Wineries will soon be able to obtain daily transactional data thanks to Vermont Information Processing (VIP), an industry software and information provider. Historically, once wineries sold to wholesalers they were unable to monitor how their wine was being sold to retail accounts and consumers. While wholesalers now typically share this information, having access to daily account reporting will allow wineries to make much more immediate and well-informed decisions based on sales, pricing, and inventory trends.

Constellation Brands has purchased Schrader Cellars, thereby adding an iconic Napa brand to their portfolio. The price is currently undisclosed but the sale includes the brand as well as contracts with vineyards that Schrader uses. The deal includes an understanding that Constellation Brands will stay true to the Schrader ethos.

Gruppo Campari is out of the still wine business and has sold Château de Sancerre to Maison Ackerman. The sale will include Château de Sancerre wines, buildings, vineyards, vinification and production plants, and inventory.

Vinexpo is getting kicked off in Bordeaux, this year with Spain as the guest of honor and a new space specifically for organic and biodynamic wines. It provides an opportunity for new wines to be seen and a chance to catch up on all the most current wine industry news.

Lauren Mote is the first official global cocktailian for Diageo. Mote won the 2015 World Class Bartender of the Year national final in Canada. Diageo looks to this role as a way to move Reserve brands into current drinks culture.