Wine 1043

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Most people think of a cork in a wine bottle as simply a seal that keeps the liquid contained. However, a recent study published in Science Advances by a team of French scientists reveals that corks play a crucial role in regulating oxygen transfer, functioning almost like an additional ingredient in the wine.

Thomas Karbowiak, a chemist at the University of Burgundy, emphasizes the importance of understanding how oxygen diffusion through cork stoppers affects wine oxidation and aging. Oxidation is a key factor in the aging process, allowing wine to mature and develop a complex aroma while avoiding excessive oxygen exposure, which can render the wine stale.

To study these dynamics in a simplified manner, the researchers developed a "miniature bottle system." This experimental rig consisted of small glass vials mimicking the shape of standard wine bottles, sealed with scaled-down cork stoppers ranging from 6 to 42 millimeters. This setup allowed the scientists to monitor real-time oxygen kinetics and chemical reactions within the wine without the interference of external air.

The study identified four distinct phases of oxygen transfer through the cork starting from the moment it is inserted. The first phase involved equilibration between the gas and liquid phases in the first 15 days. Surprisingly, during the next six months, the researchers found that most of the oxygen entering the wine was coming from the cork, rather than the external environment, as it began to outgas oxygen from its cellular structure.

Around four months into the experiment, the cork began to chemically interact with the wine, extracting phenolic compounds such as gallic acid and ellagic acid. These compounds acted as scavengers, consuming the oxygen released by the outgassing cork and thereby lowering the overall oxygen content in the wine.

After 15 months, the team observed a long-haul phase where oxygen gradually permeated through the cork from the outside. By the end of the 18-month experiment, they found that vials with longer corks experienced reduced rates of oxygen transfer, making changes nearly imperceptible.

Though tasting tests were not conducted in this study, Karbowiak acknowledged that understanding oxygenation is essential for flavor and has already drawn interest from winemakers and cork manufacturers. Their future work aims to quantify the interplay of the four oxygen transfer mechanisms, and also investigate how cork properties evolve over time. Ultimately, this research could enable winemakers to choose appropriate corks for each vintage, maximizing the potential of the wine when it reaches optimal tasting conditions.

For more details, you can refer to the study published in Science Advances.

Silicon Valley Bank’s 2026 Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) report has highlighted a notable divide in the wine industry. The data shows a stark contrast in performance between successful and struggling wineries, revealing that this disparity is driven by strategic outlook rather than market conditions.

In 2025, high-performing wineries achieved a remarkable 22% revenue growth, while their lower-performing counterparts experienced a 13% decline. The median winery found itself stagnant, with no growth at all. This widening gap raises the question of what differentiates thriving wineries from those that are struggling.

According to Rob McMillan, EVP and founder of Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division, the key difference lies in their focus. Successful wineries concentrate on outward relationships, customer engagement, and brand building, whereas struggling ones focus primarily on internal costs and operational efficiencies. This fundamental shift in mindset impacts all aspects of business strategies, including pricing, event coordination, and marketing.

Price strategies illustrate this gap further. High-performing wineries are more inclined to increase their prices, with a focus on maintaining perceived value, while lower-performing brands often resort to steep discounts, communicating a sense of decline to premium buyers. Regulatory shifts in tasting fees have compounded the problem for those in the lower tier, with many using price cuts as a compensatory strategy without a clear plan for brand positioning.

Another aspect of concern is the decreasing foot traffic in tasting rooms, which has seen a consistent decline of about 2% year over year. Lower-performing wineries tend to overspend on renovations in hopes of attracting visitors, yet this approach does not address the core issues. The once-reliable tasting room model for attracting customers is evolving as consumers shift their preferences.

Wine clubs, which represent a significant revenue stream, show stagnation with membership growth flatlining and attrition rates high. The challenge is compounded by demographic shifts, as older, more loyal members cycle out, and younger members show less loyalty. The profitability remains a critical issue; nearly half of wineries report not being profitable, even with rising bottle prices.

