Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, January 14, 2026.

Bowman Named CEO, Mosier President/CFO of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

David Bowman has been named chief executive officer and Anna Mosier president and chief financial officer of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Previously they served as co-presidents after former CEO Shawn Conway resigned to take the top job at Far Niente Wine Estates.

Seattle Cider Sold to 2 Towns Ciderhouse

Seattle Cider Co. said it sold its brand to 2 Towns Ciderhouse, a fellow Pacific Northwest craft cidery. 

Home Goods Supplier Loses Bid to Use 'Sazerac Stitches' Mark

An examining attorney in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office declined to allow registration of "Sazerac Stitches" by Laurel Designs LLC as a mark for "retail stores services"

Benign US Inflation Keeps the Door Open for at Least 2 More Rate Cuts

That's the opinion of James Knightley, chief economist, US, at ING. He notes December inflation data was weaker than expected and confirms tariffs aren't having the immediate impact on prices that most feared.

JaM's Butter Wines Intros Butterlight Chardonnay in Cans

Butter Wines by JaM Cellars, best known for its Butter Chardonnay—the number one best-selling premium SKU of Chardonnay—announces the release of ButterLight Chardonnay in cans.

Rancho La Gloria Enters a New Era with 10% Malt-Based Tall Boy Margaritas

Patco Brands introduces 19.2 ounce malt-based Rancho La Gloria Tall Boy Margaritas. 

Rebel Bourbon Brings Back Rebel Root Beer

Rebel Bourbon announces the return of fan-favorite Rebel Root Beer Whiskey to its award-winning Rebel Bourbon lineup. 

Lobos 1707 Named Official Tequila Sponsor of PRO Skijor Frontier Tour

Lobos 1707 has been named the Official Tequila Sponsor of PRO Skijor, aligning its Premium West brand world with the launch of North America's first professional skijoring series

Whiskey House of Kentucky Completes First 7-Story K-RAX Warehouse

Whiskey House of Kentucky, the most advanced custom whiskey distillery in the country, completed construction of the first, seven-story state-of-the-art rickhouse utilizing innovative K-RAX barrel storage technology. 

Commerce7 Launches $59/Month Lite Plan for Small and Emerging Wineries

Commerce7, the leading DTC sales platform for the wine industry, launches Commerce7 Lite. This new entry-level plan provides small and emerging wineries – those with less than $100,000 in annual DTC revenue – with the industry-leading tools they need to scale with confidence, with an affordable price tag. 

Farewell to The Wine Gourd

David Morrison has decided to close his blog, The Wine Gourd. It was a different blog, delving into the world of wine data instead of wine itself. 

Richard Dempsey Joins Bouchard Cooperages as International Oak Alternatives Consultant

Dempsey will be exclusively representing the premium French oak adjunct portfolio of Canadell. 

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