Team C&J
Pernod Ricard offloads bulk of wine unit to focus on spirits | Reuters
Pernod Ricard, a major spirits producer, is selling most of its wine brands to focus on its core business. This includes popular labels like Jacobs Creek and Campo Viejo. The wine industry is facing several challenges, including declining sales and a global supply glut. Pernod Ricard believes this move will allow them to concentrate resources on higher-margin spirits like Absolut Vodka and Martell cognac. The wine brands will be acquired by a consortium led by Bain Capital, which plans to combine them with their existing wine business. This deal is part of a larger trend in the spirits industry where companies are divesting non-core assets. Pernod Ricard’s stock price rose on the news of the sale.
Decoy Unveils Debut Vintage of Decoy Limited Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Decoy has launched its 2022 Decoy Limited Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, marking its first release from the acclaimed Paso Robles region. This premiere follows Decoy’s decade-long experience with Paso Robles Cabernet and the acquisition of a 289-acre vineyard in the San Miguel District. Crafted by Winemaker Dana Epperson, the wine blends grapes from Decoy’s estate and other top regional vineyards, featuring contributions from several sub-AVAs, including Adelaida and Templeton Gap. The wine, priced at $30, displays a complex profile representative of Paso Robles’ diverse terroir. Paso Robles is a rapidly growing wine region and the second-largest appellation for luxury Cabernet Sauvignon in California, known for offering high-quality wines at great value and experiencing significant sales growth.
Sonoma’s Carlisle Winery Calls it Quits
Carlisle Winery, renowned for its high-quality Zinfandels, will stop production following the 2024 harvest, as announced by co-founders Mike and Kendall Officer. Founded in 1987 by Mike Officer, who transitioned from a software developer to a winemaker, the winery achieved great success, with numerous wines scoring 95 points or higher on Wine Spectator’s scale. Despite financial success, the owners, all in their 60s, seek retirement and have struggled to find a buyer who shares their passion for old vineyards. Known for producing about 8,000 cases annually, Carlisle will significantly reduce its 2024 output to 2,700 cases. While it may take a few more years to finalize operations and sell remaining inventory, the Officers are content with their accomplishments and the legacy they leave behind.
FlyWithWine Closes, Files Chapter 7
FlyWithWine, a company known for its wine transport luggage, has abruptly closed and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which allows it to liquidate its assets. CEO Ronald “Ron” Scharman announced the closure via email to clients, citing financial difficulties, including a halt in Amazon financing and the loss of a key product line. Despite appearing on “Shark Tank” in December 2023 and pitching for $500,000, they were not funded. The company, which started in 2016, accumulated liabilities of $2.4 million against assets of $1.6 million. Scharman attributes the downfall to expensive replacement financing and significant revenue loss. The company’s website now directs customers to contact Forster VGV, the manufacturer and importer of their products, for orders and warranties.
The Overlooked States Redefining East Coast Wine | SevenFifty Daily
East Coast winemaking is experiencing a renaissance in states like Vermont, Maine, New Jersey, and North Carolina, driven by a new generation of innovative, environmentally-conscious winemakers. Unburdened by traditional methods from Europe or the West Coast, these producers are exploring native grapes, cold and humidity-resistant hybrids, and alternative vinifera, with notable success. Vermont, with pioneers like Deirdre Heekin of La Garagista, has become a model, boasting 28 producers today. Similarly, Maine is turning to wild blueberries for wine, while New Jersey and Pennsylvania grow their markets by embracing unique regional characteristics and lower-intervention techniques. Virginia and North Carolina are focusing on varieties that thrive locally. Despite initial skepticism, East Coast wines are gaining distribution and consumer interest, with festivals and direct consumer engagement playing key roles in their growing acceptance.
As Consumer Demands Change, Wineries Are Offering More From the Tasting Room Experience | VinePair
The wine tourism industry is experiencing a significant transformation as consumer preferences evolve, demanding more immersive and diverse experiences at wineries. Previously, winery visits entailed quick tastings and casual samplings, but today’s wine enthusiasts seek enhanced experiences beyond simply trying wines. Visitors now desire intricate pairings, full-fledged restaurants, and extended stays at wineries, reflecting a shift towards a more fine-dining atmosphere rather than a traditional tasting experience. Napa Valley has played a pivotal role in shaping this evolution, with upscale tasting experiences resembling fine dining settings. Other regions, such as the Willamette Valley and Temecula, offer creative food pairings and unique amenities to cater to visitor demands. With direct-to-consumer sales becoming increasingly vital, wineries are investing in culinary programs, offering blend-your-own-bottle experiences, and incorporating additional amenities like swimming pools to enhance the visitor experience. While these changes enrich the wine tourism industry, they also present challenges for smaller and newer wineries in terms of cost and competition. Adapting to evolving consumer demands is crucial for wineries to remain competitive and relevant in an ever-changing wine tourism landscape.
‘World-first in winemaking’: Treasury unveils $10 million barrel hall automation system – Winetitles
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE) has introduced a $10 million state-of-the-art automation and barrel handling system at its Barossa Valley winery in South Australia. This groundbreaking integration includes nine autonomous forklifts, custom barrel management software, and automated barrel washing and filling facilities, making it a world-first in winemaking. The system operates 24/5, significantly boosting capacity by up to 60%, enhancing traceability, and improving safety by reducing manual handling tasks. The nine autonomous forklifts, powered by lithium batteries using 100% renewable electricity, are guided by lasers and operated remotely by TWE’s international team. This innovation aligns with TWE’s sustainability goals, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030. Planning and commissioning of the system, which began in late 2020, saw it fully operational by June 2024. Opened in 2022 after a $165 million extension, the Barossa Valley facility now features over 6,000 solar panels and advanced water management systems.
Bibi Graetz sets new record for bottle of Italian wine
Renowned Italian winemaker Bibi Graetz has set a new record with the sale of a one-of-a-kind 27-litre bottle of his Colore 2016. This unique bottle became the most expensive Italian wine ever sold at CHF 100,000, purchased spontaneously at ARVI in Zurich. The special bottle was designed to celebrate Graetz’s debut on the prestigious Place de Bordeaux and featured a label inspired by his artistic family heritage, with a painting created by Graetz himself. Graetz, who operates from Fiesole near Florence, is acclaimed for his high-quality Tuscan reds, Colore and Testamatta, and employs an artisanal approach to viticulture. His creative vision and innovative techniques have made him a highly admired winemaker globally, evidenced by his collaboration with Hedonism Wines to create a special vault for his wines in London.
The Buyer | Torres Debate: How Spain is helping lead the global wine climate debate
At a recent debate titled “The future of Spanish viticulture and wine in a time of climate crisis,” hosted by Familia Torres and the Spanish Embassy in London, stakeholders discussed Spain’s leadership in sustainable winemaking. Miguel Torres, president of Familia Torres, has been a vocal advocate for climate action in the wine industry for over 15 years. Torres highlighted Spain’s challenges due to its proximity to Africa and recent severe droughts. He has invested in higher altitude vineyards and revived indigenous grape varieties better suited to the changing climate. Efforts to reduce the winery’s carbon footprint include lowering glass bottle weights and expanding carbon capture systems. The debate emphasized the importance of reducing the wine industry’s carbon footprint, primarily driven by glass packaging. Anne Jones and Jancis Robinson MW noted the need for consumer education on sustainability and highlighted the role of collaboration. Jones praised Spain’s unique position to lead global sustainability efforts, while José Pacheco stressed the complexity and necessity of clarity in communicating sustainable practices. The event underscored the vital role of both producers and consumers in achieving sustainability goals.
All things wine, and food you could ever need or want — straight to your email!
