, will lead a forward-looking conversation on vineyard management in a changing climate. 🎟️ Free for ticket holders (while supplies last), requires separate reservation; additional tickets $50.  2. Breakfast Burritos & Coffee = Day 1 Fuel 🗓

The holidays are coming up fast, and we’re so excited to invite you to our Holiday Open House + Marketplace on Saturday, November 22nd at Grand Cru Custom Crush! With less than six weeks to go, this is the perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping early (before the crowds!) — and enjoy delicious handcrafted wines at the same time. Discover 40+ wines from our member wineries, shop from talented local artisans, and enjoy tasty bites from food vendors on site. It’s a festive day of wine, shopping, and community that you won’t want to miss!  Tickets: $35 — includes limitless wine tastings and valet service.  Food available for purchase separately. As a thank-you to our email subscribers, if you missed the early bird pricing, here’s an exclusive $5 off discount just for you: Use code: HOLIDAY5  Come sip, shop, and celebrate with us — we can’t wait to see you there! Tickets Here! Participating Wineries: Bienvenue | Blac

This November, growers and agricultural professionals will gather in San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo, an event designed to foster innovation, provide high-impact education, and create meaningful connections across the wine and agricultural industries. When/Where: Kick-Off Event - Monday, November 10, 5:00-7:00 pm  |  at Center of Effort Winery Trade Show & Seminars - Tuesday, November 11 & Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 am-5:00 pm  |  at Madonna Expo Center What to Expect The 2025 program offers a robust lineup of content focused on critical topics like climate resilience, automation, and workforce development, with 17 in-person seminars offering 20+ hours of CE credit. Two-day ticket holders also receive access to 13 online courses with an additional 10+ CE hours available from October 13–November 28. Even More Opportunities to Connect and Learn Kick-Off Event: The event begins with a special Monday Night Kick-Off hosted at Cen

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 22, 2025 — our annual Holiday Open House + Marketplace is back and shaping up to be the best one yet! We’re welcoming an exciting mix of new food vendors, fresh local artisans, and possibly even some first-time member wineries pouring at the event. Whether you're returning or coming for the first time, there's something new to discover! And yes — this is a family-friendly event, so bring the whole crew! 🍷 What to Expect: Delicious bites from local food trucks available for purchase Unique handcrafted goods from talented makers Incredible wines poured by our family of member wineries Your Ticket Includes: Admission into the event Wine tastings from over 10 Grand Cru member wineries Complimentary valet parking Access to our curated holiday marketplace featuring local artisans 🎟️ Tickets: Tickets are just $35 for a limited time, so don’t wait! Tickets Here! 📩 Have questions? Reach out to us at hospitality@gra

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