Podcasts about wine market council

In this episode of The Vint Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller welcome Liz Thach MW, a leading expert in wine market research and President of the Wine Market Council. Thach's work focuses on understanding U.S. wine consumers, analyzing how trends like premiumization, sustainability, and alternative wine styles are shaping the industry. Thach also highlights the challenges facing small wineries, the evolution of direct-to-consumer strategies, and the role of storytelling and education in building stronger connections with buyers.Key Topics:Premiumization: Consumers are drinking less but spending more on quality.No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: A growing segment driven by wellness trends.High-Alcohol Sweet Reds: Unexpected popularity among younger consumers.Big vs. Small Wineries: Large brands leverage distribution, while small wineries focus on direct engagement.Consumer Engagement: Storytelling and education are key for brand loyalty.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast02:19 Vint Marketplace News 06:42 Interview with Liz Thach: Master of Wine24:48 Major Trends in Wine Consumption26:36 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Sales27:03 Eco-Friendly Wine Study27:45 Current Trends in the Wine Market29:05 The Rise of Alcohol-Free Wines30:39 High Alcohol Sweet Wines46:20 Alternative Packaging and Eco-Friendly Initiatives48:30 Challenges and Strategies for WineriesResources & Further Reading:Vint Marketplace – Your destination for premium wines from top producers around the world.Wine Market Council – Research on U.S. wine consumer trends.Liz Thach MW on Forbes – Articles on wine business and industry insights.The Vint Podcast is presented by Coravin, the world's leader in wine preservation systems. Listeners of the Vint Podcast can take 15% off their purchase on Coravin.com by using promo code VINT15 at checkout*. Members of the trade can access exclusive discounts at trade.Coravin.com.The Vint Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at https://vint.co or Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com.*Terms and Conditions Apply. Offer valid only on Coravin.com while supplies last. Pricing and discount are subject to change at any time. Coravin reserves the right to limit order quantities. No adjustments to prior purchases. Not valid for cash. Cheers!Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown,...

Dr. Liz Thach MW is the 7th woman in the USA and first in California to become a Master of Wine (May 2011). She has a PhD in Human Resource Development. Dr. Thach has received more than 30 awards and accolades, presented at more than a 100 conferences, published more than 200 articles and written nine books on wine topics. At Sonoma State University she taught management and wine business classes for 23 years. Since August 2023 she has served as the President of the Wine Market Council.The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com).The Connected Table Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

A 2024 Wine Market Council study shows that Millennials (ages 28-43) are drinking more wine and trading up to spend more per bottle. Sales of white wines are soaring and reached $42.1billion in 2023. The 2024 BMO Wine Market Report reveals the U.S. Wine Industry surpassed $107 Billion in sales in 2023. Health & wellness are driving sales of low alcohol RTDs and wines. Yet, the World Health Organization states no consumption of alcohol is safe. Melanie and David discuss and share their thoughts.The Connected Table is broadcast live Wednesdays at 2PM ET and Music on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com).The Connected Table Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Media (www.talk4media.com), Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

