The VinePair Podcast: The Promise and Potential of California Sparkling Wine
The VinePair Podcast spotlights California’s burgeoning sparkling wine sector, featuring Nicole Hitchcock of J Vineyards & Winery. Hitchcock explains how the state’s climate and meticulous winemaking techniques enable premium bubbles that rival traditional Champagne. The discussion highlights J Vineyards’ focus on classic Champagne grapes and food‑pairing versatility. Listeners are invited to explore the episode on major platforms, underscoring growing consumer interest in California’s effervescent offerings.
Bartenders Can’t Outrun the Spicy Margarita
The Spicy Margarita has evolved from a simple twist on the classic margarita into a staple that dominates bar menus across the United States. Bartenders report growing fatigue because the drink’s predictable formula leaves little room for experimentation, even as...
Taking Stock of the Best Tequilas of 2026
VinePair released its "30 Best Tequilas for 2026" list after spirits editor Aaron Goldfarb tasted and scored nearly 200 bottles. The compilation highlights a shift from tequila’s party‑image toward artisanal, technically‑focused branding aimed at connoisseurs. Reposado expressions dominate the top...
Is Mole Pechuga Mezcal About to Have Its Moment?
Mexican mezcal producers are blending traditional mole sauces with pechuga-style distillations, creating complex spirits known as mole pechuga mezcal. The practice, allowed under the NOM‑070 “destilado con” category, has moved from rare artisanal batches to limited commercial releases such as...
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The Average Price of a Margarita in Every State in 2026 [MAP]
VinePair, using data from market‑research firm Ground Signal, analyzed the average price of a Margarita across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2026. The study surveyed 66,583 bars, restaurants and hotels, covering 262,262 margaritas, and found New York tops the...
The VinePair Podcast: Does 818 Tequila Unlock Younger Drinkers for Sazerac?
Sazerac announced a strategic investment in Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, adding the fast‑growing, youth‑focused brand to its distribution network. The Louisville‑based spirits group currently owns only four name‑brand tequilas, leaving a gap in its appeal to Gen Z consumers. By leveraging...
Stone Brewing Flew Too Close to the Sun. It Still Hasn’t Hit Rock Bottom
Stone Brewing, once a flagship of the West Coast craft boom, was sold by its Japanese owner Sapporo to Firestone Walker after a series of costly expansions, legal battles, and brand missteps. Sapporo acquired Stone for $165 million and has spent...
Stitzel-Weller Releases Its Oldest Bourbon Yet — A 31-Year-Old $3,000 Limited Edition
Stitzel‑Weller Distillery has launched the Stitzel Reserve 31‑Year‑Old Bourbon, its oldest expression to date, priced at $3,000 per 750‑ml bottle. Only 176 bottles were released, each limited to one per customer, and the spirit boasts an 81.6% ABV—almost double the...
The Buildout Podcast: Trick Dog
The Buildout Podcast released an episode featuring San Francisco bar veteran Josh Harris, co‑founder of the acclaimed Trick Dog. Harris discusses how he built the bar by drawing on personal memories and art, fostering a culture that rewards creative experimentation. He also...
Exclusive: The Wine Group Acquires ‘Phony Negroni’ Maker St. Agrestis
The Wine Group announced the acquisition of St. Agrestis, the Brooklyn‑based maker of the non‑alcoholic Phony Negroni and other RTD aperitivos. The deal, whose financial terms were not disclosed, gives TWG its first major entry into the spirits sector while...
High Noon Launches Golf-Inspired Transfusion Vodka Seltzer as Its First Limited Flavor
High Noon, the spirits‑based RTD leader, has introduced its first limited‑edition flavor, Transfusion vodka seltzer. The new product replicates the popular golfer’s “golf‑drink” with grape juice, lime and ginger notes and is being sold nationwide in six‑packs at $14.99 while...
Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman Abandon Merger Talks, Both Confirm
Pernod Ricard and Brown-Forman announced they have ended discussions on a proposed merger of equals. The termination follows a month‑long speculation after both firms confirmed they were exploring a deal, and comes as Sazerac’s $15 billion bid for Brown‑Forman remains unresolved....
Pittsburgh Is Aggressively Courting Cocktail Enthusiasts. Will Other Secondary Markets Follow?
