As 2025 approaches, predictions swirl around the drinks industry. The focus is on a return to targeted marketing and the challenges faced by wine and craft beer. GLP-1 medications may reshape consumer behavior significantly. Non-alcoholic beverages are set for a rise, demanding new marketing strategies. The discussion dives into innovative branding within college sports, hinting at a vibrant future. Overall, there’s optimism for brands willing to adapt and engage meaningfully with evolving consumer expectations.

As they do every year, Adam, Joanna, and Zach are joined by the rest of the VinePair team to look back at their best and most memorable drinks and drinking experiences of 2024. 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.Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2024 wraps up, the hosts reflect on a turbulent year for the wine industry and the struggles faced by craft beer. They dive into the rise of innovative cocktail trends, including the martini's comeback and the popularity of spritzes. Meanwhile, the growth of non-alcoholic beverages marks a shift towards healthier drinking habits. The emergence of total beverage companies signals changing consumer preferences, all while rising labor costs pose challenges for hospitality. Lighthearted anecdotes about holiday gatherings and personal drink preferences add to the festive vibe.

With the holiday season in full swing, Adam, Joanna, and Zach ponder why it is that Americans in general don't have much affinity for hot drinks, treating them as mostly a wintertime novelty or home cold remedy. It could be that hot drinks just aren't that good, or that they don't provide as much room for creativity and experimentation, but are there other reasons as well? 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.Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura Merritt, President of Diageo Beer Company and Premix, dives into the resurgence of Guinness in America. She shares fascinating insights on the brand's effective marketing strategies and its cultural significance, especially during festive seasons. The discussion highlights innovative trends, like 'splitting the G,' showcasing how Guinness connects with its loyal fans. Laura emphasizes the brand's reliability and low-calorie offerings, reshaping public perception and expanding its market reach. Tune in for an exploration of Guinness's growing presence in the beer landscape!

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the curious fact that despite the fact that many prized bourbons command staggering prices on the secondary market, for the most part the distilleries that produce those bourbons have generally not raised retail prices. What benefits do these brands derive from this practice? What would raising prices do? 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: With Voodoo Ranger ‘Mini Rippers,’ New Belgium Takes a New Shot at an Old IdeaZach is reading: How Willett’s Egg Salad Sandwich Became as Beloved as Its Cult WhiskeyAdam is reading: The 10 Best Booze Books to Buy This Holiday Season (2024)Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A lively debate explores the challenge of branding spirits with specific cocktails. The hosts experiment with martini variations and share unique bourbon cocktail recipes that twist classic flavors. They dive into the importance of engaging bartenders in the cocktail experience and discuss the role of strategic marketing in distilling brands. Vintage wines and interesting pairings add a rich texture to their conversations, all while fostering community involvement in the craft beverage scene.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the current state of wine tourism in Napa Valley, after a year of declining visitations, and speculate that the region as a whole was too quick to assume that the post-pandemic landscape and model was going to be the new normal, instead of a weird outlier time. 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 reading: Has the Title ‘Master Sommelier’ Become a Paradox?Joanna is reading: The 22 Best New Breweries of the Year, According to Beer ProsAdam is reading: Like Christmas Decorations, Holiday Pop-Up Bars Arrived Earlier Than Ever This YearInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach break down the recently-released list of VinePair's Top 50 Spirits of 2024, including excitement about Cognac, rum, and barrel-finished spirits in general. 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: Arnaud Lambert "Clos David" Saumur BlancJoanna is drinking: Turf ClubAdam is drinking: Domaine Bernard Defaix Premier Cru "Les Vaillons" ChablisInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, restaurateur Dave Foss shares his insights on the current state of hospitality during the holiday season. He highlights how staffing shortages are affecting the overall dining experience and emphasizes the importance of memorable service. The conversation also touches on evolving customer expectations post-COVID-19 and how technology impacts genuine guest care. Foss's anecdotes about both high-end dining and traditional hospitality reveal the challenges and shifts facing the restaurant industry today.