With 27 years of research on the US wine consumer, the non-profit  Wine Market Council is a critical industry resource. Liz Thach MW, the new President, dives into their most recent research on which wine consumers are buying, why, and how they buy. Members can get even deeper insight and access to the industry's most robust database on US wine consumers. Detailed Show Notes: Wine Market Council (“WMC”) - non-profit, formed in 1996Mission - provide cutting-edge research on the US wine consumer purchasing habits, trends, and attitudesMembers use WMC data for marketing and brand strategiesUS wine salesFrom 1934 - today - there have been several declines in consumptionThe last decline - 1990s - showed similar factors, increased anti-alcohol groups, large excise taxes; catalysts to growth (French Paradox, introduction of new products - e.g., White Zinfandel, wine spritzers, Merlot getting popular)Growth for 20+ years from the late 1990s, peaking during Covid2022 - decline in volume sales, 2023 - decline in volume (-9%) and $ salesWMC does a benchmark segmentation study of wine consumers every 2 yearsHas done 19 over 27 years, the largest database of wine consumer trendsBoomers - drinking less (61% cutting alcohol, faster than expected)Millennials - finally coming to wine, took until they were in their 30s (have children, bought homes, settled down, more financially stable); spend more on wine (often $20+)Gen Z (oldest is 26) - had high wine adoption initially, but in the last 3 years, it has declined (“cool to be sober”); 9% of Gen Z drinks wine, though only 33% are of legal drinking age; concerned about transparency of products (saw food scares, recalls), climate, and social equityWine drinkers are 60% married, 71% own homes, 53% live in suburbsEthnicity diversification making progressBy 2050, the majority of the US will be non-whiteToday's wine drinkers are 66% White (vs. 77-78% in the past), 15% Hispanic, 11% Black, and 5% AsianSignificant progress with Blacks and Asians, but less with Hispanics, which are the fastest growing population in the USCeja an example of a successful Hispanic owned winery, links wine and Hispanic cuisine and been successfulOther ways to enhance diversity - ads that look like “us,” diversity in the workforce, pop up events where the consumer is (e.g., a Mexican wine importer did pop-ups at Hispanic events with taco trucks)Premiumization is still happening, people drinking less, but better$20+/bottle drinkers are now ~7-15% of the total US populationYounger people (21-30) purchasing more high-end wineBoomers dropping buying more expensive winesWhere people buy wineSupermarketsWine shopsOnline now 12% vs. 5% pre-Covid29% buy on their phone93% of wine consumers on social media#1 Facebook (Boomers)YouTube - 61% useInstagram - 55%TikTok - 40% (wineries can't advertise, but influencers can post)X/Twitter - went from #2 to #6Wine apps - 17%2024 trendsAnti-alcohol movement Talking about the benefits of wine (illegal for alcohol brands to discuss health) - WMC launched a social campaign called “Wine is…” (e.g., wine cocktails, family dinners…)Transparency/ingredient labeling (e.g., 50% of Americans believe wine has added sugar)Low / no alcohol movement - 40% of wine drinkers drinking less (of those, 40% drink non-alc spirits/cocktails, 35% NA beer, 34% NA wine)RTDs / single serving sizes Get access to library episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you make wine, sell wine, ship wine, or drink wine, the conversations and presentations that took place here matter to you. We learned about emerging technologies, new tactics, eminent legal threats, changing consumption and much more over 2 days in Concord. If you couldn't make it to the conference, missed a speaker you wanted to see or want to learn more about a presentation, this episode is for you. Over the course of 10 guests and nearly 4 and half hours of recording, we bring the DTC Wine Symposium directly to you! So buckle up and maybe head out for a road trip, this one is a journey! [Ep306] Timestamp list of guests: Cathy Huyghe, Enolytics 00:35 Lulie Halstead, Gérard Basset Foundation 22:03 Steve Gross, The Wine Institute 47:43 Walter Carter, Danza Del Sol Winery 1:23:40 Liz Thach MW, Wine Market Council 1:47:00 Jennie Gilbert, Red Chirp 2:12:05 Kat Gordon, The 3% Movement  2:38 Jennifer Freebairn, Lasseter Family Winery and Philipe Theibaud, Stone Edge Farm Winery 3:08:25 Rishad Tobaccowalla, Publicis Groupe 3:48

Welcome to Episode 1677 on Italian Wine Podcast, Masterclass US Wine Market With Juliana Colangelo. Today, she will be interviewing Danny Brager. More about today's guests Danny Brager has a wealth of experience in the Beverage Alcohol industry, analyzing trends over many years. He formerly headed the Nielsen's Beverage Alcohol Practice Area in the U.S. for over 20 years, leading teams that supported relationships with Nielsen's clients as well as key industry groups and the media. In his current consulting role, Danny provides data-driven analysis to beverage alcohol companies seeking to translate information into authoritative, fact-based insights in support of their corporate and brand goals. Each year, he presents at a large number of industry and individual company events and is a frequent thought leader contributor to the media/press. His informed opinions are highly respected by beverage alcohol producers, importers, distributors, retailers, and financiers. Danny is also a Special Advisor to the Wine Market Council and is Managing Director of Category & Consumer Insights at Azur Associates, founded to bring comprehensive advisory & consulting services - including strategic advisory, mergers & acquisitions, and route-to-market solutions - to wine and spirits companies. Danny was born in Calgary, Alberta, and moved to Toronto where he graduated from the Schulich School of Business at York University with an Honors Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. He relocated to Mission Viejo, California in 1993 where he now resides. Connect: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-brager-1a72a5/ More about Juliana Colangelo: Juliana Colangelo is a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. Juliana joined Colangelo & Partners in 2013 with previous experience in events, hospitality, and nonprofit development. During her tenure at C&P, Juliana has led the development of the California office, growing the agency's domestic presence to a dedicated office of 13 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University, allowing her to bring a strategic and sales-oriented approach to communications strategy for the agency. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News' Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022 Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: twitter.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ Website: https://www.colangelopr.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Tune-in and hit the like! - Business, US Market advice, importing, exporting, business, personal stories and advice, plus she is very fun to listen to!

