Warning: Attempt to read property "taxonomy" on bool in /home/icoholco/public_html/wp-content/themes/Grimag/archive.php on line 187
Fact Check: Is there a British Pub Selling a Beer Called ‘Osama Bin Lager’?
Claim:
A photo being shared online in May 2024 shows a pub in Lincolnshire selling a beer named “Osama Bin Lager.”
Rating:
On May 19, 2024, an X user posted a photo allegedly showing a British pub selling a beer named “Osama Bin Lager.” The image contained a beer tap with a cartoon drawing of Al-Qaeda co-founder Osama bin Laden holding a full pint glass on it.
The caption read: “Lincolnshire pubs remain undefeated.”
Lincolnshire pubs remain undefeated pic.twitter.com/vHvXJc8JXL
— toby (@backingherdeal) May 19, 2024
Similar posts could be seen on Facebook, while on X some users were shocked at the beverage’s name, with one writing: “Rarely am I at a loss for words.”
The original X post had amassed more than 2.6 million views at the time of this writing.
Despite some users being left speechless at the branding, the lager was real and was on sale at a pub in Lincolnshire, a county in the East Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber regions of England, which is why we have rated this claim as “True.”
Although we could not determine the source of the photo, a spokesperson for the Coach and Horses pub in the village of Billinghay, Lincolnshire, told Snopes the beer was legitimate, on sale in their pub, and created by a brewery named Mitchell Brewing Co.
I can confirm this is one of a few of Mitchell Brewing Co’s beers we have. We are one of their self ran pubs so a lot of the stuff is theirs.
The spokesperson listed numerous themed beers with quirky names on sale at the Coach and Horses, such as: A Bit Of Ruff, Kim Jong Ale, Winston Churchpale, Putin’s Porter, Buzz Light Beer, and Berried In Cider.
Mitchell Brewing Co spotted the viral tweet and later posted a screenshot of the X post on its Facebook page. The caption read: “I think we owe Toby a few pints and some merch!”
The company also wrote on its X account: “Our Osama bin lager spotted in the wilds of twitter (the reason we had to join twitter!) This was actually our second brew in our dictator series, but the first lager, it was only meant to be temporary but over a year later is still going strong!”
Mitchell Brewing Co posted a separate advert for its “Osama Bin Lager” on Facebook.
Other X users also posted images of the company’s eccentrically themed beers, such as the Kim Jong Ale and Putin’s Porter.
Snopes approached Mitchell Brewing Co for comment and will update this article if, or when, we receive a response. We also approached the X user who posted the original photo to establish whether or not they captured it and where it was taken.
Forecasting the Wine Cooler Market: Anticipated Sales to Reach USD 4,996.6 Million by 2033
The wine cooler market is projected to achieve a value of USD 2,790.1 million by 2023, with sales expected to rise to USD 4,996.6 million by 2033. Over the period from 2023 to 2033, the adoption of wine coolers is anticipated to progress at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6%.
Request Sample Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8035
Key Takeaways of Wine Cooler Market Study
Heightened Per Capita Consumption of Wine Sustaining Growth of Wine Cooler Market
The increase in wine consumption per person among millennials is leading to the expansion of the wine cooler market. The burgeoning hospitality industry in developing nations is driving up the demand for wine coolers.
Greater preference of consumers for better product visibility and easy maneuverability significantly contributes to this growth. The rising preference for energy-efficient wine coolers is also boosting the market. Nonetheless, the sales of brand new commercial wine coolers are hindered by the demand for pre-used Wine Freeze. Many wine coolers are not equipped with door storage or adjustable shelves, which limits their functionality.
For Customization, visit: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-8035
Key Players in the market are:
Innovation and Strategic Collaboration to Remain Pivotal for Industry Leaders
The global wine cooler market is made up of a diverse range of competitors. Prominent players in this ever-growing field, such as Robert Bosch GmbH, Siemens AG, Viking Range, LLC and Haier Group Corporation, are featured in FMI’s comprehensive study on the wine cooler market. In order to secure a firm hold on the market, these industry leaders have ramped up their Research and Development activities with the goal of introducing innovative wine coolers.
