WineBusiness Monthly

NIQ’s updated data shows off-premise wine sales have dropped. In the four weeks ending July 13, 2023, sales volume fell by more than 5%, with 11.8 million cases sold. Over the past year, wine sales also dropped by 6%, while sales value fell by 3% to $18 billion. Wines in glass bottles priced under $3.99 saw the biggest decline, but box wines priced over $4 increased in both sales and volume. Popular wine types like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon saw small growth in sales, showing that people are sticking with these familiar choices despite overall declines. Read the full report: https://zurl.co/JeOV

Nicole Marchesi is our WINEMAKER OF THE MONTH 🍇 Marchesi is the winemaker at Far Niente Winery in Oakville, CA, known for its exceptional Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. With a history dating back to 1885, the winery produces 55,000 cases annually from its 450 acres. Marchesi, who transitioned from biology to Viticulture and Enology, has been with Far Niente since 2005, becoming the fourth winemaker in its history. She finds inspiration in industry publications, stating, “I particularly appreciate articles focused on scientific research with the potential for real world application.” Marchesi embraces mentorship, recognizing its role in strengthening her team and enhancing the quality of their wines. Read the full story: https://zurl.co/fzrt

This study looks at how to detect leaf reddening in vineyards caused by viruses like Grapevine Leafroll Virus and Grapevine Red Blotch Virus. These viruses harm red grapevines, reducing fruit quality. Traditional monitoring methods are labor-intensive, prompting the use of VineView’s aerial imagery technology for efficient screening. A 2023 study in a Cabernet Franc block revealed that accurately timed aerial images significantly improved detection accuracy, achieving 98.5%. This method enhances understanding of vine health and directs field sampling, while also helping mitigate virus spread, thus benefiting vineyard management and economic sustainability. Read the full article: https://zurl.co/9ETu

Raising a Glass to Nicole Marchesi! We’re overjoyed to announce that our talented winemaker, Nicole Marchesi, has been selected as WineBusiness Monthly’s Winemaker of the Month for October. Nicole’s passion, dedication, and artistry continue to elevate our wines, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her lead our winemaking team at Far Niente. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in every bottle we produce, and this well-deserved recognition is a testament to her talent and hard work. Read more about Nicole’s journey with Far Niente in the feature article: https://lnkd.in/gjWhCHDt

Jerry Lohr, founder of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, reflects on the winery's 50-year legacy in the wine industry. His 2021 South Ridge Syrah topped Wine Enthusiast’s Best Buys list, showcasing the winery’s ability to produce quality wine at a reasonable price despite higher labor costs in California. Lohr established the winery in 1974, significantly contributing to making Paso Robles a renowned wine region. With his children now managing the winery, Lohr emphasizes vertical integration to maintain control over quality. A pivotal moment came in 1984 when Hyatt Hotels ordered a massive shipment, leading to substantial growth. Lohr prioritizes quality grape selection, innovative irrigation methods and supports research in winemaking. His commitment to education and community development blends tradition and innovation to create exceptional wines that resonate with consumers. Cheers to 50 years of J. Lohr Vineyards! Read the full article by Cyril Penn: https://zurl.co/UAdF

Lewis Cellars in Napa Valley has received approval from the Napa County Planning Commission to increase annual wine production from 33,000 to 40,000 gallons and host up to 14 daily visitors, along with an annual event for 100 guests. The winery, located on a 31.8-acre leased property from Knollwood Vineyards, will also expand staff and improve facilities. Lewis Cellars plans to relocate to the former Robert Sinskey Vineyards on the Silverado Trail in early 2025, a site of personal significance where their early wines were produced. The new location allows for increased production and visitor capacity. Read the full article by Kerana Todorov: https://zurl.co/u8ly

Wineries in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana are thriving due to diverse grape varieties, approachable pricing, and welcoming tasting rooms. Over 70% of wine sales in these states are direct-to-consumer (DTC), leading to increased employment and economic impact. Ohio has grown from 13 to 331 wineries since 1978, while Indiana and North Carolina have seen significant growth in their wine industries. Pennsylvania's wineries are also maturing with innovative approaches. The focus on hybrids offers resilience against climate challenges, and an emphasis on hospitality attracts both locals and tourists, showcasing the adaptability of these regions in the wine market. Read the full article by Katherine Martine: https://zurl.co/fTfU

In the latest episode of "Leader to Leader," co-host Regine T. Rousseau speaks with Carly Maher and Averiel McKenzie from The Veraison Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional opportunities for BIPOC members of the wine and spirits industry. Founded in May 2020 after George Floyd's murder, The Veraison Project fills a critical gap by offering hands-on internships and financial support rather than just educational scholarships. Carly, the founder and sales director for Heritage Collection, and Averiel, the Executive Director and diversity recruiter at Gallo, highlight three core initiatives: the Future Leaders Program, the Bridge Program for relocation assistance, and an Apprenticeship Program with various wineries. Both leaders emphasize the importance of authentic leadership and their corporate backgrounds in driving success. Looking to the future, they are committed to strategic planning for sustainability and growth, aiming to create a more inclusive industry for future generations. Watch the full episode of "Leader to Leader" on our YouTube channel: https://zurl.co/NyBy 🎤

The 2024 Salary Survey Report reveals a modest 1.9% average salary increase in the wine industry, the smallest rise since 2021. While 74% of salaries grew, 16.2% decreased, particularly in executive roles, such as the special events coordinator, whose salary fell by 2.6%, and the executive vice president of sales, down 3.5%. Men dominate most job categories, although women earn more in certain non-exempt and supervisor roles. Notably, winemaker salaries increased significantly, with the average for Winemaker 2 rising 7.4% to nearly $150,000. Bonuses slightly declined to an average of $15,319, still significant for direct sales roles. Tipping remains vital for tasting room staff, with some earning up to 50% of their regular wages through gratuities. HR expert Joel Miller emphasized the competitive landscape for hiring, noting that wineries are cautious about setting high salary expectations while enhancing tasting room experiences. Overall, while the average salary increase aligns with inflation, the dynamics within the industry reflect a blend of growth and decline across various roles, influenced by changing market conditions and workforce expectations. Read the full article by Andrew Adams: https://zurl.co/1sxa

With climate change impacting grape-growing, Virginia researchers are stepping up to create new grape varieties that can handle the shifting weather. Rising temps, humidity, and unpredictable conditions are making it tough for traditional grapes to thrive. Dr. Surya Sapkota, in partnership with the Virginia Grape Growers Association and USDA, is leading the effort to breed disease-resistant grapes that can still produce great wine in the future. Virginia’s unique climate zones add to the challenge, but these new cultivars could be the key to keeping local wines top-notch despite the changing environment. Read the full article by Richard Carey: https://zurl.co/bhwq