Welcome to Episode 1614 on Italian Wine Podcast, Masterclass US Wine Market With Juliana Colangelo. Today, she will be interviewing Liz Thach MW More about today's guests Dr. Liz Thach, MW is a Professor, Wine Writer and Consultant based in Napa and Sonoma, California. She is an award-winning author and educator, specializing in wine business strategy, marketing, leadership/executive development, and wine lifestyle. As one of the nation's leading wine experts, she also serves as President of the Wine Market Council – a non-profit firm that provides research on U.S. wine consumer behaviors and attitudes. Liz's passion is wine, and she has visited most of the major wine regions of the world and more than 70 countries. She has published over 200 articles and 9 books, including Call of the Vine, Best Practices in Global Wine Tourism and Wine Marketing & Sales. She frequently publishes in Forbes, Wine Business Monthly, Wine Spectator, and The Somm Journal, amongst others. A fifth generation Californian, Liz finished her Ph.D. at Texas A&M and now lives on Sonoma Mountain. In addition, she teaches wine classes at Stanford Continuing Education and Sonoma State University, as well as working as a consultant and wine judge. Liz obtained the distinction of Master of Wine (MW) in May of 2011, becoming the first female MW from California. Website: https://lizthachmw.com/ Connect: Website: https://lizthachmw.com/ Instagram @lizthach LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-thach-mw/ Facebook @Lizthach Twitter @ThachLiz More about Juliana Colangelo: Juliana Colangelo is a Vice President at Colangelo & Partners, the leading wine and spirits communications agency in the U.S. Juliana joined Colangelo & Partners in 2013 with previous experience in events, hospitality, and nonprofit development. During her tenure at C&P, Juliana has led the development of the California office, growing the agency's domestic presence to a dedicated office of 13 people with representation of leading wine companies such as Jackson Family Wines, Far Niente, Charles Krug Winery, Foley Family Wines and more. Juliana has completed her WSET Level 3 and her eMBA in Wine Business with Sonoma State University, allowing her to bring a strategic and sales-oriented approach to communications strategy for the agency. In 2021, Juliana was named one of PR News' Top Women in PR in the “Rising Stars” category. In 2022 Juliana became a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador. Connect: Instagram: www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: twitter.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colangelo-mba-04345539/ Website: https://www.colangelopr.com/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Twitter www.twitter.com/itawinepodcast Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin! Tune-in and hit the like! - Business, US Market advice, importing, exporting, business, personal stories and advice, plus she is very fun to listen to!

Welcome to Episode 1101 in which Steve Raye interviews Dale Stratton, in this newest installment of Get US Market Ready With Italian Wine People. About today's guest: Dale is a consultant focused on the Beverage Alcohol Industry and has three long term engagements. He works with a team of consultants at Azur Associates where they do Strategy, Financial, and Route to Market projects along with M&A mostly in the wine industry. Dale work with the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America on their SipSource tool which is a comprehensive reporting of depletions for Wine and Spirits in the three-tier system. He is also the President of Wine Market Council where they focus on understanding the consumption and buying habits of today's wine consumer. To learn more visit: https://www.azur-associates.com/ linkedin.com/in/dale-stratton-b40b7a3 More about the host Steve Raye: Steve Raye of Bevology Inc originally joined our weekly lineup with narrations from his book “How to get US Market Ready” - but everyone just loved him so much, we brought him back with this series of interviews that informs and inspires! Each week he speaks to industry professionals; guests who have gained valuable experience in the Italian wine sector and have insightful tips and stories that can help anyone who wants to learn about getting US Market Ready! To learn more visit: Website: www.bevologyinc.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodcast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

