Air Canada has recently announced a significant upgrade to its in-flight services, now offering complimentary beer, wine, and snacks to all economy class passengers on every flight. This initiative, which initially began on select routes within the U.S. and Canada, has now expanded to cover all destinations, including the U.S. and Mexico.

Scott O’Leary, the Vice President of Loyalty & Product at Air Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the upgrades, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing the customer experience. The airline’s new offerings include not only beverages but also a selection of snacks that reflect Canadian brands, allowing passengers to enjoy elevated meal options while flying.

On morning flights prior to 10 am, passengers can expect to be treated to MadeGood Mornings Cinnamon Bun Soft Baked Oat Bars. After 10:30 am, the offering includes Greenhouse Ginger Defence Wellness Shots, as well as various Canadian snacks such as Summer Fresh Hummus & Crackers and Quaker Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal Cups.

Additionally, Air Canada introduces the non-alcoholic beer Heineken 0.0, becoming the only North American airline to offer such a beverage on board. This decision aligns with the airline’s goal to provide a wider range of options for all travelers.

Overall, these enhancements aim to create a more enjoyable and memorable travel experience for Air Canada’s passengers, reinforcing the airline’s dedication to quality service and commitment to Canadian products.

Wine has emerged as a significant symbol of resilience in the face of climate change. Wineries, along with other businesses, hold the responsibility to adapt their practices to foster a long-term vision that positively affects both people and the environment. The Penedès region in Spain, which boasts a winemaking heritage dating back to the 7th century BC, now faces existential threats from climate change. Historically, it rebounded from the Phylloxera epidemic in the 19th century, but today, it stands at the precipice of potential devastation akin to a “Phylloxera of the 21st century,” if immediate action isn’t taken.

Recent research indicates that up to 70% of current wine-producing regions may become inhospitable for grape cultivation if global temperatures increase by more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Alarmingly, around 90% of traditional wine regions, especially those in coastal and lowland areas like parts of Spain and California, could face extinction by the century’s end due to droughts and heatwaves.

The wine industry has sensed this urgency. Vines are particularly sensitive to climate variations and have historically served as indicators of environmental changes, making them a “canary in the coal mine.” While the Spanish wine sector has been slow to adopt adequate responses to these climate threats, a shift toward sustainability is now crucial, influencing not only vineyard management and wine production but also reimagining the future of winemaking.

A pioneering move in Penedès established the area as the first to exclusively use organic grapes for all its wines. Moving beyond organic practices, regenerative viticulture is gaining traction, focusing on enhancing soil health, nurturing ecosystems, and improving biodiversity. These practices are helping to create resilient vineyards that can better capture atmospheric CO₂.

Rising temperatures are forcing changes in grape harvest timings, affecting the balance and quality of wines. Consequently, vineyards are being relocated to higher altitudes and grape varieties are being swapped for those better suited to warmer, drier environments. Enhanced irrigation systems are becoming vital for maintaining yields.

Wineries are also innovating to reduce their carbon footprints. Transitioning to lighter bottles decreases CO₂ emissions, and a significant portion of Spain’s electricity—over 56%—is now sourced from renewables. Other measures include implementing carbon capture technologies and opting for trains instead of trucks for distribution, thus lowering emissions further.

To combat atmospheric greenhouse gases, the wine industry is investing in tree planting initiatives. For instance, over 100 hectares of trees have been planted in Chile, with nearly double that amount of managed forest in Spain, helping to absorb significant amounts of carbon while supporting biodiversity.

Nevertheless, the transition to sustainability must tackle the root of climate change: humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels. With global oil consumption at record levels and inefficient subsidies continuing to support fossil fuel industries, the focus should shift toward comprehensive energy reform.

Plastic also exacerbates climate change issues and pollution, with notable environmental research highlighting the dire impacts of plastic waste. From microplastics in the ocean to potential health risks from ingested plastics, the urgency to minimize plastic use in packaging—especially in food and beverages—is reinforced.

Addressing climate change effectively requires collaborative efforts from producers, consumers, and policymakers. The establishment of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) illustrates the response to this challenge, bringing together more than 170 wineries dedicated to collectively reducing carbon emissions.