Pittsburgh’s tourism board has partnered with local bars and distilleries to launch the MixBurgh Foundation, a coalition aimed at positioning the city as a premier cocktail destination. The initiative centers on a five‑day MixBurgh Weekend in November, featuring both a...
This Brewery Pulls Ambient CO2 to Carbonate Your Pint
Almanac Beer Company in Alameda has become the first brewery to carbonate its beer using carbon dioxide captured directly from ambient air. The brewery installed two Aircapture machines in its parking lot that capture, liquefy and purify CO₂, now supplying...
Wine 101: 30 Years of West Coast Pinot Noir
The VinePair “Wine 101” podcast marks 30 years of West Coast Pinot Noir, tracing its evolution from the bold 1990s to the lighter, acid‑driven styles that dominate today. The 2004 release of “Sideways” sparked a nationwide surge in Pinot interest,...
The VinePair Podcast: Why Are Restaurateurs Courting the Ultra-Wealthy?
Simon Kim launched a sprawling Midtown Manhattan venue at 550 Madison Avenue, pairing Korean barbecue with an upscale American steakhouse concept. The opening underscores a broader industry shift as restaurateurs deliberately target ultra‑wealthy diners, especially corporate executives and high‑net‑worth commuters....
5 Signs a Restaurant’s Wine List Is a Rip-Off (and 5 Signs You’re About to Get a Great Deal)
The article breaks down ten cues that reveal whether a restaurant’s wine list is overpriced or offers genuine value. It flags inflated by‑the‑glass prices above $24, lack of creativity, erratic bottle pricing, an over‑reliance on mass‑market wines, and a focus...
The VinePair Podcast: Why Are Spirits Brands Bypassing Bartenders for Somms?
The VinePair Podcast examines why emerging spirits brands are partnering with sommeliers instead of bartenders. Hosts note that sommeliers bring wine‑focused credibility and access to upscale restaurant wine lists, while bartenders are traditionally the go‑to for spirit expertise. The discussion...
7 Things You Should Know About Frey Ranch, Nevada’s Farm-to-Glass Distillery
Frey Ranch Distillery, founded by Ashley and Colby Frey in 2006, is Nevada’s first ground‑to‑glass whiskey producer, growing, malting, distilling and bottling all grains on its 2,500‑acre farm. After a 13‑year development period and Nevada’s 2013 distilling law, its first...
In Philly, the Brewers Association Pilots Craft Beer’s Comeback Narrative
The Brewers Association’s 2026 Craft Brewers Conference in Philadelphia signaled a cautiously optimistic tone despite a tough market. Industry volume fell another 5% in 2025, with 481 closures outpacing 300 openings, and capacity utilization lingered at 55% versus a 78%...
Four Roses Releases Second Iteration of Its 100-Proof Single Barrel Collection
Four Roses is launching the second wave of its 100‑proof Single Barrel Collection, featuring three expressions—OESQ, OESF and OBSK—aged 7 to 9 years and priced at $49.99 each. The bottles, coded to indicate mashbill and yeast‑derived flavor profiles, will roll...
Firestone Walker and Duvel USA to Acquire Stone Brewing From Sapporo
Firestone Walker and Duvel Moortgat USA have agreed to acquire the Stone Brewing brand from Sapporo USA, with the deal expected to close in Q2. Firestone Walker will manage Stone’s western U.S. markets and four California taprooms, while Duvel will...
The Whiskey Glut Won’t Lower Prices, but It Will Mean Older, Better Bottles
The global whiskey market is facing a significant oversupply, prompting distillers to pause production, shut facilities and lay off staff. Barrel prices for aged American whiskey have dropped 30‑40% compared with four years ago, creating fire‑sale opportunities for independent bottlers....
The VinePair Podcast: What Can Bev Alc Learn From Fast Food?
The VinePair Podcast explores how beverage‑alcohol brands can learn from recent fast‑food setbacks, especially Wendy’s sales decline tied to an inexperienced CEO. While legacy chains struggle, fast‑casual concepts like Taco Bell and Raising Cane’s are expanding. Hosts argue that deep...
Everything You Need to Know Before You BYOB
The article outlines practical guidance for diners who want to bring their own wine to restaurants, emphasizing the need to confirm BYOB policies and corkage fees in advance. It explains that corkage fees—typically $25 to $200 per bottle—cover service, glassware,...
