Winery leaders and industry experts explore the strategies shaping the future of wine sales. The wine industry narrative over the past two years has been dominated by decline: falling consumption, shrinking distributor portfolios, and weakening consumer loyalty. The headlines suggest an industry in freefall. But the reality is more nuanced - and more useful. Yes, overall wine consumption continues to face pressure. Consumer behavior is fragmenting in ways that challenge traditional approaches. But the full story isn’t simply decline. It’s divergence. Some wineries are still growing. Some categories are holding steady while others contract. Some sales channels are thriving while others struggle. The difference often comes down to whether wineries have adapted their strategies to match the market that exists today, not the one that existed three years ago. At Wine Industry Network’s Annual Wine Sales Symposium on May 13, Dr. Chris Bitter will present research on what’s actually happening

Explore the newest RedChirp innovations, the latest carrier changes in the telecom industry, and how leading wineries are evolving their messaging strategies to stay ahead. Jennie Gilbert will be joined by industry experts Paul Learly, Founder of Assemblage Strategy Group, and a WISE (Wine Industry Sales Education) partner, bringing deep, hands-on experience from their work with hundreds of wineries. Together, they’ll share actionable strategies to grow subscriber lists (email too!), increase engagement, and what's working best to drive revenue during the challenges of today’s DTC wine market. Attendees will leave with timely industry updates, expert perspectives, and practical ideas they can implement immediately. Wine Sales Symposium - May 13, 2026 DoubleTree Hotel in Rohnert Park, CA Learn More

Who's in? A week from today, that is, at the Wine Sales Symposium in Santa Rosa, produced by the Wine Industry Network. Will you be there too? Let us know! We'd love to meet up. Michelle and Lisa, two very friendly faces you may have already met or heard from, will be staffing the Enolytics booth, at number 209. They're talking with wineries on a daily basis, and they've got their finger on the pulse of your most pressing concerns. Like migrating smoothly to a new platform. And using segmentation to create highly targeted campaigns. And how to reduce Wine Club churn. Are those things on your mind too? Good. Come talk with Michelle and Lisa. They've got suggestions for action steps you can take right away. Chris and I (and Robin!) are here for back up too. Reach out any time. And enjoy the show next week in Santa Rosa! Thank you, as always -- Cathy

Connect with HipMaps at the Wine Sales Symposium in Santa Rosa on May 14, 2025. Learn about our two innovative mapping solutions specifically designed for wineries seeking to enhance visitor engagement and brand storytelling. First, custom-designed vineyard maps transform standard tastings into educational, immersive journeys by showcasing unique terroir, AVAs, and wine narratives - elevating brands rather than simply mapping them. Second, HipMaps, including our interactive app, showcases the best of your region - partner with local wineries and businesses and offer personalized recommendations. Blend your hospitality with our tech to create unforgettable experiences! These custom-styled visualizations elevate tasting rooms, marketing materials, AVA associations, and collaborative winery partnerships with sophisticated, branded experiences for guests. Wine Sales Symposium attendees who visit the HipMaps booth will learn how these award-winning mapping solutions boost engagement and sal

Afternoon Brief: Vinarchy - A New Global Wine Company

Vinarchy combines the assets of wholly-owned Accolade Wines with the Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses formerly owned by Pernod Ricard, which were acquired by AWL in April 2025...

Wine fulfillment isn’t just about getting bottles from point A to B—it’s about delivering an exceptional customer experience while keeping costs under control. In this Wine Sales Symposium session, Devin Joshua and Jim silver from WineDirect will break down the key strategies wineries can use to streamline fulfillment, minimize expenses, and enhance customer loyalty. From smart inventory management to optimizing packaging, discover how the right fulfillment approach can drive both efficiency and satisfaction. Join us at the Wine Sales Symposium, May 14 at the Hyatt in Santa Rosa. The Secret to Seamless Wine Fulfillment: How to Reduce Costs While Improving Customer Satisfaction Register with promo code: WINEDIRECT2025 to get $20 off the ticket price Devin Joshua, VP of Fulfillment Sales Devin Joshua is a seasoned wine industry executive and currently serves as Vice President of Fulfillment Sales at WineDirect. With more than 25 years of experience across nearly every t