Afternoon Brief: Tariff Whiplash Hits Wine Hard

For now, tariffs are in a holding pattern for some countries, and multiple countries and industries including wine, beer and spirits, which alone are responsible for several hundred billions of dollars in economic activity wait until the United States' mercurial leader decides what's next...

The wine industry is steeped in tradition, but let’s be real—it’s time to shake things up. Younger demographics aren’t buying into the same old wine marketing tricks or outdated experiences. Want to grab their attention (and their dollars)? Then it’s time to think bold, fun, and modern. You Don’t Have to Do It All—Start Small and Stay True to Your Brand Attracting younger wine lovers doesn’t mean you need to overhaul everything or abandon your roots. Instead, consider making a few strategic shifts that align with your brand. Maybe your website keeps the traditional tasting notes, but you have fun with social media. Maybe your weekends are reserved for 21+ reservation-only tastings, but your weekdays are more relaxed and family-friendly. The key is finding what works for you and your audience. Now, let’s dive into some ideas. 1. Flex Your Wine Club Options Your wine club isn’t working for everyone. Sure, your loyal members lov

Trial Wine Tastings, Free Workshops, Networking Socials, and MORE at WIN EXPO Expanded Event Attractions & Features at the 12th Annual WIN EXPO Trade Show & Conference WIN Expo has become THE year-end event for North Coast wine industry professionals to come and celebrate the successes and achievements of the past year, reconnect with colleagues, foster new connections, and prepare for a thriving 2025. The WIN Expo features a robust conference focusing on four distinct tracks, Production & Winemaking, Sales & Marketing, Strategy & Leadership, and Vineyard & Growers, providing winery attendees with current information and education to help overcome the challenges of the times. Trial Wine Tasting Stations! The new exhibit hall trial tastings program features complimentary wine tastings that explore how different products and methods affect wine outcomes. These trials are unique to the Exhibit Hall Floor and are separate from any Conference Session Trials. Le

Join us at the largest industry trade show & conference in the heart of wine country! Campaign URL Copy  Twitter 0 tweets Subscribe Past Issues RSS TranslateEnglish العربية Afrikaans беларуская мова български català 中文（简体） 中文（繁體） Hrvatski ÄŒesky Dansk eesti keel Nederlands Suomi Français Deutsch Ελληνική हिन्दी Magyar Gaeilge Indonesia íslenska Italiano 日本語 ភាសាខ្មែរ 한국어 македонски Ñ˜Ð°Ð·Ð¸Ðº بهاس ملايو Malti Norsk Polski Português Português - Portugal Română Русский Español Kiswahili Svenska עברית Lietuvių latviešu slovenčina slovenšÄina српски தமிழ் ภาษาไทย Türkçe Filipino украї́нська Tiếng Việt  THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2024 SONOMA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS &midd

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño    June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.”  Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.” He continues, “Its fruit sourcing h

Best of Show Awarded to Brecon Estate Albariño    June 6, 2023 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Winners have been announced for the 2023 Sunset International Wine Competition, which took place in May in Santa Rosa, Calif. Taking the top spot this year is Brecon Estate 2022 Albariño, which judges described as “fresh and bright,” “honeysuckle,” with a “lingering finish.” Ultimately, they concluded, “a very well-made wine.”  Brecon Estate is a boutique estate winery located in the westside hills outside of Paso Robles, Calif. “This particular varietal has been hugely successful for us,” says winemaker Damian Grindley. “It fits so well with alfresco summers in Paso Robles and so many Southern states, as well as the seafood culture of the [San Luis Obispo] Coast. It’s helped put both Brecon Estate and Central Coast Albariño on the map.” He continues, “Its fruit sourcing h

After navigating our client’s business and company growth during the last two roller-coaster years, I was ready for a significant break. Armed with credits from two canceled vacations and many pent-up credit card miles, I cashed in for an extended European visit in July. While there, my husband and I traveled to and stayed in four major wine-tasting regions: Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, and the Rhine/Mosel. While there are countless and apparent differences between how France, Germany, and the US promote tourism and sell wine directly to customers, there are equal similarities if you look hard enough. As a native of Napa, wine tourism and marketing wash over me. But, on this trip, I found myself in the rare role of a focused tourist. So, I became aware of the marketing cues and delivery vehicles and noted what worked, and what didn’t.  HERE’S SOME OF WHAT I LEARNED: 1. YOU CAN’T JUDGE A BAGUETTE BY ITS CRUST. If I were to ask you to paint a picture of your idea

2022 Press Democrat North Coast Wine Challenge We are nearing the deadline. Last day to enter is less than a week away. Deadline 3/28 ENTER HERE 5 REASONS that benefit you to enter Exclusivity - This is a regional competition that ONLY rates wines exclusively produced and bottled in Northern California's premier winegrowing region Only Gold Medals + Are Published - This is a marketing advantage that other competitions don't offer.  We promote ONLY the highest awarded-wines (golds and above), keeping your win exceptional and exclusive. Judges with Influence - The best wines draw the best professional wine judges who annually vie for a coveted spot to judge here.  Multi-Channel Promotion - Public announcement of awards is made in print by The Press Democrat, the North Bay Area's primary source for news and information.  Public Tasting - Gold medal-winners are invited to pour and have their wines enjoyed at the North Coast Wine & Food  Festival annuall

July 10th, 2020 - Santa Rosa, CA – M. A. Silva USA, the leading manufacturer of premium corks, glass and packaging in North America, announces the addition of Patrick Connelly as Account Manager for the Pacific Northwest Region. Patrick has worked in the wine industry since being a teenager growing up in the Napa Valley, holding multiple GM roles since 2001 along the west coast, including 3 years in the Willamette Valley. His wine industry experience comprises of 11 years as GM with the luxury division of Jackson Family Wines as well as leadership roles for Penner Ash Wine Cellars, Martinelli Winery and Quixote Winery. In his new position, Patrick will maintain and develop business in the Pacific Northwest Region, from Oregon to British Colombia. “Patrick brings an experience and a deep understanding of the wine industry to our sales team. We know that with his breadth of knowledge he will continue to support and expand our winery customers in this unique region.”

Virtual Tastings are the "wave of the present" and one of the best ways to engage with your customers.  In the absence of face-to-face (or lip-to-glass) contact, you can simulate normal in our SIP wine world...! But how do you stay top of mind once the wine bottle is recycled and glasses are put away? How do your loyal customers stay connected? How do they continue to find value in their membership? How can you make them feel like the lifeblood of your business particularly in our new reality?  Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California pivoted quickly when their quarterly Release Party was cancelled. In lieu of an in-person event, they reached out to TopNest Designs to create a branded keepsake for their Club Members. The result was the ultimate in “Surprise and Delight” marketing!  This 2-Coaster Set in Gift Box highlights the artist label of their newly released vintage. Not only does it remind folks of the wine, musi