Pinot & Pixel - der Podcast für die neue Trinkkultur

Most non-alcoholic wines suck. And if you've ever tried one and thought, "Why does this taste like sad grape juice?"—you're not alone. But here's the thing: making good non-alcoholic wine isn't impossible, it's just often done wrong.

In this episode, I break down:
🍷 Why so many alcohol-free wines fail
🧠 The Wine Brain problem and why expectations ruin the experience
🍾 The styles that actually work (and why sparkling is your safest bet)

💡 What makes a good non-alcoholic wine & how to find the best ones

If you're ready to stop comparing and start enjoying, hit play!

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) The Harsh Truth: Most Non-Alcoholic Wines Do Suck

(00:04:25) The “Wine Brain” Problem

(00:06:35) Why Do Most Non-Alcoholic Wines Fail?

(00:11:53) The Wine Styles That Actually Work

(00:14:18) How to Fix It: What Makes a Good Non-Alcoholic Wine?

(00:18:03) Where to Find the Good Stuff

(00:20:04 ) The Mindset Shift: Stop Comparing, Start Enjoying

Big shifts in the world of wine!

From UK wine tourism booming to Constellation Brands pulling back from wine altogether—what’s happening? Meanwhile, France is falling in love with wine again, but the ritual of wine itself might be in danger.

And the biggest trend? Non-alcoholic drinks are taking over. Spain is stepping up in the premium no/low-alcohol space, weddings are seeing a surge in alcohol-free options, and even Pernod Ricard is launching a non-alcoholic Ramazzotti.

So, are we witnessing a fundamental shift in drinking culture? Let’s talk about it in the comments.

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) UK wine tourism booms with 55% more visitors since 2022

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/uk-wine-tourism-booms-with-55-more-visitors-since-2022/

(00:02:32) How Constellation Brands’ Wine Exit Reflects a Changing Industry

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/insights/how-constellation-brands-wine-exit-reflects-changing-industry

(00:04:20) US wine importers and bars nervously wait for tariff decision on European products

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/27/trump-tariffs-wine-sellers

(00:06:29 ) France is falling in love with wine again

https://www.meininger.de/wein/handel/franzosen-lieben-wein

(00:08:37) The ritual of wine might face extinction

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/is-the-ritual-of-wine-facing-extinction/

(00:09:56) Cruise passengers left baffled after discovering controversial drinks rule

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-14530537/cruise-passengers-confused-carnival-drinks-rule.html

(00:12:10) Spain steps up in the bid to make high-quality no-low-alcohol wine

https://drinksint.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/11645/Spain_steps_up_in_the_bid_to_make_high-quality_low-alcohol_wine.html

(00:13:26) Non-alcoholic options increasingly in demand at weddings

https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/non-alcoholic-options-increasingly-in-demand-at-weddings

(00:14:31) Pernod Ricard launches non-alcoholic aperitif Ramazzotti

https://www.just-drinks.com/news/pernod-ricard-non-alcoholic-aperitifs/

Winery sales are booming - but not necessarily in a good way. 

With wine consumption down, overproduction in key regions, and shifting investment trends, vineyard prices are crashing in some parts of the world while skyrocketing in others. South Australia, Bordeaux, and California? Big drops. Barolo? More valuable than ever.

So what’s happening? Who’s buying? And what does this mean for the future of wine? Let’s break it down. 

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Reasons for vineyard sales

(00:07:24) Global vineyard prices plummet

https://www.knightfrank.com/wealthreport/article/2025-03-05-the-performance-of-wine-markets-across-the-world

(00:09:05) Bargain prices for Bordeaux wineries

https://www.fr.de/wirtschaft/verkaufen-weingueter-in-frankreich-zum-schnaeppchenpreis-zu-93622634.html

(00:11:24) Barolo has most valuable vineyards in the world

https://winenews.it/en/fine-wine-yields-drop-but-barolo-vineyards-are-the-most-valuable-in-the-world_551397/

ProWein 2025: Fewer exhibitors, fewer visitors… but does that mean fewer opportunities? 

Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff threats send consumers into full panic-buy mode, and European producers are left hoping it’s all just blah blah blah.

But hey, not everyone’s losing: English sparkling wine and Californian bubbles are eyeing the upside, Heineken is all-in on AI and alcohol-free cider, and UK cider just hit a £2 billion milestone.

Big moves, big shifts – let’s unpack what’s next. 🧐👇

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) ProWein with 20% fewer exhibitors and 7% fewer visitors

https://www.prowein.de/cgi-bin/md_prowein/lib/pub/tt.cgi

(00:02:14) Consumers loading up on booze as Trump threatens massive tariff on alcohol from EU

https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/consumers-loading-up-on-booze-as-trump-threatens-massive-tariff-on-alcohol-from-eu

(00:03:06) Europeans Hoping the Trump Tariffs Are Just Blah Blah

(00:04:47) Trump’s tariff threat: an opportunity for English Sparkling?

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/trumps-tariff-threat-an-opportunity-for-english-sparkling/

(00:06:27) Californian sparkling wine benefits from declining champagne

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/03/champagnes-loss-is-californias-gain

(00:07:47) Concha y Toro grows against the market

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/wine-market-problems-not-concha-y-toro-which-had-sizzling-2024

(00:09:27) German wines hardly in demand in UK

https://www.meininger.de/wein/handel/deutsche-weine-uk-kaum-noch-gefragt

(00:11:50) Coca Cola supports tax reduction for German gastronomy

https://www.meininger.de/alkoholfreie-getraenke/hersteller/ccep-fordert-einheitliche-gastro-mehrwertsteuersenkung

(00:13:07) First DOC Consortium about to revolutionize Italian Wine Law

https://www.meininger.de/wein/politik-und-verbaende/revolution-im-doc-system

(00:16:14) UK introduces new frost forecasting tool

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/new-frost-forecasting-to-help-uk-vineyards-keep-their-cool/

(00:17:52) Heineken launches global AI Lab in Singapore

https://www.theheinekencompany.com/newsroom/heineken-launches-global-genai-lab-in-singapore/

(00:18:47) Heineken launches alcohol-free cloudy cider

https://www.just-drinks.com/news/heineken-adds-to-uk-inchs-range-with-alcohol-free-cloudy-ciders/

(00:19:08) Cider has reached historic £2 billion valuation in UK on-trade

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/cider-worth-2-billion-to-uks-pubs-bars-and-restaurants/

(00:19:50) Yellow Tail changes its bottles to adapt to changing consumer demand

https://www.fastcompany.com/91298025/yellow-tail-branding-kangaroo-update

(00:20:52) Pepsi to acquire poppi for $1.65bn

https://www.pepsico.com/our-stories/press-release/pepsico-to-acquire-poppi03172025

After last year's episode asking "Is Wine Paris kicking ProWein's ass?", it's time to see if Düsseldorf came back swinging or just... well, limping. 🩼

ProWein 2025 had its highs — focused masterclasses, a strong spirits hall, and a solid Zero Corner - but the chaos with the app and fewer visitors left many questioning if Germany can still hold its ground. 

In terms of content, AI, spirits, and alcohol-free are on the rise, but with Wine Paris offering a smoother, more affordable ride, will more people ditch Düsseldorf next year?

Is ProWein still the wine fair, or are we witnessing the slow fade of a giant? Drop your hot takes below! 🔥👇

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:03:15) Overview of ProWein

(00:06:24) Highlights and Positive Aspects

(00:14:54) Criticisms and Challenges

(00:21:10) Personal Impressions

(00:24:06) Wrap-Up

This week’s drinks industry update is a wild ride. Trump’s tariffs are shaking up the global market - Canada is banning U.S. booze, British Columbia says “Nope” to American alcohol, and one brewery is going full survival mode by selling 1,461 cans in one go (because why not, right?).

