Pinot & Pixel - der Podcast für die neue Trinkkultur

Gerhard Retter ist bekannt für seine klare Meinung, und heute sprechen wir über ein Thema, das die Branche spaltet: Alkoholfreie Alternativen. Sind sie wirklich auf Augenhöhe mit klassischen Weinen? Wie sieht die Zukunft aus? Und was muss sich ändern, damit sie ernst genommen werden?🎙️ Unsere Themen in der Folge:✅ Wie gut sind alkoholfreie Alternativen wirklich?✅ Welche Rolle spielt Alkoholfrei in der gehobenen Gastronomie?✅ Ist der Gast bereit, dafür Geld auszugeben?✅ Wo sind die größten Baustellen – Qualität, Handwerk oder Vermarktung?✅ Wie sieht Gerhard die Zukunft dieser Kategorie?🔥 Eine spannende, kritische Diskussion mit einem der schärfsten Beobachter der Branche. Unbedingt anschauen & mitdiskutieren!💬 Was ist deine Meinung zu alkoholfreien Alternativen in der Gastronomie? Schreib’s in die Kommentare!

Big moves in the drinks world! 🍷🍺 From Bordeaux’s harvest disaster to the rise of English Pet Nats and a Michelin-starred vegan restaurant, this week’s wine and beverage update is packed! Plus, Constellation Brands invests in non-alcoholic drinks, WHO pushes for cancer warnings on alcohol labels, and Megan Thee Stallion enters the tequila game.

🔥 Subscribe for weekly deep dives into the world of drinks! 

#wine #nonalcoholic #tequila #winetrends #sustainability

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Bordeaux harvest falls to 30 year low

https://www.meininger.de/wein/erzeuger/bordeaux-ernte-sinkt-auf-30-jahrestief

(00:05:46) Two English vineyard gems on the market

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/two-english-vineyard-gems-on-the-market/

(00:09:41) A new sheriff in town: Pet Nats on the rise in the UK

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/top-of-the-pops-brit-nat-takes-on-english-sparkling/

(00:13:19) English vineyard launches white wine aimed at Chardonnay haters

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/english-vineyard-launches-white-wine-aimed-at-chardonnay-haters/

(00:18:12) Plates London becomes first UK restaurant to receive Michelin star

https://www.instagram.com/p/DF8NCxqTlaD/

(00:21:30) Gastronomy gets more important for german inner cities

https://www.meininger.de/gastronomie/trends/neue-studie-gastronomie-immer-wichtiger-fuer-attraktive-innenstaedte

(00:25:26) Developing markets will be the major growth engines for drinks brands

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/which-alcohol-markets-are-the-growth-drivers-of-tomorrow/

(00:27:26) Constellation Brands invests in Non-Alcoholic Brand

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/02/20/constellation-brands-makes-investment-in-non-alcoholic-brand-hiyo/

(00:29:04) Nonalcoholic beers gain momentum in Korea

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2025/02/419_392070.html

(00:31:17) Alcohol labels should contain cancer risk warnings says WHO

https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2025/02/18/alcohol-labels-should-contain-cancer-risk-warnings-says-who/

(00:34:05) The consequences of putting cancer warnings on wine labels

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/irelands-new-warning-labels-risk-driving-wineries-from-the-market/

(00:36:22) Comparing wine to spirits is an abuse says Angelo Gaia

https://winenews.it/en/angelo-gaja-compare-wine-to-spirits-is-an-abuse-that-has-lasted-too-long_549427/

(00:40:14) Around 200,000 people drunk on Austria's slopes every year

https://www.kfv.at/kfv-dunkelfeld-studie-rund-200-000-menschen-pro-jahr-betrunken-auf-oesterreichs-pisten/

(00:41:57) US spirits consumers trade down

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/02/us-spirit-consumers-trade-down

(00:43:16) Megan Thee Stallion launches Tequila

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/megan-thee-stallion-launches-tequila/

