[BND] Kane's Beverage News Daily

Good Morning and Happy Friday, September 18, 2026.

Calif. Curbs on Out-of-State Winery Challenged

A suit challenging California's alcohol beverage control rules that permit California wineries – but not out-of-state wineries – to sell direct to California retailers was cleared for trial by a Federal judge.

Wash. Retailer Asks Fed. Court to Overturn Ill. Ban on Direct Shipping by Out-of-State Retailers

Illinois’ liquor law discriminates against out-of-state businesses, a Seattle-based wine retailer told a Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals panel. Full Pull Wines LLC challenged a provision of the liquor code that prohibits out-of-state retailers from shipping to Illinois consumers. Two Illinois oenophiles joined the Washington-based wine business in challenging the Illinois regulation, which they claim violates the commerce clause and 21st Amendment. Plaintiffs’ attorney James Tanford maintaine

2 More Wineries Seek to Join Hoopes Vineyard Suit Against Napa County

Two more wineries – Thomson Vineyards and Okell Hill Vineyard – are seeking to join the lawsuit originally filed Hoopes Vineyard LLC, Summit Lake Vineyards & Winery LLC, and Cook’s Flat Associates (doing business as Smith-Madrone Vineyards & Winery) against Napa County. The complaint raises claims under the First Amendment, the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment, the Dormant Commerce Clause, and California state law.

Texas Wine Country Residents Oppose Battery Energy Storage System

Residents in Gillespie County, Texas, six miles outside Fredericksburg, are seeking to stop a battery energy storage project that, they say, will mar Texas Wine Country. More to the point, they fear it will mar the view from their property as well as constitute a major fire and environmental risk. Good luck to that. Texas is home to some of the weakest land-use regulations in the country, and counties have very little they can do to stop the project, Any relief, if there is to be any, must be a

A-B to Invest $21M in Calif. Facilities

Anheuser-Busch announced a $21 million investment in its Los Angeles and Mira Loma, Calif., facilities. This investment will help Anheuser-Busch, the fastest-growing supplier in total alcohol, fuel increased production of Michelob Ultra and Cutwater and expand local manufacturing skills training. Today's announcement is part of Anheuser-Busch's ongoing Brewing Futures initiative through which the company is investing $600 million in its U.S. operations across 2025 and 2026. Brendan Whitworth,

North Coast Brewing Intros Chill Rasputin

North Coast Brewing Company (NCBC) is proud to introduce Chill Rasputin, a refreshingly approachable stout inspired by the iconic Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. Available in 16-ounce four-packs, Chill Rasputin offers the roasty character of fans loved for decades in a lighter, more sessionable format. In keeping with the brewery's sustainability efforts, Chill Rasputin four-packs feature Eco-Rings, a 100% compostable alternative to traditional plastic can holders. "Old Rasputin has devel

New Initiative Honors Responsible On-Premise Alc Service

Responsibility.org debuts Serving with CARE, a new voluntary initiative designed to recognize bars, restaurants, and other hospitality venues that demonstrate leadership in responsible alcohol service. The initiative aims to strengthen consumer confidence by affirming that responsible alcohol service and guest safety are core values within the hospitality industry. Serving with CARE unites restaurants, bars, hotels, tasting rooms, visitor centers, and other hospitality venues around a set of p

Who & What --

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery names Sarah Gummoe Head Winemaker. She steps into the role following the retirement of Mark Veraguth after a 35-year tenure. She worked harvests in Austria, Oregon, New Zealand, and Australia. She later held winemaking roles at leading producers in Marlborough, New Zealand. After almost a decade honing her craft in New Zealand, Sarah returned to her Finger Lakes roots in 2024 to take on the Winemaker role at Dr. Frank Winery.

DISCUS Opens Registration for 2027 Conference in Washington

Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) said registration is open for its 2027 Annual Conference which will be held March 15-17 at the Omni Shoreham hotel in Washington, D.C. “The DISCUS Annual Conference has earned its reputation as a premier gathering for industry insights and meaningful networking,” said DISCUS President/CEO Chris Swonger. “We look forward to welcoming spirits leaders back to Washington, D.C., where they will engage on critical issues, tackle challenges faci

What We're Reading --

Thanks for reading. I'll see you again on Monday. – Joel