My guest today is Dale Stratton.  Dale has spent the better part of 40 years imbedded in the wine industry and is a treasure trove of knowledge.  He is currently serving as the President of the Wine Market Council, the Managing Director for Azur Associates and as an Analyst for Sip Source.  He's a little like me – he just can't stay away from this crazy business.  I know you will find his journey inspiring and that it will motivate you to dive in with both feet. As always, be sure to stay tuned until the end when Dale and I will offer up some great advice on how you can join the wine industry and grow your career.  Resources: Book a private career coaching session with Karen Wetzel at https://go.oncehub.com/KarenWetzel Receive a 5% discount on any Napa Valley Wine Academy classes, including WSET.  Register for your course at www.napavalleywineacademy and use promo-code NVWApodcast Sign up for our newsletter at https://go.napavalleywineacademy.com/wine-news-that-educates to learn about upcoming events, new courses and free webinars Dale Stratton on Linked in:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-stratton-b40b7a3/

How do you build a brand that captures people’s emotions? What can you do to lead organizational change? What does the wine-making process consist of? If you like to drink wine, you’ll love this episode. Chris Fehrnstrom is the CEO of White Barn Consulting Group, LLC. He has a deep background in the wine industry and has served as the Chairman of the Wine Institute and the Chairman of the Wine Market Council. He was also the CFO and general manager of the startup, wine.com, Chairman of the Wine Market Council, Brand Manager at the E. & J. Gallo Winery, and even worked as the Business Unit Manager at Ocean Spray Cranberries. Today we’re talking about leadership, team development strategy, in addition to wine. I am your host, Simon Vetter. Chris has amassed more than 25 years of work experience in both public and private corporations. He’s held the title of everything from President to Chief Financial Officer, to Chief Marketing Officer and has handled tasks that have included organizational design, executive leadership, brand marketing, and innovation. Chris has an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Teaming Up Conversations is powered by Stand Out International, and hosted by Simon Vetter. Simon is an executive leadership coach and CEO of Stand Out International, Inc., and his focus is on behavioral change and executive leadership coaching. Simon trains managers and teams in Fortune 500 companies, guiding them toward better focus, increased clarity, and personal balance. Simon is the author of “STAND OUT! Branding Strategies for Business Professionals,” and has a Masters in Business and Marketing (lic.rer.pol.) from the University of Bern, Switzerland. He is certified in DISC, CDR, Hogan, Opposite Strengths, viaEdge Leadership Agility, Strength Development Inventory, Alpha Leadership, and 360 Leadership Survey Tools. Discussion Points A time when Chris was a part of an engaging and motivating team What to focus on to make a great product more accessible to a larger group The uniqueness of working in the wine industry Do’s and don’ts about acquiring and integrating a company The importance of staying on message Strategizing as a management team Why execution can be so difficult in a business The importance of incentives and behaviors Values are an important element of the culture Small gestures that speak volumes Teaching and practicing emotional intelligence Resources White Barn Consulting

