Liquor Industry News 01-26-26
Exploring all things wine with you!
January 26, 2026, the liquor industry news roundup curated by Mark Lenzi includes the following stories:
- Santa Barbara’s New Wine Experience: The Hilt Estate has launched "The Hideaway Experience" at The Barn in Santa Ynez, which is being described as a premier destination for wine tasting in the region.
- Brewery Etiquette: A guide on brewery "faux pas" highlights common behaviors—such as indecisiveness at the tap—that cause frustration for staff and other patrons.
- Old Fashioned Alternatives: For fans of the classic Old Fashioned, a new feature recommends various cocktail "riffs" and similar drinks to try next.
- Non-Alcoholic Beer Rankings: An updated list evaluates the non-alcoholic beer market, identifying 15 brands worth buying and 10 that consumers should avoid.
- Weekly Industry Roundup: Mark Lenzi (CSW, CSS, FWS) provides his "Liquor Industry Week In Review," covering broader trends and insights across the wine and spirits sector.
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 03-14-26