Ultimately, the future of winemaking is intrinsically linked to broader societal choices about energy, consumption, and environmental responsibility. A unified approach is essential to prevent catastrophic temperature rises and safeguard future generations. Through determination and urgency, the potential for positive change remains.

Far Niente Wine Estates, a prominent Napa Valley wine group, has appointed Shawn Conway as its new CEO, taking over from interim CEO Carol Reber, who has transitioned to the role of chairman of the board. The announcement was made on September 30, 2025.

Conway brings a wealth of experience with 30 years in leadership roles across the wine, coffee, and spirits industries. His most recent position was CEO at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, where he focused on enhancing its luxury portfolio after the company sold Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in July of the same year. Before his time at Ste. Michelle, Conway held various senior roles at Peet’s Coffee, including CEO, and spent nearly a decade at SKYY Spirits.

In expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Conway highlighted the legacy and commitment to craftsmanship that Far Niente is known for. The company, which has been owned by GI Partners since 2016 and by Apax Partners since 2021, oversees a portfolio comprising six brands: Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Bella Union, Post & Beam, EnRoute, and Dolce. Together, these brands manage over 400 acres of vineyards in Napa and the Russian River valleys.

The Douro Valley is a stunning backdrop for the evolving world of rosé, transforming the often debated perception of this pink wine. No longer restricted to casual summer sipping, luxury rosé is making waves, with prices reaching three figures. This shift raises an important question: does luxury rosé truly offer a superior experience, or is it simply a clever marketing strategy?

While enjoying Matrona rosé during a luxe wine trip, I found myself grappling with this question. Priced at approximately 45 euros, this blend of Portuguese varieties aged in oak suggested a refinement I hadn’t anticipated. As the popularity of premium rosés rises, high-profile players like Château d’Esclans and Miraval are making headlines with their expensive offerings, such as the $300 Muse de Miraval. The pivotal inquiry remains whether this category showcases genuine innovation or relies on appealing branding.

The luxury rosé trend reportedly started in the mid to late 1990s, initially gaining traction through Champagne. As esteemed producers like Laurent-Perrier popularized their rosé cuvées, others took notice, leading to significant investments in developing quality rosé wine. However, the stark contrast lies in the labor-intensive creation of rosé Champagne compared to the more straightforward process for still rosés. This raises concerns about whether the intricate factors associated with luxury wines translate into rosés or if the cost merely reflects the recent trend.

Critics within the industry also argue that a luxury rosé category may not exist in a traditional sense, invoking examples of exceptional quality across different wine types rather than distinguishing rosé alone. With successful examples from renowned vineyards, including Château de Selle and other high-quality wines, it’s evident that rosé has the potential for greatness. Yet, the idea of spending upwards of $100 feels like a philosophical misstep when traditional rosés were expected to be an accessible, easy-drinking option.

Some producers, like Donnafugata, acknowledge the premiumization trend driven by the global market. In contrast, others emphasize authenticity and complexity in winemaking methods, ensuring each bottle carries the weight of quality. The generational shift towards younger consumers who seek experiences and narratives behind their wines is palpable, indicating a future where luxury rosé could thrive. As Millennials and Gen Z challenge the conventional views of wine—aided largely by social media—they embrace rosé as both a collectible and a staple in their lifestyle.

Speculations about aging potential also linger. While some producers argue that certain luxury rosés can develop remarkable depth, it remains to be seen if they can truly stand alongside more established fine wines. Many luxury rosés are still recent arrivals in the market, prompting consumers to take a leap of faith in their aging capabilities.

Ultimately, the rosés of today, especially at the higher price points, show marked quality improvements and complexities compared to their predecessors. Yet the crucial question lingers: are they genuinely worth the premium, or merely a reflection of the changing landscape of contemporary wine culture? While some exceptional experiences exist—like the Matrona rosé during a perfect sunset—many may wonder if they’d partake again away from the allure of the occasion, highlighting the nuanced balance between environment, quality, and value in wine.