WineBusiness Monthly

Climate change is reshaping grape ripening and red wine aromas, with rising temperatures accelerating maturity and leading to overripe flavors. Traditionally rare in Bordeaux wines, aromas like stewed plums, dried figs, and prunes are now increasingly common, particularly in Merlot, due to heat stress and berry shriveling. These aromas, linked to compounds like γ-nonalactone and furaneol, result from metabolic shifts in grapes exposed to excessive heat, sunlight, or drought. Adaptation is crucial for preserving wine quality, including optimizing ripeness levels, refining vineyard management, and selecting climate-resilient grape varieties. As climate conditions evolve, the focus shifts from achieving ripeness to controlling it to maintain terroir-driven wine characteristics. Read the full article by Alexandre Pons: https://zurl.co/qPsk

The 2025 Eastern Winery Expo + Conference returns to Lancaster! Registration for the event is now open: https://lnkd.in/ekAS_Zc9

The 2024 WineBusiness Monthly Winery Equipment Survey shows wineries are cutting back on equipment spending due to economic pressures like high interest rates and weaker demand. Nearly half (48%) plan to spend less, with tanks and bottling equipment being top priorities for those upgrading. Small wineries are the most cautious, while larger ones continue to invest. Despite tight budgets, 33% of wineries plan to boost production, especially by buying more grapes and bulk wine. Case studies highlight strategic upgrades improving efficiency and quality, like Dresser Winery’s new press and temperature controls, or Philip Togni’s reliance on durable, well-maintained tools. Read the full report by Andrew Adams: https://zurl.co/OLsC

Registration is now open for Central Coast Insights 2025—secure your spot at the must-attend gathering for wine industry professionals! Register early & save: https://lnkd.in/e8VFc32q

Registration is now open for WiVi Central Coast 2025—don’t miss the premier wine industry gathering in Paso Robles! Register early and save: https://lnkd.in/de4Zv8Uz

Day 2 ?? Thank you to everyone who attended the Wine Industry Financial Symposium and to our incredible speakers for sharing their insights and expertise. See you next year! Allison Luvera Kristin Taylor Tom Steffanci #WIFS2024

King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia, has grown from a family dream into one of the state's top wineries. David and Ellen King moved there in 1995, initially just looking for a place with enough space for a polo field. Soon, though, they planted grapes, and by 2002, they were producing their own wine. French winemaker Matthieu Finot joined the team in 2007, bringing a fresh, terroir-focused style that helped shape the vineyard’s unique wines. Today, King Family Vineyards covers 25 acres (with even more on a neighboring farm) and produces about 16,000 cases a year. It’s not just a winery, though—it’s a destination. Their Carriage House hosts weddings, and the polo grounds attract big Sunday crowds during the season. The Kings plan to expand their distribution beyond Virginia and continue experimenting with sustainable practices and unique wines, putting Virginia wine on the map. Read the full article Linda Jones McKee: https://zurl.co/yaKt

Kaleigh Theriault, Director of Beverage Alcohol Thought Leadership at NielsenIQ, presenting the latest data in the bulk wine and grape market, distribution and depletions, and retail sales. #WIFS2024

Join us in Napa in 2 weeks at the 2024 Wine Industry Financial Symposium to gain valuable insights from industry CFOs on navigating today's business landscape. In this session, hear from leading executives on critical topics like tech investments, alternative revenue streams, debt management amid high interest rates, strategic acquisitions, and more. Register today: https://zurl.co/pCcb #WineBusiness

Texas winemakers are tough, adapting to everything from hailstorms to scorching heat, and they still manage to produce some seriously award-winning wines. With over 800 wineries and 11,000 acres of vineyards, these winemakers have had to get creative. They use techniques like hail nets, wider vine spacing, and even advanced technologies like cryo-maceration to handle the state’s unpredictable weather. Wineries like Duchman, Spicewood, Bending Branch, and Pedernales are thriving, racking up medals despite the challenges. They grow over 70 different grape varieties, and there’s no single "signature grape" because the state is just too big and diverse. If you can’t make it out to the vineyards, check out Re, a cool wine bar in San Antonio that only serves Texas wines on tap. It's a fun way to sample the state's best, and learn a bit about its long wine history too. Read the article by Liz Thach, MW: https://zurl.co/I0nk