Wine coolers featuring multiple temperature zones, touchscreen panels, and custom control settings for both humidity and temperature have already made their mark on the market. In addition, industry leaders continue to forge strategic partnerships in order to bolster their presence in the market where they compete.
For More Detailed Insights, Visit: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/checkout/8035
Wine Cooler Market: Segmentation
The global wine cooler market is segmented in detail to cover every aspect of the market and present a complete market intelligence approach to readers.
Installation
End-use Industry
About Future Market Insights (FMI)
Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer, Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of ~400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.
Contact Us:
Future Market Insights Inc.
Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,
Suite 401, Newark, Delaware – 19713, USA
T: +1-845-579-5705
For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com
Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com
Devastating Fire Originating from Metal Oven Damages Arnold’s Beer-Can Plant
Area firefighters standby as others work inside the Metal Container Corp. in Arnold during a three-alarm fire at the beer can manufacturer on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
ARNOLD — A fire that spread from a metal oven Thursday morning damaged a beer-can processing plant here.
No one was injured in the three-alarm fire.
The Metal Container Corp. is on Tenbrook Industrial Court.
Crews from the Rock Community Fire Protection District were dispatched to the factory around 6:20 a.m., and upon arrival, they observed black smoke billowing from the building’s rooftop.
They were joined by several mutual-aid companies, totaling approximately 10 fire departments.
According to Alyson Rotter, the public information officer for the Rock fire district, the fire had been brought under control by about 7:30 a.m..
Rotter stated that the building suffered minimal damage and that the employees were permitted to return and continue their work. Investigators believe the fire was accidental, likely starting within a metal oven, added Rotter.
On Thursday, May 16, 2024, employees at the Metal Container Corp in Arnold were forced to evacuate due to a three-alarm fire at the beer can manufacturing facility.
The Saline Valley Fire Protection District from Fenton were on the scene, handling the significant fire at the Metal Container Corp. This plant is known for its beer can production.
Firefighters across the nation have expressed increasing worries about their gear, which may be laced with the toxic industrial compound PFAS. There’s a growing belief that these substances might be contributing to elevated cancer rates amongst their ranks. A hot topic of discussion, PFAS, or per- and polyfluorinated substances, are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their resistance to breaking down over time. These hazardous compounds can be found in a multitude of products, including food packaging and clothing, and have been associated with numerous health issues, among them being different types of cancer. Specifically in the firefighting profession, the compound is applied to turnout gear, aiding in the repellence of water and other liquids during fire combat situations.
Stay updated with local news, delivered straight to your inbox.
Breaking news reporter
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
He pleaded guilty to reduced charges in the hazing of a Mizzou freshman who sustained massive brain damage after drinking a liter of vodka dur…
A teenage girl was arrested and charged Sunday with shooting and killing a woman one day at earlier at a busy MetroLink station just north of …
A woman was shot and killed Saturday afternoon at a crowded MetroLink station just north of Forest Park.
A six-year investigation using cooperating informants, GPS tracking, wiretaps and surveillance brought down Gregory Dixson. Jr.
“This is a child — let’s not forget that,” the girl’s lawyer said after the hearing. “That’s why we have juvenile court.”
Celebrate World Whiskey Day with this Three-Ingredient Whiskey Cocktail Recipe
Melanie Camp, Reporter
HOUSTON – All you need is three ingredients and you’ve got a delicious cocktail The three ingredient Monte Carlo is a simple and delicious whiskey-based cocktail that is super easy for you to mix up at home!
Ahead of World Whiskey Day, Houston Life’s Melanie Camp swung by EADO bar, Lightnin’s Good Times where bartender Richard Garcia walked her through making a Monte Carlo.
This cocktail has been around since before Prohibition and Garcia suggests that when it comes to picking a Whiskey for your mix, “Old Forester is a good choice. It’s not too expensive and easy to find.”
The Monte Carlo is an off-menu item but if you ask, any of the bartenders can make one for you.
Watch the video above and learn the steps if you plan to make a Monte Carlo at home.
