Almost everyone in the wine industry is apprehensive when reviewing wine consumption data. In 2022, the average American consumed approximately 2.86 gallons of wine per year. This figure represents a decrease of 2-3 percent from previous years and is the lowest per capita consumption recorded since 2015. Factors contributing to this decline include changing consumer preferences, with […]
Put Down the Wine Glass. Prohibition May Be Back
Debates on Alcohol Consumption: A New Era of Regulation? The health implications of alcohol consumption are once again sparking intense debate. In Washington, policymakers are revising drinking guidelines, and some worry that a covert panel of unelected officials may be laying the groundwork for what some are calling Prohibition 2.0. The review of dietary guidelines […]
Geography and Wine Crimes: Location, Location, Location
The International Wine and Spirit Competition approximated that counterfeiting and fraud collectively cost the global wine industry approximately $3 billion annually. Due to under reporting, precise figures are challenging to ascertain. Nonetheless, incidents such as vineyard vandalism can inflict substantial financial losses on individual wineries, ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, contingent […]
Crimes in the Vineyard
Crimes in vineyards and wineries can range from theft and vandalism to more sophisticated forms of fraud or sabotage. Specific data on the number of crimes perpetrated specifically in vineyards and wineries in the USA is not readily available. Crime statistics typically categorize offenses by type (e.g., theft, vandalism, fraud) rather than by location, making […]
Criminals Target Wineries and Vineyards
Wineries and vineyards are increasingly becoming the focus of criminal activities, driven by the high value of wine and winemaking equipment, expansive and often isolated properties, and sometimes limited security measures. The unique nature of the products, combined with the potential for substantial financial gain, makes these businesses attractive targets for thieves and vandals. Enhanced security protocols […]
Uncorking the Truth: Exposing Wine Fraud and Other Crimes, Protecting Consumers
There is an estimated US$64.9-billion-dollar value in the global wine counterfeiting market (2020). Wine Counterfeiting Genuine or authentic wines have recently become a multi-billion-dollar issue in the wine industry; therefore, validating the authenticity of wines before purchasing is crucial. With the continuous expansion of the wine market, the business of wine counterfeiting follows in the […]
Wine from Spain? No Need to Ask, Just Pour
I recently attended a wine trade event sponsored by Guía Peñín, a prestigious Spanish wine guide renowned for its meticulous evaluation and rating of wines from across Spain. Founded by José Peñín, the guide is highly regarded for its rigorous tasting protocols and comprehensive coverage of Spanish wines. Using a sophisticated 100-point scale, the guide […]
Wine Craft Excellence in Marche Italy
Scheduled for Prime Time Marche, located south of Emilia-Romagna, east of Tuscany and Umbria, and north of Abruzzo, boasts a diverse landscape shaped by the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Ancona, its capital and largest city, graces the coastline with a population of approximately 100,000. Le Marche, as it’s known, stands as a formidable […]
Navigating Turbulence: Argentina Wine Industry Confronts Economic Hurdles
The wines of Argentina are considered among the best in the world, ranking second in the production of wine in Latin America and the Caribbean (Chile is number 1). However, success comes with a price and the challenges faced by the wine industry in Argentina make this time in history troublesome. The issues winemakers face range from […]
Better Safe Than Sorry: Urgent Need for Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
The Upper East Side of New York City has been plagued by a high number of vehicle crashes, as reported by Crashmapper NYC. Over the past year, there have been 475 crashes resulting in three fatalities and 564 injuries. This data underscores significant safety concerns in this bustling neighborhood, affecting drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. […]