Busch Light Returns Cult ‘Bapple’ Beer, Teases New Pickle Flavor
Busch Light is re‑launching its apple‑flavored lager, nicknamed “Bapple,” in limited quantities this month, according to Anheuser‑Busch InBev. The brand also filed a TTB label for a new pickle‑flavored lager and has pending approvals for orange and lemon variants. Busch’s...
We Asked 17 Bartenders: Which Cocktail Trend Do You Hope Comes Back?
VinePair surveyed 17 bartenders about which past cocktail trends they’d like to see return. The most requested revivals include blue, neon‑hued drinks, flavored brandy (especially ginger), and a modest splash of vermouth in Martinis. Bartenders also champion simpler formats such...
The Origin Story of LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, the Coveted Cult Whiskey You’ve Never Heard Of
LeNell’s Red Hook Rye, a cult‑status American rye whiskey, was crafted from four cask‑strength barrels distilled in 1984 at Heaven Hill’s Bernheim facility and aged 23‑24 years at Willett Distillery. Between 2006 and 2009, only about 850 bottles were released,...
The VinePair Podcast: Is Brown-Forman for Sale? To Whom?
Recent reports suggest French spirits giant Pernod Ricard is weighing a takeover of Brown‑Forman, the maker of Jack Daniel’s, while rival Sazerac has also entered negotiations. The discussions have sparked speculation about whether the deal will be a full merger or a...
White Claw Maker Mark Anthony Group to Acquire The Finnish Long Drink
Mark Anthony Group, the owner of White Claw Hard Seltzer, announced it will acquire Finland’s The Finnish Long Drink, a gin‑based canned cocktail. The deal, terms undisclosed, closes in the coming weeks. Long Drink logged nearly 20% volume growth last...
7 Things You Should Know About Appleton Estate Rum, Jamaica’s Oldest Continuously Operating Distillery
Appleton Estate, founded in 1749, is Jamaica’s oldest continuously operating rum distillery and the only one that ferments, distills, ages and bottles its spirit on a single estate. Its limestone‑filtered water, locally sourced molasses, and tropical climate accelerate aging, delivering...
Reports Suggest Sazerac in Talks With Brown-Forman Following Rumors of Pernod Merger
Sazerac has entered talks with Brown‑Forman after rumors of a merger between Brown‑Forman and Pernod Ricard surfaced. The news sent Brown‑Forman’s stock up more than 11 percent, mirroring the reaction to earlier reports of discussions with Pernod. Brown‑Forman, valued at roughly...
At the Seattle Mariners’ Stadium, a Secret Door Is Dispensing Gonzo Cocktails
On Opening Day at Seattle’s T‑Mobile Park, a hidden pentagonal door appeared, dispensing exclusive cocktails such as the blue‑cotton‑candy topped Atmospheric River. The door’s location is undisclosed, and fans who discover it are asked to keep it secret. Mariners vice...
Ask a Distiller: What Does It Mean When a Spirit Is ‘Overproof’?
Overproof spirits are defined as any liquor exceeding 50% alcohol by volume (100 proof), a threshold most commonly applied to rum. Historically, British sailors tested proof by igniting gunpowder soaked in the spirit, cementing the term’s naval roots. Jamaican rums...
Mapped: How Much a Pint of Beer Costs Across All 50 U.S. States in 2026
The median price of a pint of beer at U.S. bars and restaurants rose to $6.52 in 2026, a 1.9% year‑over‑year increase, according to Toast’s POS data. Hawaii leads the nation with an $8.00 median, while Mississippi is the cheapest...
Famously Non-Smoky, Here’s the One Time The Macallan Resorted to Peated Malt
The Macallan, famed for its non‑smoky, fruit‑forward profile, briefly turned to peated malt between 1940 and 1958 when World War II coal rationing left the distillery without its traditional fuel. During that period, peat became the only reliable energy source, resulting...
Coca-Cola to Replace Pepsi Across Marriott Hotels Worldwide, Ending 34-Year Partnership
Coca‑Cola has secured a global agreement to replace Pepsi as the exclusive beverage supplier for Marriott International, ending a 34‑year partnership. The contract spans Marriott’s more than 9,700 properties across 143 countries and covers lobby bars, mini‑markets, mini‑fridges, soda fountains,...