Looking ahead, the wine industry faces increased competition, with the number of U.S. wineries ballooning from about 7,500 in 2019 to 11,000 in 2026. As such, advertising and new customer engagement strategies are becoming essential.

McMillan predicts that the industry could experience no growth conditions by 2027 or 2028, following a potential consolidation phase. Innovative strategies, such as virtual tastings and direct engagement with customers beyond traditional tasting rooms, could lead the way forward.

In summary, the ongoing transformations in the wine industry reflect a need for wineries to adapt to contemporary consumer behaviors while diversifying their revenue strategies. This pivot is crucial for achieving not just survival, but thriving in an increasingly complex marketplace.

Read the full report here
Explore further insights from Silicon Valley Bank’s wine division
Learn about the latest trends in the wine industry

Forget traditional pairings; today’s wine marketers are facing quirky challenges that defy convention. Questions like which vintage pairs with Shark Week or whether a bold cabernet suits an evening of humorously naming deceased rodents after exes illustrate the wine industry’s struggle to adapt to a younger demographic’s taste. Sales in the wine sector are declining, compelling brands to shed the "fuddy-duddy" image that has historically defined them.

Helen Kurtz from The Wine Group emphasizes a shift toward a more approachable image, focusing on gaining the favor of a generation accustomed to easy-drinking products. Their brands, like Cupcake Vineyards, aim for less seriousness while tapping into unconventional partnerships—like linking MD 20/20 with World Wrestling Entertainment or Fuel by Franzia with NASCAR.

This downturn isn’t isolated; overall alcohol consumption is declining, particularly amongst Gen Z who are leaning towards low- and no-alcohol options as well as alternative products like cannabis. Older generations, like Boomers, are also prioritizing healthier lifestyles, exerting downward pressure on traditional wine consumption.

Navigating the complexities of wine can be daunting for newcomers, especially younger drinkers. A significant barrier is wine’s often pretentious image, filled with esoteric descriptors and high price points. It’s reported that fewer than 33% of Gen-Z households own a corkscrew, showcasing a disconnect with the traditional wine consumption model. The industry is responding with simpler messaging and price points in the $8 to $20 range that emphasize drinkability.

Brands like Bogle’s Juggernaut Wines are innovating with bold labels featuring aggressive animals and engaging in non-traditional marketing venues like tough mudder races or even partnerships with Discovery’s Shark Week. This approach aims to resonate with consumers in meaningful contexts rather than expecting them to engage on traditional platforms.

Communication style is another battleground. Younger consumers are dismissive of the elaborate marketing language typically associated with wine, opting instead for straightforward and relatable phrases. Brands like Bread & Butter Wines emphasize candor with taglines like “Don’t overthink it,” appealing to a new generation seeking ease and enjoyment in their wine experience.

As the industry attempts to bridge the generational divide, the goal is clear: to move away from the elitist connotations of drinking wine and create an inviting atmosphere. Strategies that leverage pop culture and direct messaging are emerging as vital components for capturing the attention of younger drinkers in the evolving beverage landscape.

European Wine Resource Inc., a fine-wine importer based in the Bay Area, is relocating its main operations from Point Richmond to a new facility in Novato, Marin County. Co-owner and CEO Michael Scianamblo Jr. noted that this move not only connects him back to his roots in Marin but also aims to improve customer service for their widespread clientele across Northern California.

For the last 20 years, the company has been nestled in Point Richmond, operating out of a 5,300-square-foot facility with an additional 5,000 square feet dedicated to temperature-controlled storage. The new site in Novato is larger at 5,655 square feet and is strategically located near the intersection of Highways 101 and 37, which simplifies access for customers, many of whom prefer to pick up their wine orders directly due to the unique handling requirements of this product.

Scianamblo described the challenges of recent years, which include navigating tariffs and shipping delays that pressure the company’s margins. Although a 15% tariff may be manageable, he expressed concern about proposed higher tariffs, particularly a threatened 100% tariff on French wines, which could severely disrupt import operations. His business model relies on maintaining physical inventory, often valued at several million dollars, providing a buffer against economic trade uncertainties.

