Good Morning, and Happy Wednesday. It's January 28, 2026.

Record Drops in DtC Shipments as Market Downturn Deepens

2025 was a year of unprecedented contraction for direct-to-consumer wine shipping. The DtC winery shipping channel saw volume drop 967,000 cases, or 15%, and more than $230 million, or 6%, in value. These results come as the channel saw an 11% increase in the average price per bottle shipped.

Sotheby Whiskey Auction Sets Record, Highlights Appeal

A collection of American whiskeys owned by one person generated a record $2.5 million in total sales—more than double pre-sale estimates--in an auction at Sotheby’s in New York City. It was the most valuable single-owner American whiskey collection ever sold at auction.

US Sentiment Slides Again as Consumer Pressures Mount

The Conference Board's January measure of US consumer confidence is surprisingly weak, dropping to 84.5 from an upwardly revised December print of 94.2, and well below the 91.0 consensus prediction, notes James Knightley, chief international economist, US, for ING. 

Dollar's Decline Will Hurt Bev/Al Imports, Help Exports

As if tariffs aren't enough, a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar will make imported wines, spirits and beers more expensive for U.S. consumers – but foreign buyers of U.S. alcoholic beverages will find them less expensive, which may boost their sales.

Sazerac to Rep Midnight Moon

Sazerac said it gained exclusive sales and distribution rights with Piedmont Distillers for Midnight Moon Moonshines and Moonshakes, a fast-growing moonshine and liqueur brand.

Serendipity Wines to Rep CRU in California

CRŪ Winery named Serendipity Wines its new distributor in California.

New: Grey Goose Berry Rouge

Grey Goose vodka, the No. 1 bestselling vodka in the super-premium category, introduces its newest flavored offering, Grey Goose Berry Rouge.

Cutwater Official Canned Cocktail of PGA Tour

Cutwater is the official canned cocktail of the PGA Tour, Anheuser-Busch and the PGA Tour announced.

Lobos 1707 Launches Buzzer Beater Initiative

Lobos 1707 Tequila launches its Buzzer Beater Initiative, a new culture-driven campaign created in partnership with elite basketball trainer Lethal Shooter that instantly reimburses fans for their Lobos 1707 and celebrates clutch moments, precision, and the power of the finish, while rewarding fans in real time. 

Tröegs Intros Daylight Chaser Dark IPA

Tröegs Independent Brewing introduces Daylight Chaser. This dark IPA joins the brewery’s lineup of seasonally rotating beers alongside Field Study, Leaf Seeker, and Blizzard of Hops.

Quality Beverage Workers Join Teamsters Union

More than 80 merchandisers and salespeople at Quality Beverage in Taunton, Mass., have voted to join Teamsters Local 170, seeking higher wages, better benefits, and a strong voice on the job.

David Trone to Receive Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award

David Trone, the co-founder/co-owner of Total Wine & Spirits and former Maryland congressman, will receive the 2026 Ray Herrmann H.E.R.O. Award at Access Live!, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's annual convention and trade show. 

Great American Beer Festival Moves Outdoors

The Great American Beer Festival(GABF) will move outdoors on Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11, relocating from the Colorado Convention Center to Denver’s Levitt Pavilion.