(00:45:07) You might have to show your ID when buying alcohol-free drinks

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/02/13/the-rules-on-serving-under-18s-non-alcoholic-beer/

(00:47:53) Tom Holland was denied buying his own non-alcoholic beer at Target

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/tom-holland-bero-non-alcoholic-beer-target-b2702095.html

(00:49:28) "Scream for a beer" campaign excites French drinkers

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFnG917MkYP/

https://thenextarchives.com/ideas/scream-powered-beer-vending-machine/

Fresh from Vienna, I’m diving into the latest trends in Austria’s alcohol-free scene. A whole trade show dedicated to NA drinks? That says a lot. But while interest is booming, perspectives couldn’t be more different.

We’ve got two camps:

🍷 The Traditionalists – searching for dealcoholized wines but struggling to let go of their "wine brain."

🌿 The Curious Explorers – embracing everything from kombucha to tea and beyond.

Where does Austria stand in the global NA movement? What role will gastronomy and retail play in shaping the future? And most importantly - what does this mean for the industry?

Let’s break it all down. And tell me: Have you tried an Austrian NA product yet? Drop your tasting notes in the comments!

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Why Austria is an interesting NA market

(00:04:43) How Gastronomy approaches to alcohol-free (Teaser)

(00:05:34) The two types of tasters 

(00:11:26) Use on-trade for brand building

(00:13:18) Key messages from the talks

(00:16:15) What we all should do

Scandals, upgrades, and pure chaos - this week’s wine world news is a wild ride. Super Bowl parties are going heavy on non-alcoholic drinks, but meanwhile, a fake Rioja ring just got busted. Big brands are doubling down on premium - Diageo’s NA spirits are flying off the shelves, Treasury is chasing luxury, and Mumm Champagne might be sold soon. Elsewhere, Lidl is throwing shade at Harrison Ford’s whisky ad, Deliveroo is sending sommeliers straight to your doorstep, and Louis Vuitton thinks an $18K lobster-shaped handbag is essential. Oh, and if Valentine’s Day didn’t go as planned, a zoo will name a cockroach after your ex and serve it up as a snack. Let’s dive in.

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) US non-alcoholic sales soar ahead of the Super Bowl

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/us-sales-of-non-alcoholic-drinks-surge-ahead-of-the-super-bowl/ar-AA1yEWGL

(00:04:21) Police Bust Fake Rioja Ring

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/02/police-bust-fake-rioja-ring

(00:06:24) Diageo’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits Are up by 56%

https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2025/02/diageo-ceo-no-low-is-big-opportunity/

(00:07:49) Treasury Wine Estates sees luxury growth

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/treasury-wine-estates-sees-luxury-growth-but-struggles-with-budget-brands/

(00:09:15) Pernod Ricard considers sale of Mumm champagne

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/pernod-ricard-weighs-possible-sale-of-gh-mumm/

(00:10:56) Luxurious English vineyard property on sale for £3.3m

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/luxurious-english-vineyard-property-on-sale-for-3-3m-550231

(00:13:06) Non-alcoholic wine is unacceptable for Church of England

https://traveltomorrow.com/non-alcoholic-communion-wine-is-unacceptable-for-church-of-england/

(00:16:11) Lidl trolls Harrison Ford's whisky ad

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/tv/its-harrison-af-ford-able-34662683

(00:17:54) Deliveroo offers doorstep sommelier service on Valentine’s Day

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/deliveroo-offering-doorstep-sommelier-service-on-valentines-day/

(00:20:47) Lidl Germany launches Prosecco Pong Kit

https://www.lidl.de/p/livarno-home-proseccopong-set-fuer-glamouroese-silvesterpartys/p100382737

(00:22:43) Louis Vuitton unveils lobster-shaped bag worth $18k

https://wwd.com/pop-culture/new-fashion-releases/ouis-vuitton-lobster-bag-info-pharrell-nigo-1236881419/

(00:23:47) Zoo names cockroach after your ex and feeds it to animals

https://sazoo.org/crymeacockroach/

I have wrapped up my recent experience at Wine Paris in this short episode. The main question is: is it be better than ProWein?