The company’s sales approached single-digit millions annually, and it has evolved its operations since launching in 2006, including a successful period as Amazon’s largest international wine seller. The firm prides itself on a strict "cold chain" importing process, ensuring that all wines arrive via refrigerated containers to maintain their quality.

As the wine industry adapts to post-pandemic realities and shifts in trade policies, Scianamblo remains passionate about his work, embracing the daily challenges that come with operating a unique business in a fluctuating environment.

Cabernet Franc is transforming from an insider’s choice to a mainstream favorite among wine enthusiasts. Known for its bright red fruit, herbal notes, and lively acidity, this versatile grape is gaining traction, especially as people seek out lighter, food-friendly wines suitable for various occasions.

In recent years, American Cabernet Franc has gained prominence, driven by campaigns like New York’s "Cab France Forward," which showcases the grape’s adaptability and appeal. This recognition has piqued the interest of consumers eager to explore wines that are perfect for every season, especially during warmer months when Cabernet Franc can be enjoyed slightly chilled.

Over the course of tasting over 40 different Cabernet Francs from across the United States, we’ve narrowed down 13 standout selections that perfectly capture the varietal’s unique characteristics.

Baily Winery (California): This 2021 bottling from Temecula Valley offers a spicy kick with notes of cracked black pepper and jalapeño. Its complexity and balance of fruit deliver a distinct and memorable experience.

Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery (Virginia): The 2022 Cabernet Franc from Virginia showcases blackberry and cherry flavors intertwined with white pepper and smoke, creating a rich yet refreshing profile.

Boundary Breaks (New York): A fruit-forward option, this 2024 Cabernet Franc features a polished essence of cherry. It’s perfect for casual summer enjoyment, ideally paired with charcuterie or light salads.

Corey Creek Tap Room (New York): Known for its unconventional take, the White Cabernet Franc from 2025 emphasizes bright fruit and fresh herbs, making it an excellent companion to summer dishes.

Cor Cellars (Washington): The 2023 offering presents vibrant red fruit with subtle herbaceous notes, delivering a lively drinking experience with appealing tension and fresh acidity.

Early Mountain Vineyards (Virginia): The 2021 Quaker Run Cabernet Franc displays elegance and complexity with aromas of red fruit and dried herbs, balanced with refined tannins that enhance its freshness.

Kalasi Cellars (Texas): Taking a light and herb-driven approach, the 2022 Cabernet Franc highlights notes of bell pepper and mint. Its savory qualities make it ideal for pairing with light fare.

Lamoreaux Landing (New York): This 2023 T23 Cabernet Franc exemplifies the varietal’s potential, showcasing vibrant fruit and fresh herbs layered with enough tannin to create a well-rounded wine.

Milea Estate Vineyards (New York): The structured 2023 Reserve Cabernet Franc is elegant, with dark fruit and spice woven seamlessly together, showcasing the aging potential of New York’s offerings.

Macari Vineyards (New York): Featuring raspberry and cherry, this 2022 Cabernet Franc holds hints of bay leaf and thyme, making for an approachable yet complex summer wine.

Monte de Oro (California): This 2021 vintage presents an earthy profile, emphasizing dried berries and cedar. While it may lack the complexity of others, it pairs well with hearty meals.

Paumanok Vineyards (New York): The 2023 Cabernet Franc delights with floral aromatics and a fruit-forward palate, providing a distinctive and flavorful experience for fans of aromatic reds.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard (New York): A quintessential example, the 2023 Cabernet Franc showcases blackberry and cassis with a structured palate, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts.

These selections highlight the impressive versatility and character of Cabernet Franc, making it a must-try for both seasoned wine drinkers and those new to the varietal.

For many in the wine industry, including wineries, bulk wine suppliers, and beverage manufacturers, 2026 is marked by slower sales, higher inventory, and pressure to sell stock. Many producers find themselves with filled tanks and stagnant warehouse supplies, while buyers are increasingly selective. A significant opportunity to engage with serious U.S. buyers is presenting itself at the upcoming International Bulk Wine & Spirits Show (IBWSS) in San Francisco on July 28–29, 2026.

