HipMaps and the Direct To Consumer Wine Symposium teamed up to enhance the attendee experience at the upcoming 2026 DTC Wine Symposium in Monterey, California from January 20th to 22nd. The Wine Symposium HipMap features hand-selected local favorites: hot spots and hidden gems recommended by Monterey locals. Symposium attendees can explore the best of Monterey by downloading the HipMaps app and entering access code DTCWS to see their real-time location on the map, read the inside scoop about each place, learn who is offering discounts to DTC Wine Symposium attendees, access websites, and get directions. HipMaps Founder Rachel LeRoy will be onsite in the DTC Wine Symposium tradeshow where attendees can enter to win a free HipMap. Learn more here. How HipMaps Serves the Wine Industry HipMaps helps wineries and wine associations in two distinct ways: Custom Vineyard Maps designed for tasting rooms and marketing materials showcase a winery's vineyards, AVAs, terrain and wine story, c

If you’re heading to the DTC Wine Symposium in Monterey, we’d love to invite you to join the eCELLAR team for a relaxed Bubbles & Bourbon Happy Hour on January 21st in our hospitality suite. Swing by between 5:30–7:00 PM to enjoy bubbles, bourbon, small bites, and good music, all in great company. It’s an opportunity to unwind, connect, and spend time with fellow colleagues and the eCELLAR team before the evening continues. Please RSVP if you’d like to join!  

Afternoon Brief: Ontario Threatens to Ban US Alcohol in Tit-for-Tat Response to Tariffs Threat

Premier Doug Ford has told the Liquor Board of Canada to clear US alcoholic drinks off retailers shelves if the tariff threat becomes reality...

Afternoon Brief, January 22nd

Bomb Blows Up French Wine War: A dispute between French producers and importers of Spanish wine is getting darker, with violence returning to the south of France...

Afternoon Brief, January 12th

Labeling Laws Another Challenge for Wine: Wine labeling laws are already in use in the EU. Should US producers be freaking out?...

There are so many ways DTC teams can elevate their communications with text messaging, but this session is laser-focused on just one: promotions. We’ll delve deep into the art and science of crafting text promotions that drive significant wine sales, and how to execute them to their full potential. Attendees will gain insights from the real-world experiences of seasoned DTC professionals already executing consistently successful SMS promotions. You’ll leave with a list of ideas, a repeatable process for crafting the messages themselves, tips on handling response volume, and a guide for how to measure and iteratively improve performance. Make sure you’re ready to employ this powerful tool to reach your 2024 revenue goals. If you're attending the DTC Wine Symposium, make sure to come join us on Wednesday, January 17th at 11 am in the Park Room!

Afternoon Brief, December 29th

What Were Wine's Biggest Deals of 2023?: In uncertain times for wine, stronger players are scooping up small but promising vintners...

Afternoon Brief, December 22nd

California State Controller Weighs in on Napa Winery Dispute: In a letter shared with the drinks business, Malia Cohen, California State Controller, has demanded an explanation from Napa County as to why it is attempting to withdraw the right to hold tastings from three local wineries...

Afternoon Brief, December 15th

WSTA Debunks Pesticide Report: Recent results from a UK government testing programme have suggested a dramatic increase in the proportion of wine that contains multiple pesticide residues – up from 14% in 2016 to 50% in 2022...