2 oz Rye Whiskey
0.5 oz Benedictine
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
A twist of orange is an optional but highly recommended addition!
If you aren’t already familiar, Lightnin’s is the newest bar venture from the Agricole Hospitality team. You may know some of their other spots, Eight Row Flint and EZ’s Liquor Lounge.
Lightnin’s is in the heart of East Downtown. Not only is the bar walking distance from George R. Brown Convention Center, but it is also super close to Minute Maid Park and Shell Energy Stadium, making it the perfect place to celebrate before or after an Astros, Dynamo, or Dash game.
The address for your GPS is: 1201 St Emanuel Street, Houston TX 77003.
Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
A Journey into the Art of Rum Making from Sugar Cane in Hale‘iwa
Kō Hana Distillery takes considerable pride in the fact that they own the largest sugar cane farm in Hawai‘i and have the capability to produce rum directly from the plant, remarks farm manager Jakob Dewald.
What truly sets us apart from the rest is that our product is created directly from the cane juice. We do not use molasses, nor do we import products – it’s essentially farm to bottle procedure, he explains.
The farm of Kō Hana located in Hale‘iwa has seen remarkable growth from merely one-quarter of an acre about a decade ago to a whopping 350 acres today, reveals Kyle Reutner, the distillery’s General Manager.
According to Reutner, the process of converting sugar cane into rum can span approximately 15 months or even longer, depending on the desired flavor. The distillery’s most popular product is its Kokoleka rum, which is infused with cacao and honey.
Dewald says the farm has over 34 varieties of sugar cane. When workers harvest the cane, he says, they try to use regenerative practices like leaving plant matter in the fields to preserve nutrients instead of burning them.
“We don’t just grow sugar cane and treat it as a crop,” says Dewald. “We grow it for the future of agriculture in Hawai‘i.”
The O‘ahu-based producer has collaborated with notables like Martin Scorsese, Olivia Colman, Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Brie Larson among other stardom.
An ex-Navy aircraft-engine mechanic and the winner of 2024 SmallBiz Editor’s Choice Award, Bubba Smith is the owner who spectrums his work across various vehicles from Hondas to Ferraris.
U.S. Wine Industry Soars: $107 Billion Sales Milestone Achieved in 2023, Report Shows
U.S. Total Wine Sales in Billions $ from 2018 – 2023
Lately, the headlines about the U.S. wine industry have been rather bleak. However, a newly released report shows that total wine dollar sales were actually up in 2023, and have continued on an upward trend since 2018. Furthermore, with 11,600 wineries operating in all 50 states, a representative survey sample revealed that more than 50% had achieved their sales goals in 2023.
“Though the volume of wine shipments were down in 2023, the actual dollar sales of all wine sold in the U.S. market was up over previous years—to $107 billion,” stated Adam Beak, Managing Director and Head of the Wine & Spirits Vertical of BMO, the firm that spearheaded the report.
Given that wine dollar sales were just over $73 billion in 2018, this is an astounding increase of 46% through 2023. Though inflation and price increases play into this, it doesn’t account for all of the market growth. Instead, this report finds that U.S. consumers are continuing to drink wine in moderation and trading up.
Other key findings were that wines priced more than $10 per 750ml bottle have remained stable and are expected to grow. Indeed, nearly 30% of consumers report they purchase wine priced at $20 or more on a monthly basis, or more often.
Titled the 2024 BMO Wine Market Report, it is the first of its kind to capture 100% of wine sold in the U.S. market. Extensive data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB) and other reputable sources were included in the final analysis. BMO plans to publish the report on an annual basis as a complimentary service to the industry.
The 34-page report includes not only market/sales data, but consumer trends, and winery insights. It was compiled and written by four authors: 1) Adam Beak of BMO; 2) Andrew Adams with Wine Business Analytics, 3) Jon Moramarco of bw166 and Gomberg-Fredrikson, and 4) Christian Miller with Wine Market Council and Full-Glass Consulting. I was able to interview the authors via phone and email.
