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[BND] Kane's Beverage News Daily

Good Morning and Happy Friday, June 19, 2026

Diageo Chief Said Planning Staff Cuts

Diageo's new CEO, Dave Lewis, has given his executive committee their orders: cut jobs, the Financial Times said, citing two sources. But Lewis, a turnaround veteran, hasn't given them a specific number of roles to eliminate. Rather, he's given them cost-reduction targets. The cuts are expected to fall hardest on "non-revenue -generating" teams.

'The Opposition Just Made Our Case for American Wine'

In so many words, California Association of Winegrape Growers accused major California wineries of talking out of both sides of their mouth in opposing a bill provides that any wine sold in California that's labelled "American" must contain 100% American grapes.

Craft & Art to Lead National Sales, Distributors for Zephyr Wine

Craft & Art Wine & Spirits said it agreed to lead national sales execution and distributor management for Zephyr Gin across the United States, helping expand the brand's footprint and introduce more consumers to its distinctive portfolio. Named after the west wind, Zephyr embraces a philosophy of exploration, encouraging consumers to venture beyond the expected. Its signature elderberry influence delivers a smooth, balanced profile that appeals to both gin enthusiasts and those discovering the

Sonoma Winegrowers, Vintners Mull Merger

Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Vintners are considering a merger, a response to the tough times the wine industry is experiencing. Winegrowers CEO, Karissa Kruse, Karissa Kruse now focuses her attention on building national partnerships to promote Sonoma County wines. For example: San Francisco Giants, Taste of NFL and Taste of the Draft. In May, the Vintners said it had formed a joint leadership task force with the Winegrowers to find how the two grou[s could address future indus

Wine Market Council Sets New Study on Wine Communication Across Generations

The study aims to provide actionable insights into how wine is perceived through media across generations and genders and identify communication strategies that resonate with each consumer group.

Illinois Gov. Signs Bill Banning Sale of Intoxicating Hemp to Under-21

Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill that immediately bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products to people under the age of 21, Beginning in November, intoxicating hemp products will be subject to rules in the Ohio Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.

California Fights Potential Infestation by Pest that Kills Grapevines

There's a potential disaster unfolding in California. A Fresno County nursery sold table grape vines to Costco for resale in 40 c0unties. Unfortunately, those shipments were found to be infested with Glassy-winged sharpshooters (GWSS). Now, California is racing to recover those vines before the sharpshooters can spread. This is a concern because the GWSS serves as a primary vector for the bacteria that causes Pierce's Diasease. Once infected, there is no cure.

Blade and Bow Unveils New Annual, 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve

Nicole Austin, Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo, pictured at Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Shelbyville, Ky. (Supplied)

Blade and Bow announces its 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve, a new limited annual expression crafted at the intersection of time and technique by Nicole Austin, the Director of American Whiskey Liquid Development and Capabilities at Diageo. Beginning with a 12–Year–Old Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon, it's guided through a multi–vat Solera finishing and blending process – uniting the age and character of Cognac, Bordeaux, Moscatel, and Port vats to create a depth and balance in the final whi

Guinness Gives Fans a new 'Pint of View'

Through June 27, fans can enter for a chance to win one of only four pairs of these fully functional binoculars complete with a leather carrying case. Created for fans who never want to miss a moment of the beautiful game. Whether watching from the upper deck, across a crowded pub or at home with friends, they offer a new "pint of view" on the action continuing this week. How to enter: Follow @GuinnessUS and commenting on the designated sweepstakes post using #GuinnessBinocularsSweepstakes.

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