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This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jeremy Tod, Chief Winemaker at Giesen Wines, about the 2024 vintage in New Zealand. 🌏🍷 With 22 vintages under his belt, Jeremy shares why 2024 was a "Winemaker's Dream." From vineyard work to the unique challenges of crafting both alcoholic and non-alcoholic wines, Jeremy gives us an inside look at what made this year so special. If you're curious about what goes into a standout vintage, you won't want to miss this episode!
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Jeremy Tod, Giesen Wines (https://giesen.co.nz/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) Giesen Wines
(00:06:16) The vintage 2024 in New Zealand
(00:09:25) How to deal with vintage variations in marketing
(00:11:46) Wine vs. 0.0 wine
(00:16:57) 2025 hopes
(00:19:27) Gin as a by-product
In this week's Weekly Update #188, we dive into the latest happenings in the world of wine, spirits, and beyond. From the start of the grape harvest in Germany to a record-breaking wine barrel race, we’re covering it all! 🌍🍇 Discover how a South African winery is using drones to drop wasps to battle vine pests, and why Gen Z is trading cheap booze for premium wines. Plus, we explore trends like the rise of tap wine and the shift toward premium wines in China. Don’t miss the quirky stories, like Beaujolais Nouveau now arriving in lemonade bottles and the UK’s potential ban on smoking in pub gardens. 🍷✈️ Stay updated with the latest developments in the wine and spirits world!
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) Harvest in Germany started
https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/harvest-begins-germany
(00:03:05) Crazy wine barrel race sees record winner in 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAO9ZZgqAc4
(00:05:16) South African winery drone-drops wasps to fight leaf-roll virus
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/south-african-wine-producer-drone-drops-wasps-on-vineyard/
(00:07:09) Social Media usage in Germany declines
https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/social-media-slightly-losing-influence-germany
(00:10:42) Can "Come Over October" change the negative view on alcohol?
https://www.comeoveroctober.com/why-this/
(00:13:10) Tap wine is trending - kegs and cans on the rise
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-13792955/tap-wine-trendy-wetherspoon.html
(00:15:54) Gen Z is ditching cheap alcohol in favor of expensive wines
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13726913/Gen-Z-ditch-cheap-plonk-Young-drinkers-opting-expensive-bottles-heading-wine-RAVES-joining-YouTube-vino-club-consciously-aware-effects-alcohol.html
(00:19:08) The German Nutrition Society recommends avoiding alcohol
https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/stellungnahmen-und-fachinformationen/positionen/alkohol/
(00:20:43) UK Government plans to ban smoking in pub gardens
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/government-plans-to-ban-smoking-in-pub-gardens/
(00:23:35) Ryanair CEO calls for drinks limits at airports
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/ryanair-ceo-calls-for-drinks-limits-at-airports/
(00:26:30) Emirates launches wine classes for cabin crew
https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-launches-elite-wine-learning-experiences-for-cabin-crew---lart-du-vin/
(00:28:22) Beaujolais Nouveau Now Comes in a Lemonade Bottle
https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/beaujolais-nouveau-now-comes-lemonade-bottle
(00:30:37) Accolade CEO quits after deal with Pernod Ricard
https://winetitles.com.au/accolade-boss-reportedly-quits-after-merger-announcement/
(00:31:24) Treasury Wine Estates reports 8% rise in profit
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/treasury-wine-estates-reports-8-rise-in-profit/
(00:32:21) TWE to open own premium winery in China
https://www.meiningers-international.com/wine/news/penfolds-invests-china
(00:33:23) TWE to sell cheaper labels to focus more on premium
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/treasury-to-sell-off-wolf-blass-and-blossom-hill/
(00:34:29) 19 Crimes calls out wine snobbery with "whine list"
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/19-crimes-calls-out-wine-snobbery-with-whine-list/
(00:37:26 ) Pernod Ricard invests in Lewis Hamiltons Non-Alcoholic Tequila brand
https://www.beveragedaily.com/Article/2024/08/29/Pernod-Ricard-invests-in-Lewis-Hamilton-s-non-alcoholic-tequila-alternative#
Just wrapped up my California wine trip, and I'm sharing everything you need to know! From a standout Zinfandel and the best Pinot Noir finds to insider tips on planning your own California wine journey. Plus, we’re digging into the truth behind Napa’s greenwashing and why its vineyards are under the spotlight. Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious, this episode’s got the scoop!
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) The story of a great Zinfandel
(00:04:38) California wine wrap-up
How to prepare a wine trip
https://youtu.be/DMplwKEoi0w
California Pinot Noir
https://youtu.be/dH6mh_8Gk90
The Sideways Story
https://youtu.be/bzcWxu5bZ0s
(00:11:54) Preparation, Reservation, Moderation
(00:23:09) Marketing, Storytelling and Washing
Napa Greenwashing
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2024/08/is-napa-green-just-greenwashing
Ranking Napa’s vineyards
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2024/08/ranking-napas-vineyard-areas
Missing rules in Napa
https://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2024/08/napa-should-avoid-european-style-rules
(00:36:32) The Alcohol-Free Paradise
The week showed us that the future of the industry is focused on collabs and an healthier lifestyle. Alcohol-free drinks and vegan food are just some of the drivers. And movie theatres are showing one of the biggest stories in the history of wine.