Episode 753 Steve Raye interviews Chris Miller in this two part episode of Get US Market Ready With Italian Wine People on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today's guest: Christian Miller has worked in market research, brand and category management for over two decades. He is the proprietor of Full Glass Research, based in Berkeley California, which provides market research and industry analysis for food and beverage producers and marketers. Recent Full Glass Research projects have ranged from statewide economic impact analyses to measuring consumer perceptions of brands and regions to testing new packages and labels. He is also the Research Director for the Wine Market Council. He has marketed wine brands ranging from a few thousand cases to over a million, giving him a broad view of the industry. Mr. Miller holds a BA in Economics from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from Cornell University. He manages, and lectures in, the annual OIV Wine Marketing Short Course at University of California Davis. Further information on Full Glass Research may be found at: www.fullglassresearch.com. Further information on the Wine Market Council may be found at www.winemarketcouncil.com. More about the host Steve Raye: Steve Raye of Bevology Inc originally joined our weekly lineup with narrations from his book “How to get US Market Ready” - but everyone just loved him so much, we brought him back with this series of interviews that informs and inspires! Each week he speaks to industry professionals; guests who have gained valuable experience in the Italian wine sector and have insightful tips and stories that can help anyone who wants to learn about getting US Market Ready! For more information on the host Steve Raye you can check out his website, Bevology Inc. here: www.bevologyinc.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ We also want to give a shout out to our sponsor Ferrowine. The largest alcoholic beverage shop in Italy since 1920! They have generously provided us with our brand new Italian Wine Podcast T-shirts, and we love them! Check out Ferrowine's site, they have great wines, food pairings and so much more! www.ferrowine.it/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Episode 747 Steve Raye interviews Chris Miller in this two part episode of Get US Market Ready With Italian Wine People on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today's guest: Christian Miller has worked in market research, brand and category management for over two decades. He is the proprietor of Full Glass Research, based in Berkeley California, which provides market research and industry analysis for food and beverage producers and marketers. Recent Full Glass Research projects have ranged from statewide economic impact analyses to measuring consumer perceptions of brands and regions to testing new packages and labels. He is also the Research Director for the Wine Market Council. He has marketed wine brands ranging from a few thousand cases to over a million, giving him a broad view of the industry. Mr. Miller holds a BA in Economics from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from Cornell University. He manages, and lectures in, the annual OIV Wine Marketing Short Course at University of California Davis. Further information on Full Glass Research may be found at www.fullglassresearch.com. Further information on the Wine Market Council may be found at www.winemarketcouncil.com. More about the host Steve Raye: Steve Raye of Bevology Inc originally joined our weekly lineup with narrations from his book “How to get US Market Ready” - but everyone just loved him so much, we brought him back with this series of interviews that informs and inspires! Each week he speaks to industry professionals; guests who have gained valuable experience in the Italian wine sector and have insightful tips and stories that can help anyone who wants to learn about getting US Market Ready! For more information on the host Steve Raye you can check out his website, Bevology Inc. here: www.bevologyinc.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ We also want to give a shout out to our sponsor Ferrowine. The largest alcoholic beverage shop in Italy since 1920! They have generously provided us with our brand new Italian Wine Podcast T-shirts, and we love them! Check out Ferrowine's site, they have great wines, food pairings and so much more! https://www.ferrowine.it/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

Let’s play word association. We say, “Napa Valley” and you say, “Wine!” Of course! What else would you say to America’s top, vinicultural brand. With all due respect to Virginia, Oregon and every other, wine producing state in the union, California’s Napa Valley is it, when it comes to producing America’s finest wines and for marketing America’s most powerful, regional wine brand. The Napa Valley Vintners is nonprofit trade association has been cultivating excellence since 1944 by inspiring its more than 525 members to consistently produce wines of the highest quality, to provide environmental leadership and to care for the extraordinary place they call home. So, representatives of the Napa Valley Vintners Association were in DC , and we snared several for a deep dive into the association’s mission history, but also into the history and world of Napa Valley wine growing and, of course, some Napa Valley wines tastings! Joining us were Rex Stults, Senior Director of Industry Relations for the Napa Valley Vintners; Dawnine Dyer, Partner, Dyer Vineyard, a real-deal, longtime Napa Valley winemaker who spent 25 years as Winemaker at Domaine Chandon and a partner in the award-winning, Meteor Vineyard and Emma Swain, CEO at St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery: Emma Swain, CSW and CEO of St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery who also serves as the Board Chair for the Wine Market Council and is a board member of the Napa Valley Vintners. If you’re serious about wine – or even if you not – this is a roundtable discussion not to be missed! Cheers!

