San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles's vineyards report on this years harvest →
Due to this week’s heatwave, some vineyards are beginning harvest early. Kevin Sass, winemaker at Halter Ranch Vineyard, says, “I see a lot of vineyards in the county shutting down and turning red. Disease is starting to show itself from all this stress.” Elsewhere in the county, some vineyards note small yields, and others note mildew.
Florida craft brewers brace for Hurricane Irma while Texas rebuilds →
Florida breweries are preparing for the storm by stocking water and closing down operations. Wynwood Brewing Company has began filling fermentation tanks with water and will close on Friday. MIA Beer Company shut down operations for fear of losing beer in the case of a power outage. In Texas, breweries report getting back to business as usual, but with lower bar and restaurant sales, and higher retail sales.
Kentucky's Bardstown Bourbon Company doubles capacity for third time in three years →
The expansion, starting October 2017, is slated for completion in July 2018, and will supplement the BBCo’s “collaborative” whiskey, bourbon, and rye wholesale distilling program which allows craft distillers, non-distilling brand owners, and existing brand owners to work with Bardstown to launch custom spirit brands. BBCo also plans to develop an estate with an educational experience, integrated visitors center, event space, boutique hotel, spirits library, bar, restaurant, and convention center.
Oatley, Giesen, and Bulgheroni families start partnership for U.S. Market →
Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits announced a partnership with international vintner Alejandro P. Bulgheroni. A collection of seven brands, previously managed in the U.S. market by Blends, will migrate to Pacific Highway Wines & Spirits for importation, sales, and marketing representation. The Blends’s sales team will step into expanded roles under the leadership of Mark Giordano, Pacific Highway’s President.