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) How to spot a tourist in a wine region
(00:02:33) More people are starting their holidays healthier - vegan and alcohol-free
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/manchester-airport-reports-rise-alcohol-100620792.html
(00:05:06) Heineken 0.0 launches tennis-themed limited edition for the U.S. Open
https://www.themanual.com/food-and-drink/heineken-love-love/
(00:07:17) Austria's first No-Lo shop launched
https://www.falstaff.com/at/news/neues-kein-low-angebot-in-der-markterei-wien
Lucas’ Shop: https://keinundlow.at/
(00:09:02) Lemonade stands are becoming a million dollar business industry - but not for children
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/smallbusiness/not-just-for-kids-anymore-adults-turn-to-lemonade-stands-as-side-hustles/ar-AA1oXDKL
(00:11:4) Alcohol consumption in Ireland down by one-third in the past two decades
https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/alcohol-consumption-falling-drinks-industry-says-1662540.html
(00:13:42) UK’s oldest brewer collaborates with wine industry
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/britains-oldest-brewer-launches-english-wine/
(00:16:14) Mayor wants to ban cruise ships from Bordeaux
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/mayor-wants-to-ban-cruise-ships-from-bordeaux/
(00:19:01) The bad way of fizz' underwater ageing
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/divers-remove-discarded-champagne-bottles-from-seabed/
(00:20:25) Michelin star restaurant celebrates 30th anniversary at the prices of 1994
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/st-john-offers-old-menu-at-old-prices/
(00:22:26) LVMH teams up with Beyoncé on American Whisky
https://www.just-drinks.com/newsletters/lvmh-teams-up-with-beyonce-on-american-whisky-brand-sirdavis
(00:24:00) Champagne Pioneer Widow Clicquot Shines in UK Cinemas
https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/20/widow-clicquot-review-haley-bennett-tom-sturridge-sam-riley
(00:25:08) Special event series planned for 20th anniversary of Sideways
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/291607
This is for all Pinot Noir lovers.. just like me. This episode gives you an overview over the different styles of California Pinot Noir and recommendations for wineries to try. Let me know if I missed some and I’ll try and add them.
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) International Pinot Noir Day
(00:01:33) History of California
https://www.baywinebrokers.com/best-and-worst-california/
https://carpe-travel.com/wine-country-california-wine-travel-guide/
(00:06:35) Climate and Geography
Google Earth Map https://earth.google.com/web/search/california/@37.72729788,-120.20292016,58.82074425a,1344815.19431993d,35y,0h,0t,0r/data=CigiJgokCVS9rmJbvUBAEVO9rmJbvUDAGZiqaPVZjTJAIcN4AkQz4VfA
Fact Sheet https://wineinstitute.org/our-industry/statistics/wine-fact-sheets/pinot-noir/
(00:13:27) Anderson Valley
(00:15:19) Russian River Valley
(00:17:29) Sonoma Coast
(00:18:15) Los Carneros
(00:20:11) Santa Cruz Mountains
(00:20:52) Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey)
(00:22:01) Chalone
(00:025:53) Paso Robles
(00:26:43) San Luis Obispo
(00:28:22) Sta. Rita Hills
(00:29:38) Santa Maria Valley
(00:30:09) Outro
Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café https://www.winemerchantcafe.com/
Greetings from Hollywood! This episode is full of drama, comedy, action and happy ends. There was a lot going on in the wine industry this week, a mix of history, AI and innovative ideas. Check it out!
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) Intro: Chalone Chardonnax 2021
(00:02:51 ) Workers at Jacob’s Creek winery reach deal with Pernod Ricard following strike
https://www.just-drinks.com/newsletters/workers-at-jacobs-creek-winery-reach-deal-with-pernod-ricard
(00:04:20) Hawesko again down in sales
https://www.meininger.de/wein/handel/hawesko-verliert-im-ersten-halbjahr
(00:06:02) Biodynamic welsh winery Ancre Hill up for sale
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/organic-welsh-vineyard-goes-on-sale-for-3-4-million/
(00:07:27) USA is considering to adjust dietary guidelines regarding alcohol and dairy products
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/dairy-diet-cheese-health-a5f09dee
(00:10:06) 1500y old Roman wine cellar in Italy discovered
https://winenews.it/en/in-san-gimignano-in-the-vernaccia-area-a-roman-cellar-dating-back-over-1800-years-has-been-discovered_533380/
(00:12:21) Russia goes different ways with alcohol
https://www.meininger.de/wein/handel/russland-trinkt-mehr-und-anders
(00:15:33) Microsoft and Prosecco are fighting counterfeit wines with AI
https://winenews.it/en/microsoft-italy-national-mint-and-prosecco-doc-consortium-against-counterfeiting-with-ai_533307
(00:17:57) AI checks legal drinking age of shop customers
https://www.meininger.de/wein/handel/weinverkauf-ki-prueft-kundenalter
(00:20:25 ) 7-Eleven allows customers to drink inside stores
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/7-eleven-allows-customers-to-drink-inside-stores/
(00:23:00) Judgement of Paris
Affiliate Link to the Book of George Taber: https://amzn.to/4croYR5
In this episode, we dive into the incredible impact of the 2004 film Sideways on the wine industry. How did a single movie cause Pinot Noir to become the darling of wine lovers and lead to a dramatic decline in Merlot sales? We explore the cultural and economic ripple effects of Sideways, discuss how it shifted consumer preferences, and analyze its long-lasting influence on wine marketing and tourism.