The IBWSS is a vital platform for companies seeking to sell bulk wine, move excess inventory, and establish private label partnerships. This year, the event will bring together a range of industry players, including importers, distributors, retailers, and beverage companies, all actively seeking producers and partners. Attending IBWSS could be crucial, as missing this buying cycle may mean waiting another year for similar opportunities.

Prominent companies already registered to attend include ALDI USA, Walmart, Total Wine & More, and Constellation Brands, among others. The event will feature presentations from notable sourcing leaders and managers from various sectors discussing retail trends, hospitality beverage strategies, and bulk supply opportunities.

Exhibitors at the show will receive a two-day conference pass and an invitation to a networking cocktail party with potential buyers. If your company deals with bulk wine, private label wine production, or custom crush services, this could be one of the few chances left in 2026 to present your offerings directly to interested buyers.

For more details and to register for the event, visit the IBWSS website.

The Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), widely recognized as a premier global wine competition, recently showcased an impressive performance from American wineries in 2026. With their best medal tally to date, U.S. producers secured 466 medals—nearly double their previous high and making a strong statement on the world stage.

Highlights from the event include two "Best in Show" awards, five Platinum medals, and thirty-two Gold medals. Clos du Val from California earned Best in Show for the third year running with its Yettalil, Stags Leap District 2023, achieving a score of 97 points. Other notable winners included the AvinoDos Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut, which became only the second American sparkling wine to receive a Platinum medal at DWWA, and the Hacienda Sequoia Pinot Noir from the new producer Brashley.

Oregon also made headlines with Domaine Serene’s Aspect, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills 2023 claiming Best in Show and matching Clos du Val’s score of 97 points. The state showcased a burgeoning reputation for high-quality Pinot Noir, further established by Alexana’s Platinum-winning Estate Pinot Noir.

In a first for Texas, several wineries received Gold medals, impressively showcasing Iberian and Mediterranean varietals like Sousão and Tannat. This achievement marks Texas’s evolving identity in the wine industry, as its producers move beyond traditional grape names.

Virginia and Pennsylvania continued to accumulate Gold medals, illustrating remarkable growth in regions that were once unlikely contenders. The DWWA’s results convey a vital message: American wineries are producing some of the best wines in the world, solidifying their place in the global wine community.

Overall, the outcomes of the 2026 DWWA are not only a testament to the talent emerging from American vineyards but also a clear depiction of the U.S. wine industry’s ascension onto the global stage. For a comprehensive list of all medal winners, refer to Decanter’s official publication.

For further details, visit Decanter World Wine Awards.

Costco’s wine selection isn’t just a random assortment; it involves a meticulous process managed by a dedicated team of beverage buyers. These buyers are responsible for curating an impressive range of wines across U.S. warehouses, focusing not only on popular brands but also on regional specialties. While typical supermarkets may offer around 30,000 items, Costco provides around 4,000 carefully chosen SKUs, emphasizing quality and value.

The beverage buyers work closely to ensure that every bottle reflects local preferences while maintaining affordability. Their goal is to offer products priced approximately 20% lower than competitors. This strategy has made Costco a notable destination for a diverse audience— from budget-conscious shoppers to wine enthusiasts.

When established brands don’t meet Costco’s quality and price criteria, the team turns to its private label, Kirkland Signature. Instead of producing wine in-house, Costco collaborates with well-regarded winemakers globally to create Kirkland wines. This partnership is mutually beneficial: wineries receive guaranteed bulk purchases, while Costco saves on marketing costs, allowing them to pass savings onto consumers.

The Kirkland Signature program not only enhances Costco’s wine portfolio but also gives flexibility in sourcing new products when market demand shifts. Whether you’re searching for budget options or rare vintage selections, Costco’s thoughtfully curated wine assortment continues to attract a wide variety of shoppers.

