Good Morning and Happy Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Napa Winegrape Growers Face $1,700 an Acre Costs from Regulation

Large growers in Napa County face regulatory costs exceeding $1,700 an acre. Small growers aren't hit quite as badly, but $1,100 an acre still should take your breath away. 

Heck Doubles Down on Kenwood's Vineyard-Driven Wines

More than a decade after he sold Kenwood Vineyards to Pernod Ricard, Gary Heck has reacquired the historic property. It won't be turned into a housing development. Instead, Heck reaffirmed its vineyard-driven foundations. “People might look at this moment and ask, ‘Is he crazy?’” said Heck. 

Diageo, A-B, PepsiCo Withdraw from Sponsoring Event Headlined by Kanye West

After Diageo, Budweiseer, BeatBox and PepsoiCo. signed contracts to sponsor the UK's 2026 Wireless Festival, the festival producer signed Kanye West as the headliner. The beverage companies announced they were withdrawing. PayPal has also dropped out. 

Suspect in Custody as Fire Near Temecula-Area Winery is Stopped

Riverside County (Calif.) Sheriff's Office deputies arrested and took into custody a person suspected of having set a fire that burned 33 acres of dry brush near the Callaway Vineyard & Winery 

Unnecessary Panic? Eagle Rock to Lay Off All Employees as It Merges with SGWS

We suspect this is much adoo about nothing. Colorado media are breathlessly reporting that Eagle Rock Distributing Co., which recently agreed to merge into Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits has notified the State of Colorado that it will permanently lay off all 514 employees on June 5.

Budweiser to Mark 150 Years with Once-in-a-Lifetime Brewery Party

Fans 21+ are invited to join Budweiser to celebrate the brand's 150th anniversary at a ticketed event at Anheuser-Busch's St. Louis Brewery that will feature a live performance by an iconic, legendary rock band, exclusive brewery experiences, limited-edition merchandise and much more. 

National Beer Day Recalls April 7, 1933: The Beginning Of the End of Prohibition

The Cullen-Harrison Act took effect at midnight, April 7, 1933, permitting the sale of 3.2% ABV beer. The 18th Amendment which imposed Prohibition never defined "intoxicating liquors," so some members of Congress assumed it only applied to distilled spirits, not to beer and wine. But it applied

Thinking Things Over: The Press and The Pentagon

Note from Joel: This is the first of an occasional series of artiicles about things not at all related to alcoholic beverages. 

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tomorrow. – Joel