What happens when your best customers decide to drink half as much wine — but spend twice as much per bottle? For decades, the wine industry ran on volume. More cases, more labels, more shelf space. But that playbook is being rewritten. Across every major demographic, consumers are steadily pulling back on how much wine they drink. Though research shows they are spending significantly more on every bottle they choose. This sweeping shift toward premiumization has completely transformed what the market rewards. Today's wine buyer prioritizes chemical transparency, environmental ethics, authentic flavor, and pristine quality. Mass-produced, heavily manipulated table wine is losing ground fast. Competing on volume alone is no longer a winning strategy. Today's most profitable growth opportunities come from consumers who drink less wine but spend more on quality. The following four strategies will help wineries capture that market. 1. Shift Production Toward Lower-ABV and Fresh Varietals

How Bioherbicides Fit Into Modern Vineyard Weed Management Programs For decades, California's wine grape industry has been recognized as a global leader in sustainable agriculture. Programs such as the California Sustainable Winegrowing Program, Napa Green, SIP Certified, and numerous regional stewardship initiatives have encouraged vineyard managers to continually improve environmental performance while producing some of the world's highest-quality wines. Long before regenerative agriculture became a widely recognized movement, California winegrowers were investing in practices that conserved water, protected watersheds, and increased biodiversity. As consumer expectations evolved and wineries placed greater emphasis on sustainability, growers continued searching for practices that could reduce inputs while improving the long-term health of their vineyards. One of the greatest areas of innovation has been vineyard floor management. From Bare Ground to Living Soil For many years, the a

The Sustainable Ag Expo returns to San Luis Obispo on November 10–11, 2026, bringing together growers, researchers, ag professionals, and industry leaders for two days of education, innovation, and connection. 🎟️ Tickets are now available >>>https://secure.qgiv.com/for/2026tailgatesevents/event/sustainableagexpo/ Here's what attendees can expect: Research that matters. Hear the latest from experts at UC Davis, Washington State University, Oregon State University, Virginia Tech, USDA-ARS, and more on topics including climate adaptation, soil health, biological pest management, disease-resistant varieties, and emerging vineyard technology. 20+ hours of continuing education. Earn DPR and CCA hours through in-person sessions and online courses. New this year, two-day attendees will have access to online coursework through December 15, providing additional flexibility to complete CE hours after harvest. Industry connections. From Sustainable Gear & Beer and the Donut Socia

A Conversation with Silvino Carreras, Production Manager, and Kay Rodriguez, Outbound Logistics Manager about Summer Shipping At Copper Peak Logistics, wine summer shipping is never approached casually. Behind every successful delivery is a carefully coordinated operational strategy designed to protect the integrity of the wine while maintaining the premium experience wineries expect for their customers. Few people understand that responsibility better than Silvino Carreras , Production Manager, and Kay Rodriguez , Outbound Logistics Manager. As employee numbers three and four at CPL, both have spent the last 19 years helping shape the operational foundation and craftsmanship-driven culture that defines the company today. Together, Silvino and Kay oversee the movement of thousands of shipments during the most challenging shipping months of the year, balancing temperature sensitivity, carrier logistics, packaging strategy, and customer expectations with precision and care. “People somet

For winemakers and distillers, crafting exceptional beverages is only part of the journey. To ensure your product maintains its premium quality and reaches consumers in perfect condition, the preservation of both its taste and appearance is critical. This is where the often-overlooked factor of glass color comes into play. The color of your bottle can have a profound impact on the longevity, flavor stability, and overall appeal of your wine or spirit. By understanding how different glass colors protect against light damage, you can make more informed packaging choices that safeguard your product’s quality and enhance its shelf life. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind glass color and light exposure, explain how traditional and modern glass choices can protect your product, and provide insights into balancing practical preservation needs with aesthetic considerations. Whether you’re crafting aged whiskey or fine wine, the right glass color is more

The wine and spirits industry is standing on the precipice of a major design evolution. For years, “premium” was defined by weight, excess, and tradition. For 2026, a new definition of luxury is emerging; one that values intelligence over mass, and tactile storytelling over simple visual appeal. For brand owners and procurement leaders, staying ahead of these glass packaging trends in 2026 is no longer just about aesthetics; it is a matter of strategic survival. From the rise of “quiet luxury” and right-weighted glass to the complex pressures of global supply chains, the packaging decisions made today will define brand resilience tomorrow. In this forecast, we explore how sustainable luxury, ergonomic innovation, and smart supply chain strategies are reshaping the premium landscape, and how Global Package provides the specialized glass solutions needed to help you navigate this future. The State of Glass Packaging for Wine & Spirits At Global Package, we&r

Declining groundwater levels and increasing pressure under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act are changing how California wine growers think about water. What was once largely an operational concern is now directly tied to long-term viability, regulatory compliance, and sustainability planning. These issues were front and center during a session at the 2025 WIN Expo, where vineyard operators, hydrologists, and county leaders discussed how groundwater management is evolving and what growers can do to stay ahead. Moderated by Val King, Director of Channel Partnerships at Verdi, the session underscored a clear reality. There is no single solution, but there is a shift toward local control, better data, and practical changes in vineyard management. SGMA Was Built to Be Local, Not One-Size-Fits-All Your browser does not support HTML5 video. SGMA is often misunderstood as a rigid, top-down mandate. In reality, it was designed around California’s variability in geology, climate

Explore the Science, Strategy, and Sensory Experience of Winemaking at WIN Expo Three forward-thinking sessions. One essential destination for winemakers. Today’s winemakers are navigating a new era of production - where innovation, precision, and consumer-driven values are shaping the future of the cellar. At this year’s WIN Expo, the Winemaking Conference Sessions, sponsored by Enartis, explore next-generation techniques and tools through a dynamic mix of expert insights, real-world case studies, and guided tastings. From alternative fining agents and sulfite-free protocols to thiol management and aromatic expression, each session is designed to equip you with practical knowledge to meet evolving challenges and craft wines with purpose and precision. Clarifying the Future of Fining: Comparing Plant-Based and Traditional Fining Agents in Winemaking With growing pressure to produce wines that are both sustainable and allergen-conscious, the use of plant-based fining agent

Smart Solutions, Resilient Vineyards, and the Future of Farming WIN Expo sessions dedicated to Vineyard innovation, sustainability, and the technologies reshaping grape growing. The challenges facing today’s winegrowers are more complex than ever - from rising costs and labor shortages to shifting regulations and climate pressures. At this year’s WIN Expo, the Vineyard & Grower Conference Sessions, sponsored by Verdi,  deliver practical insights and proven solutions to help you adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. Through expert-led presentations, attendees will gain strategies for assessing ag tech investments, managing groundwater security, and turning vineyard identity into a marketing advantage. Whether you’re a vineyard owner, manager, or supplier, these discussions will equip you with the tools to build efficiency, resilience, and long-term success. The AgTech Investment Dilemma: Determining Which Tech Solutions Meet Your Needs Agric