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:00) Overview of the fair

(00:08:47) The advantages of Wine Paris

(00:11:58) Small critic

(00:12:59) Why going to a fair?

(00:15:19) Personal opinion

Wine, Whisky &... IKEA? This Week’s Biggest Drinks Stories! 

Moët & Chandon is taking over Formula 1’s podiums, Glenmorangie is betting on a Hollywood legend, and the wine tourism boom is picking up speed. Meanwhile, IKEA is entering the Valentine’s Day game, and a pub’s “free beer for every goal” promo went spectacularly wrong. What’s behind these shifts, and what do they mean for the future of wine, whiskey, and beyond? Let’s dive in.

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Scientists solve the mystery of when and where wine grapes originated

https://www.thebrighterside.news/post/scientists-solve-the-mystery-of-when-and-where-wine-grapes-originated/

(00:03:00) Yellow Tail partners with Domino's Pizza

https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/yellow-tail-partners-dominos

(00:04:48) Exponential Growth in wine tourism expected

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/global-wine-tourism-to-see-growth-of-13/

(00:06:31) Moët & Chandon replacing Ferrari Trento as the Formula 1's official sparkling wine sponsor

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/02/moet-chandon-returns-to-formula-1-podiums/

(00:07:46) IKEA is offering a $20 Three-course meal for Valentine's Day

https://www.ikea.com/ca/en/campaigns/valentine-s-day-pub09b9ce40

(00:09:28 ) All in Pink: NA options for Valentine's Day

https://www.forbes.com/sites/rachelking/2025/02/02/valentines-day-gift-guide-2025-the-best-non-alcoholic-drinks-for-a-mindful-valentines-day/

(00:11:05) Harrison Ford is the new face of Glenmorangie Whisky

https://www.falstaff.com/de/news/harrison-ford-ist-das-neue-gesicht-von-glenmorangie-single-malt-whisky

(00:12:26) Pub's 'free pint for every goal' offer backfires spectacularly after 7-0 Nottingham Forest score

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/nottingham-forest-gedling-inn-brighton-premier-league-b2690861.html

Throwback to one of the most useful episodes ever! Recorded in 2022, but still 100% relevant: My Top 10 Tips to crush any wine fair like a pro. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, these hacks will save your palate, your energy, and your networking game.

🔍 What’s inside?

✅ Smart preparation & must-have gear

✅ The right way to taste (without regrets)

✅ Insider tip: Why your teeth need extra care!

✅ How to actually remember what you tasted

✅ The best way to follow up & make real connections

📣 Got your own trade fair survival tips? Drop them in the comments! 👇

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) How to Master a wine fair

(00:01:18) preparation is key

(00:02:18) bring professional gear

(00:04:16) engage with people winemakers, exhibitors, friends and plan extra time for that

(00:04:57) taste responsibly

(00:06:24) stay hydrated and snack 

(00:06:54) insider hack: teeth recovery is important 

(00:08:06) keep track, stick to your plan, add priorities

(00:08:53) check special purchasing options

(00:09:16) review notes, wrap up

(00:10:18) follow up with contacts

This week, we’re diving into the shifting landscape of the drinks world. From tax hikes shaking up the UK and Dubai to major investments in alcohol-free production, the industry is at a turning point. Plus, some bold marketing moves: a legendary Oregon winery is offering NA flights, Lidl is opening its first in-store pub, and a crowdfunding campaign is smashing records.