Meanwhile, Europe isn’t exactly chilling either:

- EU is investigating the alcohol-free sector for possible anti-trust issues#

- Spain tightens rules on underage drinking

- ABInBev is riding the wave with a new World Surf League deal

Oh, and if you thought U.S. wine exports had it bad before, wait until you hear about the 200% tariff on EU wines. Yikes.

Grab a glass (or a 1461-pack) and tune in. 🍷🎧

#DrinkNews #TradeWars #Tariffs #BeerForDays

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Trumps Tariffs create a new patriotism in Canada

https://www.wsj.com/opinion/trumps-tariffs-stir-a-new-patriotismin-canada-trudeau-nationalism-tariffs-trade-ec3b72ef

(00:01:41) British Columbia bans all U.S. alcohol at government stores

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-bans-all-u-s-acohol-1.7479629

(00:02:25) Canadian Brewery selling 1461 cans of beer to get through the full presidential term

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/08/food/moosehead-beer-presidential-pack-tariffs/index.html

(00:03:15) UK spirits could benefit from US Alcohol Ban in Canada

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/could-uk-producers-benefit-from-canadas-us-alcohol-ban/

(00:04:07) Trump announces 200% tariffs on EU wine and sparkling wine

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/trumps-200-tariff-threat-leaves-wine-world-reeling/

(00:06:14) Trump's cuts and layoffs jeopardise research at UC Davis

https://davisvanguard.org/2025/03/analysis-trump-administration-cuts-hit-home-dealing-a-potential-huge-blow-to-davis-and-uc-davis/

(00:07:47) Spain approves law on preventing under-age drinking

https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/lang/en/gobierno/councilministers/Paginas/2025/20250311-council-press-conference.aspx

(00:10:58) EU anti trust commission audits alcohol-free drinks producer

https://www.just-drinks.com/news/european-commission-makes-anti-trust-visits-at-non-alcoholic-drinks-firms/

(00:12:09) ABInBev signs partnership with World Surf League for Corona Cero

https://drinks-intel.com/news/anheuser-busch-inbev-lines-up-world-surf-league-partnership-for-corona-cero/

Buying old wine collections isn’t just a hobby—it’s a crash course in wine history. 🤓 But let’s be real: for every hidden gem, there’s a bottle of glorified vinegar waiting to fool you. So how do you separate the legendary from the lost causes?

In this episode, I break down my fair but firm evaluation process, the biggest red flags, and the wildest surprises I’ve come across. From fake price illusions to storage horror stories, I’ve seen it all. And if you think age always equals quality, well… think again. 😏

If you’ve ever stared at an ancient bottle and thought, "Is this history or just expensive salad dressing?" - this one’s for you.

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Why is this a fascinating topic?

(00:05:57) The Evaluation Process

(00:18:40) No-Gos and Common Mistakes

(00:23:48) The Personal Side of Collecting

(00:29:10) Conclusion & Tips for Beginners

The drinks world just got hit with a trade war shake-up - again! Trump’s new 25% tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China are already causing a stir, with Canada removing American alcohol from shelves and Japan potentially next in line. What does this mean for wine, spirits, and beer lovers?

Meanwhile, Australia is freezing beer tax hikes, Scotland is debating lifting its football booze ban, and Pharrell Williams is teaming up with LVMH for a jaw-dropping $30,000 Champagne! Plus, Constellation Brands might offload its entire wine portfolio.

Tune in for the latest updates, insights, and some wild industry moves!

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Trump levies 25% tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/07/nx-s1-5320159/trump-week-tariffs-mexico-canada-doge

LCBO pauses alcohol imports from the US

https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/lcbo-pauses-us-alcohol-imports-in-response-to-tariffs-93CH-3907428

Canada is removing American drinks from the shelves

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0422zzpw8o

Trump partially pauses tariffs for Canadian products

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/06/trump-tariffs-live-updates-businesses-warn-of-ripple-down-effects-from-tariffs-because-of-rising-costs.html