“We wanted to do a fact-based report that captured all of the market, because not all data sources do,” explained Jon Moramarco. “We hope it gives a clear and concise view of what’s going on. Obviously the industry has work to do, but this report shows that the sky is not falling.”
Title Page of 2024 BMO Wine Market Report
Part of the difficulty in reporting wine data stems from the unique ways it is sold and tracked. Various channels, including grocery stores, wine shops, restaurants, bars, winery direct sales, online sales, and imported bulk wines, all employ different tracking methods. As a result, the information collected by different data companies can vary.
The Wine Market Council’s consumer survey data was used to explore wine consumer behavior in this report, under the expertise of Christian Miller. The research revealed that 35% of the U.S. adult population are wine drinkers, and per capita consumption has largely remained consistent since the mid-1990s.
Percentage of U.S. Wine Drinkers by Generation from 2005 to 2023
One intriguing portion of the study reveals that 61% of U.S. wine enthusiasts belong to the Gen Z, millennial and Gen X demographics, whereas the baby boomers demographic (aged 59 and above) are gradually reducing their alcohol consumption. But analysis from Miller denotes that overall, there are more likenesses than differences among the generations.
Miller pointed out, “For example, the percentage of Gen Xers, Millennials and Gen Z who enjoy wine during their 20s have been relatively alike.” Simultaneously, he advised to be “warier about stereotyping behaviors according to generation,” because there exist other elements like life stage, income, education, and social background that impact wine consumption.
Indeed, the findings demonstrate that wine enthusiasts are wealthier compared to others, with 53% earning over $100,000 annually as compared to only 34% among non-wine drinkers. Moreover, 52% of wine drinkers are college graduates and 71% are homeowners.
Andrew Adams of Wine Business Analytics completed the winery insight section of the survey, analyzing 630 wineries out of a total of 11,000. He ensured the representative nature of the sample across various U.S. states, winery sizes, and price levels.
While some wineries, particularly those offering lower-priced products in retail, have encountered disappointing sales figures over the past years, more than half of U.S. wineries – amounting to 55% – declared that they’ve successfully met or even surpassed their sales targets as of 2023.
Moreover, a significant majority – exceeding 70% – of the surveyed sample displayed a robust optimism for the future, with anticipations of escalating sales growth. Key areas of potential expansion in the market, as identified by the report, included the individual beings of new brands, ready-to-drink wine cocktails, cost-effective wine options sold per glass, innovative packaging formats, and broadening channels for direct customer sales both at the physical winery and digitally online.
Despite acknowledging that there exist certain challenges and that the lower market spectrum is poised for stagnation or even reduction, the report affirms the U.S. wine industry’s resilience and strength beyond what was presumed in 2024.
Commenting on the report’s findings, BMO’s Adam Beak expressed his surprise, saying “I was taken aback by some of the encouraging findings in the report, considering how one often tends to believe the negative headlines swirling around.”
“We need to fight back with real fact-based data, because the negativity could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. That’s not to say there aren’t problems, and that some businesses will have a hard time, but, the news isn’t all negative. Many wineries are expecting good growth in future years,” he continued.
Beak concluded by saying that, “we hope wine businesses can use the data in the report to guide them and make better decisions. Wine is an 8,000 year old industry, and it isn’t going away, but it is evolving. And, as wine businesses, we need to evolve with it.”
Adam Beak, Managing Director and Head of the Wine & Spirits Vertical of BMO
One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts.
Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.
In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.
Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:
User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:
So, how can you be a power user?
Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site’s Terms of Service.
Whatcom County Whiskey Company Triumphs with Five Awards at International World Spirits Competition
Doc Swinson’s, a whiskey company born and raised in Ferndale, recently claimed five awards from the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, an international alcohol-judging event.
The local company was started in 2017 by a group of friends — some lifelong Whatcom County residents and a few Western Washington University graduates.
“We’re not a typical producer that most people are used to; we are not a distillery, and we do not have a tasting room,” co-founder Keith Seidel told The Bellingham Herald in 2023. “Instead, we’re focusing on the art of bringing old-world blending techniques to the very traditional American craft of bourbon and rye whiskey. We intentionally source the best spirits we can find to blend, age and finish in house to create something that is better than a sum of its parts.”
