June, 01, 2013 US: Prohibition Retreats a Few Paces

(Wines&Vines) - The passage of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution on Dec. 5, 1933, may have ended Prohibition on a national basis, but many municipalities across the country decided to remain dry. I grew up in a small town outside Philadelphia that had no liquor stores, no beer distributors...

May, 31, 2013 US: Sonoma producers protest new labelling law

(Decanter) - Small producers in Sonoma County are angered by new legislation requiring them to label their wines Sonoma County even if they are part of specific sub-appellations. Under the new law, which comes into force on 1 January 2014, a Russian River Valley producer will to also have ...

May, 31, 2013 If Only the Grapes Were the Whole Story

(NYTimes) - Wine has been described as the perfect beverage because the grapes contain all the ingredients necessary to create their transformation. Put grapes in a vat and over time, the yeasts coating the skins set alchemy in motion, converting the sugar in the juice into alcohol. It was just ...

May, 31, 2013 Costco Reports 8% Rise In Beverage Alcohol For First Three Quarters As Spirits Sales Lead Growth

(ShankenNewsDaily) - Washington-based  Costco   reports that sales of beverage alcohol are up 8% in the nine months ending May 31, the first three quarters of its fiscal year. The company is projecting nearly a 10% rise for the full year. Currently with 627 locations and with n...

May, 31, 2013 UK: Brewer calls for beer benefits study

(TheDrinksBusiness) - A Scottish brewer has called on the government to fund an independent study to look at the impact of drinking moderate amounts of beer. Gerald Michaluk, managing director of the Arran Brewery, believes there should be a public-funded study into whether drinking beer can be...

May, 31, 2013 First Major Bordeaux Chateau Sells to Asian Investor is Big News!

(TheWineCellarInsider) - In breaking news, Chateau Bon Pasteur located in Pomerol is the first famous Bordeaux chateau of true stature to be sold to a Chinese citizen, Mr. Sutong Pan. I imagine it will not be the last. The deal, which was rumored to have taken place in December, 2012, took until th...

May, 31, 2013 Italian Sparkling Wine Launches As Rival To Champagne

(ItalyMagazine) - The battle between France and Italy for the luxury sparkling wine market gained a new Italian contender with the launch of Divinity sparkling wine. The brainchild of Roman entrepreneur Daniele Morena, Divinity wine is being marketed as an exclusive and prestigious product. P...

May, 31, 2013 US: Wineries Banking on Busier Tourist Season

(Wines&Vines) -  During spring, wineries typically hire extra tasting room staff to help out during the busy summer months. But in the past three months, the Winery Jobs Index based on Winejobs.com postings has soared to record levels. In March, the index literally went off the chart...