VinePair Podcast

New survey data reveals that Americans, including Gen Z, are drinking at historic levels, debunking claims of reduced alcohol consumption. Financial pressures, rather than cultural shifts, are influencing some young people to drink less. Interestingly, the rise of sobriety trends on social media showcases a vocal minority, while the return to office settings may boost drinking rates. Additionally, Gen Z favors moderation over restrictive practices like Dry January, showing a nuanced relationship with alcohol. It's a dynamic conversation on modern drinking habits!

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss VinePair's Top 50 Spirits of 2025 list, and then are joined by spirits editor Aaron Goldfarb to further dive into what some of the most striking and discernable trends are in spirits, as well as to highlight a few particular bottles that are interesting, spectacular, or otherwise noteworthy. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast 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 cheers!Joanna is drinking: Big Table Farm Pinot NoirZach is drinking: 1985 Rocca Alfonso BarbarescoAdam is drinking: Paper Plainsman at War Eagle Supper ClubInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach debate the rumored sale of the wine-based RTD BeatBox to Anheuser-Busch InBev for $700 million. What prompted AB InBev to make this big of a commitment? What is the long-term upside for BeatBox? Why did drinks companies move away from purchasing or investing in smaller brands in favor of big purchases like this? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast 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 cheers!Zach is reading: Did Bols Just Release a Blue Liqueur That’s Actually, Well, Good?Joanna is reading: The 2025 Holiday Cocktail CountdownAdam is reading: Listener mailInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a listener question about why exactly the winemakers, grape growers, and wineries in Champagne are so protective of that term: not just with regards to other wines, but to a wide range of products that might use the term. Does the existence of "champagne" gummy bears really impact a wine region in France? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast 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 cheers!Zach is drinking: Gin and Tonic with Mermaid GinJoanna is drinking: SH Martini at SeahorseAdam is drinking: Sleepless Manhattan at Great Jones Distilling Co.Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach talk about their Thanskgiving plans - what they're cooking and baking, who they're cooking and baking for, and most of all what they'll be drinking along with it. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast 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 cheers!Zach is reading: What Does the Wine Industry Actually Need Right Now? 9 Experts Weigh In.Joanna is listening to and watching: The Buildout Podcast: schmuck.Adam is reading: How ‘Little Treat’ Drinks Won Over Gen ZInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a listener question about why innovation and new products take so long in beverage alcohol. Are there specific obstacles, like the three-tier system and regulations, that slow down this process, or are drinks companies just worse at this than other packaged good companies? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast 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 cheers!Zach is drinking: 2010 Casanuova delle Cerbaie Brunello di MontalcinoJoanna is drinking: Failla Wines ChardonnayAdam is drinking: Newfound Wines Gravels RedInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss a recent column by Esther Mobley in the San Francisco Chronicle positing that there are simply too many wineries in California for the current market to support. Is this in fact true? If so, what happens next? Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast 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 cheers!Zach is reading: What Exactly Is a ‘Turbo Guinness?’Joanna is reading: The Protein Era Is Coming for Your Happy HourAdam is reading: 10 Alternatives to Gravner, Italy’s Iconic Orange WineInstagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Keith Beavers, VinePair's tastings director and a seasoned wine expert, along with Hannah Staab, the managing editor, who organizes tastings and provides editorial insight. They dive into the assembly of the Top 50 Wines of 2025, revealing the year's unique trends and why American wines are taking the spotlight. Highlights include standout producers, diverse selections, and the surprising number one wine: Oregon's Division Wine Co.'s single-vineyard Gamay, showcasing the region’s exciting potential.

The hosts tackle the debate on whether craft cocktail programs are harming bars. They explore the hidden costs and demands of skilled bartenders that many establishments struggle to meet. There’s a discussion on the challenges faced by bars outside major cities, including staffing and sourcing. The trio emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and solid training over ambitious, complex menus. They also dive into how consumer expectations have shifted with premium spirits making a mark on cocktail culture.

The hosts dive into the debate over sommeliers posting photos of sold bottles on social media. Is it savvy marketing or just pretentious elitism? They explore how these posts can either attract or alienate casual wine drinkers. Discussions revolve around the importance of context and storytelling behind each bottle to engage customers more effectively. Plus, they share practical tips for making social media posts educational rather than exclusive, wrapping everything up with a dash of humor about martini culture.