Big money, big changes – let’s break it all down. 🚀

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) SVB predicts difficult times for US wine market

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/silicon-valley-bank-releases-24th-annual-state-of-the-us-wine-industry-report-302358462.html

(00:04:09) Napa Valley coalition formed in response to claims of mass deportation

https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/napa-immigration-coalition-trump-20047562.php

(00:05:40) Best of both worlds: famous Oregon winery offers NA wine flight

https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2025/01/29/brooks-launches-non-alcoholic-wine-flights-to-welcome-all-guests/

(00:08:39) New regulations in France allow non-alcoholic wines labelled as Vin de France

https://www.vindefrance.com/wines/node/21446

(00:11:05) Lion's Den: Alcohol-free shop opens in Bordeaux

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/bordeaux-gets-alcohol-free-wine-shop-as-times-change-549714/

(00:12:46) Torres to invest 6m Euro in alcohol-free winery

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/familia-torres-to-invest-e6m-in-winery-dedicated-to-non-alcoholic-wines-549417/

(00:14:37) Energy waste or innovation: Double fermentation for dealcoholized wine

https://www.dryatlas.com/articles/how-bolles-double-fermentation-is-changing-the-non-alc-wine-game/

(00:20:26 ) Impossibrew smashes crowdfunding target by 3x

https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2025/01/29/impossibrew-alcohol-free-beer-fundraising-bid/

(00:23:12) Lidl wins legal battle to open first ever in-store pub

https://news.sky.com/story/lidl-wins-legal-battle-to-open-first-ever-in-store-pub-in-northern-ireland-13298859

(00:25:46) Alcohol tax in Dubai returns

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/what-does-the-return-of-alcohol-tax-mean-for-dubai/

(00:28:09) Double Tax Rise Hits UK Drinkers

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2007766/get-ready-pay-more-your-favourite-drinks-alcohol-duty-increases-february

This week, we’re diving into the bold, the controversial, and the downright fascinating: the trends that might need to die, the rise of alcohol-free markets, and why the industry might secretly want you to stay addicted.

🍹 What’s in the episode?

🔮 Spoiler alert: Alcohol isn’t even the main reason we drink together anymore. So, what is? 👀

📣Are you team alcohol-free or "just don’t overthink it"? Let’s chat in the comments 🍷⬇️

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Intro - Trends to die in drinks

https://metro.co.uk/2025/01/18/im-a-drinks-writer-booze-trends-die-2025-22376036/

(00:02:52) The major alcohol-free markets

US wine sales down

https://www.nbcnews.com/data-graphics/data-shows-wine-decline-consumers-spending-less-drinking-less-rcna187628

US spirits opportunities

https://www.theiwsr.com/where-are-the-opportunities-for-no-alcohol-spirits-in-the-us/

Italys call for moderation

https://winenews.it/en/alcohol-and-wine-a-bond-to-rethink-between-choice-ability-and-critical-awareness_546968

IWSR UK market lookout on alcohol free drinks

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/uk-no-and-low-market-more-than-doubles-year-on-year-in-2024/

Bulk wine can benefit from duty changes in UK

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/bulk-wine-to-benefit-from-duty-changes/

(00:13:48) Alcohol between science and ideology

https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2025/01/alcohol-caught-between-science-and-ideology

Industry hooked on heavy drinkers

https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/alcohol-industry-sales-heavy-drinkers-ba82727f

The complex case of moderate drinking

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/the-complex-case-of-moderate-drinking-549114

(00:15:40) The balance between price and quality

Remove the piss

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBbpdzttbsA/

the boozy rip-off

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/01/17/great-non-alcoholic-rip-off-why-booze-free-drinks-cost/

Alcohol is not the reason for drinking together

https://slate.com/business/2025/01/dry-january-nonalcoholic-cocktails-price-craft-ingredients-bartenders.html?via=rss

Having fun without alcohol

https://www.falstaff.com/en/news/dry-january-sommeliere-katharina-iglesias-on-how-to-indulge-without-booze

(00:25:02) How to adapt to consumer demands

Don't use wine terms while describing alcohol free wine

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2025/01/16/na-wine-nonalcoholic-terminology-language/

More hotels and restaurants are moving towards alcohol free drinks.

