Afternoon Brief, March 20

Trending Story
Michel Rolland, Prominent Wine Consultant and Vintner, Dies at 78
He was the world’s most in-demand winemaking consultant at one point, with clients around the globe, though over time his signature style began to lose favor…
M. A. Silva USA
Wine Sales Symposium
Today’s News
K-Shaped Economy, Cost of Living Crisis Dealt Big Blow to DTC Shipments in 2025
After several years of premiumization driving dollar gains, direct-to-consumer shipments are now mimicking the K-shaped economy; top spenders continue to purchase higher-priced bottles while entry-level consumers are buying less or exiting the category altogether…
Wine Drinkers Aren’t Going Dry, but Their Tastes Are Diversifying
According to CellarTracker founder Eric LeVine, “Dry January does not exist” – at least among his audience – though drinkers are exploring far more wine regions than in the past…
Paloma Winery Wrestles with Napa County Road Requirements (Paywall)
Merriam Vineyards to Host CCOF North Coast Chapter Spring Mixer on March 27, Healdsburg
Breakthru Beverage Group and Copper Cane Expand Distribution Partnership into Colorado
Newest Eataly Sets Up Its Wine Shop in Pennsylvania with a Familiar Focus on Education, Italian Authenticity
Why Transparency in Wine Matters More Than Ever
Okanagan College, Niagara College Have Grape Relationship as Wine Education Expanding
Decanter Masterclass Report: Meet a Legend, Bo Barrett, Chateau Montelena
Cava Sales Hit Again by Drought in 2025
Prowein 2026: Quieter Halls Confirm Plans for ‘Strategic Reorientation’
Meiyu Li on Her Drive to Be China’s First Female Master Sommelier
From Tokyo to Mumbai: How Asia’s 3.27 Billion Consumers Are Choosing Wines in 2025?
ATPGroup
Wine Industry Careers
Tasting Room Associate – Part Time
Bowman Cellars – Graton, CA
Outside Sales Engineer – Equipment
R.F. MacDonald Co. – Sacramento, CA
Technical Customer Experience Customer Success Lead
Winehub Commerce – Remote
More Wine Industry Jobs
WineDirect Fulfillment
WIN Marketplace – Grapes, Bulk Wine & Shiners
2026 Alexander Valley – Bordeaux Grapes
2024 Napa Valley Syrah – Bulk Wine
Excellent 2025 Dry Creek Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for Sale – Bulk Wine
2024 Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir – Shiners
More Marketplace Listings
Goshen Logistics
Industry Events
Linfield University: Wine Business Executive Workshop
March 24 – McMinnville, OR
Foundation & Pre-Bottling. Essential Knowledge for Every Bottling Operation
March 26 – Webinar
Crush Course: Text, Sell Ship with Vinoshipper + RedChirp
March 26 – Webinar
WIN Webinar – Faster Responses, Personalization at Scale, Happier Customers: How AI and SMS Are Transforming Winery Customer Support
April 2 – Webinar
Wine Sales Symposium
May 13 – Rohnert Park, CA
North Coast Wine Industry Expo
Top Stories of the Week
The 2025 Crop Was Down an Equivalent of 72 Million Cases from the Five-Year Average
Netflix Announces New Series Set in Napa Valley from Darren Star and David Schulner
Next Gen International Wine Awards Announced; Call for Industry Leaders 39 and Under to Serve as Judges
Historic Sonoma Winery Rezoning Sparks Community Debate: Report
WineScape: Economy Continues to Press Wine Market
Women Want Wine from Women Winemakers
Central Coast Insights: Consumer Perception of Economy and Financial Stability Driving Cuts in Alcohol Spending
‘It Changed Everything’: North Coast Wine Challenge Winners Reflect on Past Recognition (Paywall)
2025 Grape Crush Report – Ciatti Comments
2 Years of Panic. Now the Wine Industry’s Survivors Are Rewriting the Rules
Exclusive: Memento Mori Co-Owner Purchases Historic Edge Hill Estate From Joel Gott
This Grocery Chain Has the Best Wine Selection, According to the 2026 IWSC Drinks Retail Awards
Drinks Companies Bring in ‘Force Majeure’ Clauses as a Result of Iran War
Gina Gallo-Boisset and Jean-Charles Boisset Unveil Flora Springs Wine Lounge in Napa’s Historic Gordon Building
The Future of Wine: How AI Is Transforming Employment in the Wine Industry
WineSpot

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