Doc Swinson’s won four double gold medals and one gold medal at the competition.
“This achievement highlights the company’s mastery in blending and finishing bourbon, establishing it as a leader among the industry’s elite,” a news release from the company states.
These products won the double gold medals:
● Doc Swinson’s Bottled-in-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey, a 100-proof whiskey aged for at least seven years that is made with 95% rye and 5% malted barley.
● Doc Swinson’s Golden Hour Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Rum and Port Casks, a 98-proof whiskey with tasting notes of brown sugar, banana bread and raspberry.
▪ Doc Swinson’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Moscatel Casks, a 115-proof whiskey blend of two bourbons aged for five years with tasting notes of caramel and stone fruits.
▪ Doc Swinson’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Toasted French Oak Casks, a 108-proof whiskey that won the Finished Bourbon of the Year at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is aged for years in American white oak and then new French oak to create tasting notes of vanilla buttercream, orange, toffee and baking spices.
Doc Swinson’s won a gold medal for L’Esprit, a 114-proof bourbon whiskey that is aged in oak for five years, with notes of honey, raisins, creme brulee, dark chocolate and dried tobacco.
Doc Swinson whiskeys can be purchased online at the company’s website and at local stores such as Haggen, Whole Foods Market and BevMo.
Some Bellingham restaurants and bars also serve Doc Swinson’s whiskeys, including The Temple Bar, The Admiralty Lounge, Bantam Kitchen & Bar, Scotty Browns, Redlight Kitchen & Bar and The Blue Abode Bar.
Gallo Winery of Modesto Diversifies into Beer Business: Production Locations and Purchasing Points Revealed
E.&J. Gallo Winery has made its first foray into beer, a lager created in Montana.
The Modesto-based company announced Wednesday that it is investing in Montucky Cold Snacks. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Gallo became the world’s largest wine producer in the decades after its 1933 founding. It has since added several types of liquor, and now a beer.
Chad Zeitner and Jeremy Gregory launched Montucky in Bozeman, Montana, in 2012 and now have it brewed by another company in Wisconsin. They will stay on under the Gallo partnership.
In a news release, Gregory stated that both businesses maintain a casual approach to their beverage offerings and actively support nonprofits in their respective market areas.
“Our consumer loyalty mainly stems from our commitment to do good, be good, and have a fun atmosphere for both consumers and employees,” he said. “Since our establishment, we’ve tirelessly worked on upholding these values, and we think Gallo perfectly complements us in achieving this goal.”
Montucky lager boasts a 4.1% alcohol level and 102 calories per 12-ounce can, making it lighter than many other beer choices available in the market.
As of Wednesday, a six-pack could be purchased for $8.99 at the Modesto and Riverbank branches of Beverages & More. In addition, the beer can be found at O’Brien’s Market on Dale Road, Grocery Outlet in Ceres, the Churchkey and Bauhaus restaurants in downtown Modesto, and Bark Dog Park & Tap Room in McHenry Village.
Over the past five years, Montucky has grown from 130,000 to nearly 1 million cases annually. The name is a slang term for Montana.
Gallo employs about 7,000 people around the world. Its grapes come from the San Joaquin Valley, coastal California regions, Washington and New York states and several foreign countries.
Gallo got into liquor with brandy in 1975 and has since added gin, vodka, tequila, rum, whiskey and other spirits. Some of the wine and liquor are distributed by Gallo for other producers.
The beer venture comes amid a wave of “ready-to-drink” items from Gallo, such as a line of canned lemonade cocktails acquired last year.
“Today’s consumer is shopping brands, flavors and occasions across beer, wine, spirits and (ready to drink),” said Ernest J. Gallo, chief executive officer and grandson of the co-founder. “At Gallo, we focus on serving the consumer and expanding the boundaries of what is expected.”
