[BND] Your Breakfast Briefing

Good Morning and Happy Friday, April 17, 2026.

Marie Brizard Sales Fell 8.7%, Net Eased 5.2% in Year

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits reports sales in its 2025 fiscal year fell 8.7% from a year earlier but net profit eased just 5.2%.

How Grass Benefits a Vineyard

Grass groundcover in a vineyard changes the soil microbiome far beneath the depth of its own foot system, a team of scientists at Pennsylvania State University has found.

Buffalo Trace to Auction Eagle Rare's Oldest Bourbon Yet

Buffalo Trace Distillery will kick off distribution of Eagle Rare 30, its oldest age-stated bourbon to date, with an auction opening April 24. The product marks a significant milestone in its ongoing exploration of extended maturation.

Frederick Wildman Awards SWGS Additional Brands

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will distribute Frederick Wildman & Sons’ Cantine Riunite, Gruppo Italiano Vini (GIV), and strategic national import brands across multiple U.S. markets, under a multi-year agreement. 

SGWS Integrates Some Domaine Teams into Signature Division

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits integrated its Domaine & Estates Artisanal Wine teams across Washington, Florida, Texas, New York, and California into the Signature Fine Wines & Spirits division within those markets.

Dos Hombres Debuts a Tequila Collection

Dos Hombres, the award-winning mezcal brand co-founded by Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, expands its portfolio, launching its first-ever artisanal tequilas, Blanco and Reposado, alongside a refreshed brand design.

Bud Light to Debut Mini Bottles, Cans

Bud Light will be available in 7 oz. bottles and 7.5-oz. mini cans beginning May 4 at the Stagecoach Festival when Post Malone performs.

Elijah Craig 108-Proof PGA Championship Small Batch Bourbon

Elijah Craig released a limited-edition 108-Proof 2026 PGA Championship Commemorative Edition Small Batch Bourbon. 

Gerard Bertrand Intros Esprit de Cote des Roses

Gérard Bertrand unveils Esprit de Cote des Roses (Vin de France, 12% ABV, 750ml, $22.99 SRP). Rooted in Mediterranean art de vivre and presented in a distinctive sculpted bottle, this new cuvée marks a clear and deliberate extension of the Cote des Roses universe. 

Bronco Wine Names Kent Mann Chief Operations Officer

Bronco Wine Co. hired Kent Mann as its new Chief Operations Officer. Mann joins Bronco after 11 years as VP-Operations for Trinchero Family Estates, where he built and mentored high performing teams across operations and supply chain management.

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery Names Ian Bearup as General Manager

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery  announces that Head Winemaker, Ian Bearup has been appointed general manager of the Hudson Valley winery. 

Johnson Brothers Hires James Damico as Chief Financial Officer

Damico joins Johnson Brothers with more than two decades of finance leadership experience in the global consumer packaged goods industry 

Thanks for reading. I'll be back tonight with The Beverage Reader. – Joel