Liquor Industry News 01-25-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
The following is a summary of the liquor industry news and stories featured for January 25, 2026, as curated by Mark Lenzi on Flipboard:
Wine & Spirits Highlights
- Puglia’s Rising Star: A spotlight on Susumaniello, an indigenous grape variety from Puglia that has recently moved from the shadows to gain significant recognition and popularity.
- Expert Cocktail Recommendations: A guide to the 14 best Campari cocktails beyond the classic Negroni and Boulevardier, exploring the 150-year history of the bitter liqueur.
- RTD Beverage Rankings: An evaluation of 18 low-sugar canned cocktails and malt beverages, noting how the industry has evolved far beyond the original dominance of brands like White Claw and Truly.
Travel & Bars
- Napa Valley Insider Tips: A list of 7 under-the-radar Napa wineries that locals prefer for high-quality wine without the "tourist scene."
- Industry Secrets: An exposé on illegal "shady" bartender moves, discussing the fine line between standard bar practices and legal violations in the service industry.
Mixers & Non-Alcoholic
- Sparkling Drink Rankings: A ranking of 12 San Pellegrino sparkling drinks, celebrating the brand's 125-year history in the naturally sourced mineral water market.
CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM
Mark C Lenzi CSW,CSS,CWAS,FWS,IWS,SWS,IWM owner of Franklin Liquors, is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Spirits( CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators. The first in MA to hold a California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) title from the San Francisco Wine School. French Wine Scholar(FWS)/instructor, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) and Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) by the Wine Scholar Guild. Italian Wine Specialist (IWS) by the North American Sommelier Association. Oregon Wine Expert (OWE) by the Napa Valley Wine Academy, Italian Wine Maestro (IWM) Vinitaly International (First USA Class), AFNA™ Wine Certified. Beer Essentials Certificate from Cornell University, California Sustainable Ambassador, Associates Degree from Whiskey University, Executive Bourbon Steward from Stave & Thief
Franklin Liquors is a family-owned vintage 1978. https://www.franklinliquors.com/
Founder of the Franklin Wine Club https://www.meetup.com/franklin-wine-club/
Liquor Industry News 03-15-26