Plus, we debunk some myths surrounding the so-called "Merlot massacre" and look at how the wine industry continues to feel the effects of this cinematic phenomenon. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just curious about how media shapes trends, this episode is for you!
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) What is Sideways
(00:03:22) Pinot vs. Merlot
https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=5fb396fcb71b311abc1482c2f684498dadaf119d
(00:10:16) The role of Media
(00:14:31) My personal view
This week was dominated by early harvest news and some countries changing their view on alcohol advertising. In addition, some big brand news coming up. TWE sells its entry level wine brands to Constellation and the Premier League has its first ever alcohol-free sponsorship.
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) Spain wants to limit alcohol advertising
https://www.just-drinks.com/newsletters/spain-drafts-alcohol-advertising-laws-to-tackle-underage-consumption
(00:04:08) Canada pushes for alcohol advertising ban
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2024/08/08/senator-to-call-for-advertising-ban-for-beer-wine-and-liquor-amid-push-for-alcohol-warning-labels/
(00:07:00) Alcohol Advertising Now Allowed on TikTok
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/link/290897
(00:10:12) Napa Valley kicks off harvest for Whites and Sparklings
https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/290961
(00:11:18 ) Heatwave forces Hungary to an earlier harvest
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/hungarys-white-wine-under-threat-heatwave-forces-early-harvest-2024-08-07/
(00:13:07) Austria's earliest harvest in more than four decades
https://www.der-winzer.at/news/2024/08/frueheste-ernte-seit-mehr-als-vier-jahrzehnten.html
(00:14:26) Sicily starts harvest two weeks earlier
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/donnafugata-starts-harvest-two-weeks-early/
(00:15:11) Bordeaux imposes fines for neglected vineyards
https://www.meininger.de/wein/politik-und-verbaende/bussgelder-wegen-vernachlaessigter-weinberge
(00:17:03) Burgundy wine thief sentenced to prison and a fine
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/trusted-burgundy-worker-stole-8000-bottles-of-fine-wine-from-employers/
(00:18:13) Aldi fools wine buffs with cheap supermarket wine
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/wine-buffs-fooled-by-aldi-cheap-wine-stunt/
(00:21:11) Bordeaux Cru winery pioneers white wine labelled as vin de France
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/chateau-dissan-it-is-time-to-anticipate-and-innovate/
(00:23:55) Wine bottle manufacturers from China, Chile and Mexico are facing US tariffs up to 200%
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/chinese-wine-bottles-hit-with-us-tariffs/
(00:25:53) 0.0 beer has become the entry-level pint in the UK
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/why-non-alcoholic-beer-has-become-the-entry-level-pint/
(00:28:32) UK's Premier League signs first ever non-alcoholic beer partner
https://www.bevindustry.com/articles/96816-athletic-brewing-co-named-non-alcoholic-beer-partner-of-arsenal-fc
(00:30:08) TWE sells big commercial wine brands to Constellation
https://a.storyblok.com/f/171317/x/5a46659274/tpb-impairment-intended-commercial-divestment-f24-ebits.pdf
https://www.meininger.de/wein/erzeuger/treasury-trennt-sich-von-handelsmarken
(00:31:48) Henkell Freixenet sees Crémant sales climb 16%
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/sparkling-giant-sees-cremant-sales-climb-16/
(00:33:18) Cloudy Bay's AI bot writes your out-of-office note
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2024/08/cloudy-bays-ai-chatbot-helps-you-log-off-emails/
This is the first edition of our new format Marketing Sips where we want to give insights into marketing strategies of successful brands in the drinks industry. This part gives insights into the alcohol-free market of Austria and Germany. In addition, we talk about a new way of making sparkling tea with a special fermentation.
Alexander Gottschalk (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-gottschalk-641838223/)
Shownotes:
(00:00:00) Lucas Matthies, kein&low
(00:12:56) Klemens Schraml, Combuchant
The Olympics are not only this week's focus due to the lack of alcohol being served. In addition, many brands have highlighted their partnerships with the Olympics. In Germany and the UK, alcohol-free beer is also gaining attention.
From the publisher's feed