For further information on Costco’s beverage selections, check out the original article on Mashed.

As tensions rise due to Russia’s increased excise taxes and regulatory control over Georgian wine exports, producers are faced with a challenging crossroads—turning to the American market as a possible avenue for survival.

Georgia’s wine industry is significantly dependent on Russia, which purchases between 60% to 65% of its exports. The situation was exacerbated when Russia implemented higher excise taxes on alcohol imports, leading to a notable 15.8% drop in Georgian wine exports within a few months of 2025, including a staggering 24% decline in shipments to Russia.

Historically, Russian bans on Georgian wine have occurred before, notably in 2006, when political tensions led to a complete halt in exports. This embargo resulted in a 50% drop in sales, which wasn’t fully recovered until 2013 when restrictions lifted.

Amidst these challenges, Georgian winemakers like Patrick Honnef from Château Mukhrani recognize the precarious balance they must maintain between Western alliances and Russian reliance. His estate, with a Swedish owner, fears potential repercussions if European-linked companies find themselves blacklisted by Russia, which could mean a loss of up to 90% of their sales.

Despite the turmoil, there’s a burgeoning interest in Georgian wines in the U.S. market, which grew at a promising rate of 15.5% annually from 2021 to 2024. Industry experts believe that while Georgia has a unique narrative and indigenous varieties, it must streamline its offerings to appeal to consumers overwhelmed by choice. Saperavi, a grape with potential for international appeal, stands out as a prime candidate for representation.

Producers are increasingly adapting to the U.S. market, with some, like Teliani Valley, actively pursuing distribution opportunities. Others, like Iago Bitarishvili, have never needed the Russian market and focus on regions with sophisticated wine cultures.

As the Georgian wine industry grapples with its future, winemakers like Honnef express urgency in expanding American consumer awareness. The unique qualities and flavors of Georgian wines remain largely undiscovered, and there is hope that this moment presents an opportunity for independence from Russian economic constraints. Whether these efforts will succeed before the geopolitical landscape shifts further remains uncertain.

LibDib and BeyondVino have formed a strategic partnership aimed at streamlining the distribution and fulfillment process for wineries. This collaboration seeks to facilitate both direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and wholesale distribution, thereby alleviating operational burdens for wine brands.

"Wine brands today need flexible solutions that support how they actually sell," stated Jake Aukes, Director of Sales at BeyondVino. By integrating BeyondVino’s fulfillment capabilities with LibDib’s distribution network, the partnership simplifies the process for wineries, allowing them to effectively manage sales whether for a direct customer order or a retailer’s need.

The alliance merges LibDib’s innovative online distribution platform with the logistical expertise of BeyondVino, providing a cohesive experience for wine brands aiming for growth across various sales channels. Wineries will continue to utilize BeyondVino for DTC fulfillment while also tapping into LibDib’s extensive wholesale distribution network, which includes access to retailers, restaurants, and other trade buyers.

“LibDib exists to make distribution more accessible,” remarked Cheryl Durzy, Founder and CEO of LibDib. The partnership aims to supply a robust combination of fulfillment, logistics, and wholesale access, minimizing the complexities associated with managing multiple partners in the current market landscape.

As the partnership evolves, the two companies are working towards a more integrated model. BeyondVino is in the process of obtaining wholesale licensing, which will allow wineries to leverage LibDib’s infrastructure while maintaining a singular operational partner for fulfillment and logistics. This will enhance the efficiency of the market entry strategy for wineries, supporting both consumer sales and wholesale operations within one cohesive framework.

About LibDib: LibDib is a licensed wholesale alcohol distributor that provides an innovative compliance-focused distribution platform for both wine and spirits producers. More information can be found at LibDib.com.

About BeyondVino: BeyondVino delivers third-party logistics (3PL) services and experience-driven fulfillment solutions tailored to the wine industry. It functions as a licensed wine wholesaler, helping wineries create integrated pathways to market. To learn more, visit beyondvino.com.