Experience the Ultimate Summer Afternoon with This Must-Have Raspberry-Vodka Snow Cone Cocktail
There are contrasting accounts regarding the debut of the Snow Cone. Some believe that Texan Samuel “King Sammie” Bert first introduced it at the 1919 Texas State Fair. On the other hand, there are stories of children in 1850s Baltimore pleading with ice wagons to scrape off a bit of ice for them, which their parents later flavored. This history can be deliberated over a Snow Cone Cocktail with a boozy syrup. Be sure to try the Blueberry-Bourbon and the Mango-Tequila variants.
The recipe goes as follows:
Quantity: 1 cup
Preparation Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 2 hours 30 mins
1/2 c. granulated sugar
1 c. fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
3 tbsp.
fresh lemon juice
2 oz.
chilled vodka
Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in raspberries and lemon juice. Cool to room temperature. Puree mixture in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing on solids to remove as much liquid as possible; discard solids. Chill until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 5 days.
Stir 6 tablespoons syrup and vodka in a glass measuring cup. Pulse 2 cups ice cubes on the crush setting in a blender until shaved. Immediately scoop ice halfway full into a chilled coupe glass. Drizzle with half of syrup. Top with remaining shaved ice, mounding the ice over the rim of the glass. Drizzle with remaining syrup. Serve immediately with raspberries for garnish. Makes 1 serving.
You Might Also Like
Decline in U.S and California Wine Sales Despite Growth in San Diego Area, Including Ramona
A new report by San Diego’s winery trade group has encouraging news for wineries in San Diego County: In 2023, sales and hiring were both up year over year.
That includes 166 wineries, which are scattered throughout urban San Diego neighborhoods like Point Loma and Mira Mesa, cities including Lakeside and Escondido, as well as in the backcountry of Julian, Ramona and Santa Ysabel.
Ramona is home to 50-plus wineries. More than 40 belong to the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association, according to Ginny Boney, RVVA vice president.
These businesses have largely bounced back from the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are expanding.
That’s a striking contrast to how the rest of the U.S. wine industry is doing. According to Silicon Valley Bank’s State of the US Wine Industry Report, “Direct-to-consumer volume and value sales were lower in 2023 and tasting room visitation dropped for the second straight year.” That report says interest in wine is dwindling as other lures — beer, canned alcoholic beverages, liquor and cannabis — beckon, especially among key younger drinkers.
California’s wine industry also is hurting. Consumption fell almost 9 percent in 2023, according to a report cited May 8 in the San Francisco Chronicle. Trouble has been brewing for a while. “Who Will Save the US Wine Industry? Not California Boomers” reads one recent headline by Bloomberg. And Last September, Meininger’s International, a wine trade publication, wrote about California’s grape surplus amid falling demand.
San Diego’s wine industry is a drop in the bucket — producing around $55 million, compared to with California’s $55 billion. But its winemakers are doing a lot right, according to the San Diego wineries report, by the San Diego County Vintners Association trade group, which examined economic data and surveyed winemakers to piece together a state of the industry.
The data tells a story of resilience and resourcefulness, said Vince Vasquez, the report’s author.
“That is, I think, something that is a clear indication that wineries, at least in San Diego County, have found the solutions they need to be successful for serving existing and new customers,” he said.
Some of the report’s findings:
A rosé picture
Vasquez, the policy and data analyst hired to conduct the research and author the report, said San Diego’s wineries have mostly rebounded from pandemic era disruptions and are finding ways to draw in more customers.
While consumption fell 2 to 4 percent in the U.S. and more sharply in California, here it grew 11 percent. (The increase was due to more wine sold and less to higher prices, he noted.)
Last year, San Diego saw a tourism bump, and “all of the wineries benefited from that,” Vasquez said. But they’re also focusing on events, boosting marketing and, at a time when QR codes and apps make contactless ordering easy, vineyards are investing in customer-facing, tasting room staff. At wineries, storytelling sells: chatting with staff, meeting the owners, learning about the history of the winery, Vasquez said.
“Engagement from staff is credited as a key component to the winery experience,” he said.
Boney of RVVA agreed.
“Frequently at the wineries here, because they are small, guests can meet the winemakers and actually see the vineyard,” she said. “And if people are interested in being educated, we do educate.”
