VinePair Podcast

Join VinePair contributor Dave Infante, who recently visited the Hemp Beverage Expo, as he dives into the explosive growth of the hemp beverage industry. He discusses the unique challenges these beverages face, from regulatory hurdles to varying opinions among traditional alcohol companies. Dave also shares insights on the contrasting views of industry veterans versus passionate advocates, and the vision for hemp's future after the 2018 Farm Bill. Expect an engaging exploration of a dynamic and evolving frontier!

Joanna and Zach are joined by VinePair managing editor and Cocktail College host Tim McKirdy to discuss VinePair’s new podcast miniseries, "Mezcal’s Untold Past, Soaring Present, and Fragile Future." What has the rapid growth and globalized demand done to the landscape of Oaxaca, and how has it changed mezcal itself? Tim reveals a bit about the process of making the podcast and shares his thoughts on what the series hopes to reveal. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Zach is drinking: Hot CharlotteJoanna is drinking: BrothTim is drinking: Croissant-infused Kir RoyaleInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts explore the idea that aesthetic appeal might be more crucial than taste in today's beverage market. They discuss the lasting legacy of influential bartenders and critique clichéd references in cocktail culture. A deep dive into the cultural significance of Sambuca reveals its ties to coffee and personal anecdotes. The conversation also highlights how visual presentation can set drinks apart amidst fierce competition, driven by social media trends and advertising strategies.

The hosts dive into the surprising success of smaller RTD brands over well-known spirits. They analyze pricing challenges and consumer perceptions that might hinder branded ready-to-drink cocktails. Differences in U.S. and European markets reveal deeper insights into consumer habits. They also discuss how family-owned brands adapt more easily than larger corporations, which struggle to balance premium branding with profitability. Join them for lighthearted anecdotes and serious reflections on the evolving beverage landscape.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss a recent piece by Kate Bernot about the changing landscape of alcohol investment: where once there was a lot of money floating around just looking for upstart brands, those investors are a bit thin on the ground now. Yet that doesn't mean that all the opportunities are gone, just that the money still in the alcohol space is a bit more experienced and potentially a bit savvier. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Joanna is reading: The Mount Rushmore of American Craft Cocktail Bars, According to 7 Noteworthy BartendersAdam is reading: Color-Coded Branding Sells Seltzer and Scotch — So Why Not Wine?Zach is reading: Why Is There So Much Champagne at the Bottom of the Baltic Sea?Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss recent survey data that shows that, contrary to much industry consternation, Gen Z is drinking at a rate roughly equivalent to previous generations. Given that this validates what this podcast has been saying for years, some mild self-congratulating ensues, as does a conversation about how brands and categories need to ensure that they are marketing to Gen Z (and Millennials) in ways that speak to them, instead of the same old, same old. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Adam is drinking: Grasshopper at Gage and TollnerJoanna is drinking: ManhattanZach is drinking: Cygnet Distillery "22" GinInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Fourth of July upon us, Adam, Joanna, and Zach reflect on the fact that beer no longer is the de facto drink of that holiday and the entire summer, now having to share the stage with hard seltzers, vodka lemonades, hard teas, and a host of other canned and packaged goods that feel just as much at home for outdoor summer drinking occasions as beer does. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Joanna is reading: Wimbledon’s Signature Drink Deserves Its ‘Honey Deuce Moment’Zach is reading: We Asked 8 Sommeliers: What Supermarket Wine Do You Secretly Love?Adam is reading: The Mount Rushmore of Oregon Pinot Noir, According to 8 Wine ExpertsInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hosts delve into the waning trust in influencer marketing, particularly within the drinks industry. They discuss a shift back to traditional advertising methods as consumers grow disenchanted with influencers. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining authenticity while meeting financial obligations. They highlight the need for genuine expertise over superficial endorsements to rebuild trust. Additionally, they question whether having a large following truly translates to effective marketing outcomes.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss orange wine phenomenon Gulp Hablo, a brand that has taken New York and other markets by storm over the last few years. What exactly is it about this orange wine from Spain that makes it so popular - the packaging, the size, the flavor profile, the varieties, or something else? Can other producers and brands learn some valuable lessons here? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Joanna is watching: VinePair's Best New BartenderZach is reading: The 10 Most Important Scotch Whiskies of the Last 25 YearsAdam is reading: The Unstoppable Rise of Gulp Hablo, Everyone’s Favorite Liter of Orange WineInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a listener question pondering whether participating in wine festivals is actually a good investment for wineries, particularly if they can't sell wine or even market directly to attendees. Is there any way to make that kind of setting work for your brand? Do the people you're pouring for even really care about your story or the quality of the wine? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review VinePair on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and be well.Adam is drinking: Special Daiquiri No. 2 at Sunken Harbor ClubJoanna is drinking: Mott's Clamato Canned CaesarZach is drinking: Savory Martini at the Metropolitan Grill Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.