Sam Filler serves as the executive director of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation, the main trade association responsible for statewide investments in research and promotion on behalf of the New York wine and grape industry. He previously served as director of industry development at Empire State Development. In that role, Sam worked closely with the alcoholic beverage industry and policymakers to implement governor Andrew Cuomo’s Craft Beverage Initiative. Sam is a graduate of Vassar and New York University. He serves on the boards of Cornell Agritech Advisory Council, National Grape Research Alliance, Wine Market Council, and New York Kitchen. On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Sam about the intersection of the craft beverage industry and travel and tourism. The regional nuances, especially of wines and other craft beverages, create a tremendous opportunity for destinations and the beverage makers who call that region home.   Credit: Wine and Grape Foundation WHAT YOU WILL LEARN How to work together across a region to promote niche markets like craft beverages as part of the tourism fabric of the region Where to look for marketing dollars and join in creating a bigger impact through regional partnerships How you can lose economic development marketing dollars if you have no one in charge of deciding when and where to spend those dollars Ways to better know your target market, and target the right messages to that market How to bring the right tactics and strategies to your marketing plans, even on a limited budget GETTING CRAFTY Craft beverages are becoming a huge industry. Every town and hamlet, it seems, has at least one winery, brewery, and distillery, dispensing locally hand-crafted wine, beer, and spirits. And of course, all of those adult beverages are a big part of the travel and tourism industry. Wine and beer trails are becoming more popular and drawing in a larger audience. These trails and other craft beverage related events present a great opportunity for beverage makers, regional hotels, restaurants and other destinations to work together to create a unique and memorable visitor experience. STRATEGIES AND TACTICS One of the challenges of collaborating with multiple players in a given region is figuring out who is in charge of what. With a project like a wine trail, the point person is likely running a business full-time alongside this volunteer commitment. Sam saw the need to develop a “set of tactics and strategies that we can offer to these wine trails that they can kind of pull from and know that there are tried and true techniques to attract the right people.” So through the Wine and Grape Foundation set about to provide exactly this kind of strategic direction and some real tools that can filter down to the smallest, smallest winery.   RESOURCES Website: newyorkwines.org

In 2015, Millennials drank more wine than any other age demographic. According to a recent Wine Market Council report, they drank 42% of wine consumed last year, somewhere around 159.6 million cases of wine. That’s million cases – with a capital M. This has trigged a marketing shift in the wine industry, towards a more digital strategy. In-studio guests Ali Tuthill, Marketing Director for Long Island Wine Council, and Pam Dillon, Co-Founder and CEO of Wine Ring, discuss generating social media and software for the new wine generation.

Last week one of Napa Valley's legendary winemakers passed. Peter Mondavi Sr. was an innovator and was most proud of not having to sell out to corporate interest, he steadfastly worked to keep Charles Krug Winery in family hands. We send out our thoughts and prayers to the family.Open that bottle night has come and gone. Held on the last Saturday of every February and started by wine writers Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher,  it's celebrated as a reason to open up that bottle that you've been saving for a special occasion. If you participated in the event share with us what you had.New research presented by the Wine Market Council shows that millennials have overtaken baby boomers and Gen Xers with regards to wine drinking rates.  Talia Jane sent off a blog post to her boss, Jeremy Stoppleman CEO of Yelp, detailing how difficult it was to work for his company due to the inadequate compensation package she was receiving. Now she's wondering why she's unemployed and is asking for handouts. Stephanie Williams a millennial herself offers her take on Talia's dilemma. Four Seasons Vineyard Management and Ridge Vineyards have been fined $42,300 for housing violations related to a migrant farm worker facility in Healdsburg, Ca.  Here's a link for some quick updates on the Premier Cru bankruptcy and scandal. Zachary Sussman pens an excellent post on the subject of wine futures, detailing how they work and sometimes why they don't.  Do we need another law aimed at dealing with drunk drivers? Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego believes we do and has introduced a bill that would require more training for restaurant and bar workers to recognize patrons that have had too much to drink. Kerin O'Keefe tells a story about one of the most exciting white wines coming out of northern Italy.Wine of the week: 2011 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico Riserva  Volpaia is a hilltop walled village north of Radda in central Tuscany. Raffaelo Stianti purchased the estate in 1966 and when his daughter Giovanella married in 1972, the estate became the young couples wedding present. All of the estate owned vineyards are organically farmed and certified, 114 acres in total, situated with southern hillside exposures at 1,300 to 2,130 ft. The nose shows black plums and cherries, floral aromas of lavender, with trailing hints of sage and cedar. Elegant with crisp acidity and good structure it's full bodied at 14.5 % alc. On the palate it has beautiful juicy black fruit, with silky tannins and a persistent finish.  $25 Thanks for listening and please tell a friend. Cheers!

John Gillespie, President of the Wine Market Council, shares the most current stats on wine drinking in the US with Laurie. The post US Wine Consumption 2013 appeared first on Laurie Forster | Wine Expert | Wine Coach | Wine Speaker.