https://www.costar.com/article/1347944700/mocktails-non-alcoholic-drinks-can-elevate-experiences-for-many-hotel-guests

Sober gastronomy adaption

https://oldster.substack.com/p/too-many-bars-and-restaurants-still

(00:28:56) Interesting categories and drinks to watch out for

Nogroni is the most sought after alcohol free cocktail

https://www.mixology.eu/der-nogroni-der-erste-alkoholfreie-neo-klassiker-ein-test

Infused water instead of alcohol-free drinks

https://www.luxtimes.lu/yourluxembourg/foodandnightlife/naturally-flavoured-water-as-an-alternative-to-wine/34695028.html

NA drinks growth THC and Co

https://eu.tennessean.com/story/money/2025/01/23/nashville-non-alcoholic-drinks-thc-mushrooms/77726898007/

Sparkling Tea Tasting

https://www.spiegel.de/tests/kueche/alkoholfreie-sekt-alternativen-im-test-prost-ohne-prozente-a-e40741d3-705a-4fe4-ab62-8a42854627c1

In this week’s episode, we dive into the latest updates shaking the wine, hospitality, and drinks industries. From Italy’s wine stockpile crisis and the impact of Trump tariffs to innovative new products and marketing successes, this episode is your go-to source for staying ahead of the trends. 🍷 Tune in now!

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

Shownotes:

(00:00:00) Champagne sales down 10% again

https://www.meininger.de/wein/champagne/92-prozent-weniger-champagner

(00:02:54) Prosecco sales soar with double-digit growth

https://winenews.it/en/export-italian-wine-towards-a-new-record-in-2024-5-7-in-value-in-the-first-10-months-2024_547039

(00:04:10) Italy sits on huge wine stockage of 57 million hectolitres

https://winenews.it/en/there-are-56-9-million-hectoliters-of-wine-in-italian-wineries-as-of-december-2024-3-9-over-2023_546887

(00:06:07) Americans heavily stock European products ahead of Trump tariffs

https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/us-rushes-to-hoard-european-wine-cheese-as-trump-takes-office/

(00:07:23) Trumps first orders impacting the drinks industry

https://www.just-drinks.com/features/president-trumps-first-day-orders-and-the-drinks-industry/

(00:09:33) Canadian politician urges LCBO to clear US booze if Trump imposes tariffs

https://globalnews.ca/news/10967609/lcbo-donald-trump-doug-ford/

(00:11:17) Renegade Urban Winery seeks £800k investment

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/london-urban-winery-renegade-launches-investment-bid-548987

(00:12:56) Bouchard leaves en primeur and negociant life behind

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/bouchard-pere-fils-withdraws-from-en-primeur/

(00:14:33) Successful ice wine harvest in Germany

https://magazine.wein.plus/news/successful-ice-wine-harvest-in-franconia-several-businesses-harvest-frozen-grapes

(00:17:29) ProWein calls for submission of innovations and new products

https://www.meininger.de/wein/events/prowein-news-2025-jetzt-neuheiten-einsenden

(00:19:15) Vinitaly’s focus sets it apart from other fairs

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/verona/vinitaly-s-theme-based-areas/

(00:21:16) Thieves break into shop - and get drunk

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/thieves-break-into-shop-to-drink-beer-not-steal-cash/

(00:22:37) Restaurant sets visitor record through smart advertising

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFDVjZ1Nt6R/

(00:24:14) Aldi breaks Dry January records

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/aldi-breaks-dry-january-records/

(00:27:14) "Null Bock" beer launched by traditional German brewery

https://www.meininger.de/bier/produkte/einbecker-ueberrascht-mit-null-bock-bier

(00:31:02) Wild Idol partners with premium spa destinations

https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/01/wild-idol-partners-with-leading-spa-destinations/

(00:32:45) Mourinho launches red wine called "Special One"

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/jose-mourinho-launches-red-wine-called-the-special-one-548982