Insta Fun on tariffs

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGzXFF6MhG9/?igsh=MWhtbHB6eWRqZTBuYg==

https://www.instagram.com/p/DGy5QZdRqLB/?igsh=MTkwdmpmdjBrMm5wZA==

Japan could be the next target in Trump's trade war

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/japan-is-the-next-target-in-trump-trade-war/

(00:07:48) Australia freezes draught beer tax hike to support pubs and breweries

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/australia-freezes-draught-beer-tax-hike-in-bid-to-support-pubs-and-breweries/

(00:09:58) Scotland discusses lifting of booze ban in football stadiums

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/will-scotlands-football-booze-ban-be-lifted/

(00:11:28) Organic alcohol-free wine granted

https://www.meininger.de/weinbau/oenologie/entalkoholisierung-fuer-biowein-wird-erlaubt

(00:13:27) Constellation Brands may offload its entire wine portfolio

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/constellation-brands-may-offload-its-entire-wine-portfolio-552133/

(00:14:28) Pharrell partners with LVMH to launch a $30.000 Champagne

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/pharrell-williams-debuts-champagne-collaboration/

(00:15:32) Snoop launches functional drinks selection

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/03/snoop-dogg-launches-cannabis-hemp-and-adaptogenic-tonics/

Back again - my big love Bordeaux! And what shall I say? Bordeaux in the 1970s was wild – a decade of booms, busts, and absolute madness. Legendary vintages, complete disasters, just a rollercoaster era for the region.

So what do we cover in this episode?

(00:00:00) How were the 70s?

(00:11:06) The bad vintages 71, 74, 72 and 77

(00:18:40) The not so bad vintages 78, 79 and 76

(00:23:01) The great vintages 70, 75 and 78

What’s your favorite (or worst) Bordeaux experience? Let’s talk in the comments!

Gen Z & Millennials have different expectations – and the wine industry is struggling to keep up. But there are some fascinating strategies out there!

🎯 In this episode:
✅ Aldi’s “Winefluencer” Club – genius marketing or just a gimmick?
✅ Napa Valley’s wild approach – puppy pairings, pizza, and potato chips?! 🐶🍕
✅ What Taylor Swift can teach the wine industry 🎤💡
✅ Pricing dilemmas in the non-alcoholic sector – is $40 the magic number?
✅ Heineken’s bold move – cutting alcohol content, but why?

💬 What do you think: How can wine brands attract younger consumers? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Bordeaux is renewing the Cru Bourgeois Classification System

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/the-2025-cru-bourgeois-reclassification-the-rebirth-and-renewal-of-the-classification/

(00:07:52) Diageo fights back following mixed reception for interim's results

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/diageo-fights-back-ceo-debra-crew-we-have-13-billion-dollar-brands/

(00:10:32) AB InBev extends its Olympic partnership until 2032

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/ab-inbev-extends-its-olympic-partnership-until-2032/

(00:12:25) UK sees soaring sales of low and no alcohol drinks in January

https://www.hospitalityandcateringnews.com/2025/02/january-sees-draught-alcohol-free-sales-up-238-at-greene-king

(00:14:58) Heineken to cut alcohol strength in Sol Lager beer

https://drinksretailingnews.co.uk/sol-abv-cut-takes-the-brand-into-lower-tax-band/

(00:16:34) Aldi UK wants to attract young customers with the help of Winefluencers

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/aldi-searches-for-consumers-to-form-winefluencers-club/

(00:19:41) Puppy Pairings, Potato Chips and Pizza: Napa Wineries Are Attracting Gen Z

https://www.sonomamag.com/puppy-pairings-potato-chips-and-pbj-heres-how-napa-wineries-are-attracting-a-younger-audience/

(00:22:27 ) What the wine industry can learn form Taylor Swift

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/what-can-taylor-swift-teach-the-wine-trade-about-consumers/

(00:24:22) Felton Road to move away from fine wine

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/leading-nz-producer-to-move-away-from-fine-wine/

(00:27:28) Is $40 the sweet spot for alcohol-free spirits?

https://mailchi.mp/dryatlas/issue-no-84?e=9820ef1e94