Some of the challenges faced, particularly by Ramona venues, is that the wineries are boutique and small, she said.
“In larger areas of the county, including Temecula, there are often hotels and spas and other attractions, which we don’t have here in Ramona,” Boney said.
During the pandemic, outdoor spaces were vital — and now are being used for events and weddings.
While many Ramona wineries are currently not offering venue for weddings, and local regulations have momentarily paused live music engagements, outdoor locations continue to host a range of events.
“Some of the events are wine-centric, like wine pairing events and wine knowledge sharing sessions,” stated Boney.
Moreover, wineries host a multitude of activities that could be centered around native wildlife, special meals, historical discussions or presentations by local specialists, she added.
The analysis highlighted a key macroeconomic scenario that played a part in a successful year: Enterprises have the ability to procure the necessities for wine production and distribution.
“Supply chain challenges are no longer a significant issue or a meaningful issue for wineries here,” Vasquez said. The survey, which received 38 responses from 166 licensed current and future wineries, excluding satellite tasting rooms, indicated a significant decrease in concerns about material sourcing compared to the previous year. In 2022, 81% of respondents expressed worries about sourcing glass; a mere 19% had no supply chain concerns.
In 2023, the situation reversed: Only 19% were concerned about obtaining glass, and 81% had no worries regarding supply chains.
However, the positive change was counterbalanced by higher costs in a year marked by ongoing inflation, as noted in the report.
Buzz kill
Even though wineries are fostering relationships and attracting patronage, the report also highlighted certain alarming trends.
Smaller wineries seem to be grappling with harsher conditions.
“The surge in revenue in 2023 was largely propelled by the burgeoning large wineries in the region, which created substantial jobs and sales interactions. A significant proportion of the smaller wineries are either enduring another year of stagnant or reduced sales, or witnessing marginal increases in sales,” the report asserts.
In Ramona, Boney attributes much of the depreciation in figures to inflation.
“I seriously believe inflation is making a noticeable impact on people, significantly reducing their disposable income. Particularly in California, majority of people’s income gets spent on necessities like gas, energy, and groceries,” she expressed.
One more obstacle is the decreasing affordability of insurance. Many wineries scrutinized in the survey have reduced shrubbery and created defensible space around their premises, and a few even procured firefighting equipment in 2023. Yet, almost one-fourth of those surveyed were denied insurance coverage and the rates for 60 percent increased.
Having to face insurance denial and rate hikes because of wildfire risks, more and more wineries surveyed resorted to Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plans. These plans, while expensive, are viewed as the last-ditch insurance coverage option.
According to Boney, the insurance dilemma in Ramona isn’t unique and is quite similar to other parts of the state. When this is combined with the additional liquor liability, “securing affordable insurance remains a challenging task here.”
San Diego’s wineries often remain overlooked, overshadowed by not only Temecula but also the craft beer industry. Even outside of San Diego, in places like Arizona or Chicago, brands like Stone Brewing are well-known.
According to both Weber and Vasquez, in order to compete, local wineries need to increase their visibility. This could be achieved through more wine events, greater collaborations, and an uptick in marketing efforts.
Boney pointed out a common challenge that wineries, especially those in Ramona, typically face – lack of awareness about their existence. He shared, “Every week someone confesses their ignorance of not only the existence of any wineries in Ramona, but also the surprising number of these establishments.”
She mentioned that the RVVA is deploying numerous promotional strategies to address the lack of awareness.
The RVVA, along with most wineries, have made their presence felt on social media. There has also been a rise in the amount of hosted events, and the costs are usually kept low to attract a larger crowd, she added.
Boney said, “Our participation in numerous events helps us generate buzz, these include wine pouring events in Temecula and across the county. We also organize the Holiday Wine Trail and the Summer of Rose, which runs from June through August.”
One interesting aspect to note is that wineries are scattered across various locations ranging from the coast of San Diego to the desert and the border, said Vasquez. Unlike in Napa and Temecula where they’re clustered together, in San Diego one doesn’t have to travel far to sample a local wine.