How Dogfish Head Finally Found Growth Again — With the Grateful Dead
Dogfish Head partnered with the Grateful Dead to launch the Juicy Pale Ale and later the Citrus Daydream Lager, sparking its fastest‑growing beer ever and reversing a multi‑year sales decline. The collaboration taps the Dead’s cult following, using vibrant branding...
Ask a Wine Pro: Do Grape Clones Really Matter?
Winemaker Brett Stone explains that most Pinot Noir wines are blends of several grape clones, so the average consumer rarely notices a difference. However, specific clones can alter yield, ripeness, sugar development, disease resistance, and ultimately flavor, aromatics, and tannin...
The VinePair Podcast: We’re Looking for Wine Marketers in the Wrong Places
The VinePair Podcast examines why wine marketing remains stagnant, highlighting research from The Quench Report that senior wine marketers spend an average of 73 percent of their careers in the wine category. This concentration is markedly higher than in spirits...
New Report: NYC Is the First Major City to Cross $9 Threshold for a Pint of Beer
According to Toast’s latest POS data, Manhattan’s median pint price reached $9.16, making New York City the first major U.S. city to break the $9 barrier. The national median rose 1.9% year‑over‑year to $6.52, with Boston close behind at $8.69....
Buffalo Trace Releases Two New Whiskeys — Single Oak Rye Bourbon and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon
Buffalo Trace announced two limited‑edition releases: Single Oak Rye Bourbon, now a permanent addition to its Single Oak Project, and Low Entry Proof Wheated Bourbon, the latest entry in its Experimental Collection. The rye bourbon is bottled at 90 proof...
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A Timeline of America’s Trendiest Coffee Drinks [Infographic]
VinePair’s infographic charts the evolution of America’s coffee culture from the early‑1970s drip coffee boom to the protein‑infused brews of 2025. It highlights how innovations such as the Mr. Coffee machine, Starbucks’ espresso bar, and viral TikTok trends reshaped consumer preferences....
The VinePair Podcast: The Middle Tier Is Merging and Morphing
VinePair’s latest podcast highlights a rapid wave of middle‑tier mergers in the U.S. alcohol sector. Reyes Beverage Group (RBG) has deepened its footprint by buying five more RNDC markets, while Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS) snapped up Anheuser‑Busch InBev’s...
Gallo Finalizes Acquisition of Four Roses Bourbon From Kirin Holdings
E&J Gallo Winery announced the completion of its acquisition of Four Roses Bourbon from Kirin Holdings, finalizing a deal valued at up to $775 million. The transaction marks the first time in 83 years that Four Roses will be U.S.-owned, adding...
The Buildout Podcast: De Vie
Barney O’Kane and Alex Francis, alumni of Paris’s iconic Little Red Door, launched De Vie in September 2025, positioning it as a fresh, staff‑centric cocktail bar in the capital. The Buildout podcast episode spotlights their motivations for opening in Europe,...
U.S. Spirits Exports Slid 3.8 Percent in 2025 Amid Ongoing Tariff Battle
U.S. spirits exports fell 3.8 percent in 2025 to $2.37 billion, driven primarily by a Canadian provincial boycott that cut shipments to the neighbor by more than 70 percent. Excluding Canada, overall spirits exports grew 2.5 percent, but whiskey suffered a 19 percent global decline...
With ‘High Voltage,’ Shock Top Follows Voodoo Ranger up the ABV Ladder
Shock Top introduced High Voltage, a 9.6% ABV double wheat beer, debuting in Southern California and rolling out nationwide in May. The 19.2‑ounce cans are priced at $2.99, marking the brewery’s strongest‑abv offering to date. The launch mirrors a broader...
1945 Domaine De La Romanée-Conti Breaks Record for Most Expensive Bottle of Wine Sold at Auction
A 1945 bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti fetched $812,500 at Acker’s La Paulée auction, shattering the previous record of $558,000 set in 2018. The sale helped the event reach $25 million in total bids, featuring other elite Burgundian estates. The vintage,...
The VinePair Podcast: Do Restaurants Need to Rethink Their Revenue Ratios?
The VinePair Podcast examines a seismic shift in restaurant economics, where the historic 60‑percent alcohol‑to‑40‑percent food revenue split is eroding. A recent New York Times report shows food now generates the majority of sales as alcohol purchases decline. Hosts Adam,...