Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Given the state of the US economy retailers are more than a little anxious that this upcoming holiday season will provide a much needed lift in sales. Somewhat ominously the NRF is expecting season sales to be little more than “average” with a predicted 2.8% increase over last year. Meanwhile, comScore expects eCommerce spending to ... read more>Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
MWITU WINES HIT SHELVES FOR HOLIDAY SEASON In time for the holidays, Mwitu, a new South African wine brand, is releasing its line of wines across the U.S. “Mwitu,” which means “wild” in Swahili, comes from the Western Cape—one of South Africa’s most popular growing regions. The range includes Pinotage, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Pinotage- ... read more>Monday, November 21st, 2011
A WIND-LOVING PINOT Named after the speed of cool marine wind that blasts through the vineyards during the hottest hours of the day, 24 Knots is a new Pinot Noir from Monterey County. Created in partnership with Scheid Vineyards, 24 Knots is crafted from fruit grown in the Viento, Riverview and Scheid Vineyards. By ... read more>Monday, November 21st, 2011
In Europe, a push to end airport restrictions on liquids Source: Bloomberg by Julie Bykowicz If you dream of the day when you’ll once again breeze through airport security with your Head & Shoulders and anti-itch cream safely tucked away in a carry-on instead of a Ziploc bag for all the world to see, take ... read more>Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
HOOD RIVER’S NEW PENDLETON 1910 KNOWS ITS WAY AROUND THE RODEO Pendleton Whisky—the official spirit of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association—has launched Pendleton 1910, a rare 100% Canadian rye whisky set apart by its 12-year aging process. Ronald Dodge, president and CEO of Hood River Distillers, calls the spirit exceptionally fullbodied yet smooth. The unique ... read more>Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Source: Decanter by Richard Woodard Monday 14 November 2011 Acceptance of screwcaps on wine bottles has more than doubled among UK consumers over the past eight years, according to new research. The survey, conducted by research company Wine Intelligence for its 2011 Closures Report, suggests that 85% of the regular wine-drinking population now accepts screwcaps ... read more>Thursday, November 10th, 2011
Recently Governor Thomas Corbett announced that an independent study reported that if the state were to sell off the state store system to private operators the state of Pennsylvania would realize an estimated one and half billion dollars. The governor and some legislators see this move as a way to get some quick cash for a state budget that is seriously under-funded. Sounds good, or does it? When we look under the surface of just getting quick cash we can see some serious concerns with this privatization of the liquor sales in Pennsylvania. Whenever we are about to completely change something it is always good to take a look at why the original system was put in to ... read more>Thursday, November 10th, 2011
People who make a living selling liquor scrambled Wednesday to grasp how voters' resounding approval of Initiative 1183 will affect them, while a Northwest grocery-industry representative speculated about alcohol deregulation spreading to other ... read more>Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Bryan Schneider is a barman at MONKEY BAR, NEW YORK, NY A play on the classic Martinez cocktail, which calls for gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and bitters, Pedro’s version swaps the traditional gin for rum—specifically Brugal’s smooth new 1888 release— and calls for top-quality vermouth. The real kicker? “The maraschino is replaced by Pedro ... read more>Friday, November 4th, 2011
Morgan Winery Debuts New Website Morgan Winery recently launched its completely redesigned website, which now offers better access for trade with a one-stop “shop” for distributors, retailers, restaurateurs and press on all things Morgan. The new site emphasizes the brand’s three-decade history of creating award-winning wines in California’s Santa Lucia Highlands region. The expanded ... read more>