Good Morning and Happy Friday. It's March 22, 2024. March Madness is under way.

DISCUS Continues to Win: Virginia is 26th State to Make Cocktails-to-Go Permanent

Virginia became the 26th state to permanently allow cocktails to-go when Gov. Glenn Younkin signed a bill allowing cocktails to-go cans to be sold from bars, restaurants and distilleries.

Chaddsford Winery for Sale

The Petrillo Family, who with Eric and Lee Miller, founded the winery 42 years ago, are "consolidating their investment portfolio and exiting the winery business," the winery's website says. Asking price for the five-acre property in Chadds Ford, Pa., is $4.5 million.

As Bev/Al Sales Go, So Go Wine Sales

Of the 34% of Americans who drink wine, only 13% do so exclusively, according to a WMC survey last fall. Who drinks wine? Largely Baby Boomers, those between 49 to 77 years old, and Millennials, who are 27-42 years old.

Heaven Hill Plans New Louisville Office

Heaven Hill Brands, announced plans for a new two-story, 48,190- square-foot office in Louisville, Ky. The new location will serve as home to 100+ employees currently located in Louisville. The main operations will continue in Bardstown supported by 600+ employees located in a newly renovated office, along with the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.

New Wine Brand Turns to Aluminum Bottles

Element[AL] Wines introduced the world’s first aluminum wine bottle in the shape of a traditional wine bottle. Aluminum bottles are "easy to recycle, lightweight (which cuts down on shipping costs), and shatterproof, which means they can go places a traditional wine bottle can’t.”

It's the End for Sherry-Lehmann

Sherry-Lehmann's Hong Kong-based landlord, Glorious Sun, received court permission to take possession of the storied New York City wine shop and to clear out shelves, fixtures and leftover bottles of wine at the shop.

Miller Lite Revives 'Great Taste, Less Filling'

Miller Lite's new version of the "Great Taste. Less Filling." spot features a new roster of All Stars including actor Luke Wilson, football icon J.J. Watt, baseball superstars David Ortiz and Jorge Posada, one of basketball's greatest players Reggie Miller, and Olympian and soccer legend, Mia Hamm.

Kylie Jenner Intros Sprinter Premium Canned Vodka

Kylie Jenner introduced Sprinter, a canned vodka soda made with simple, high-quality ingredients– premium vodka, sparkling water and real fruit juice–and created in four true-to-fruit flavors.

RMDGroup Buys Mala Closure Systems' Industrial Assets

RMDGroup acquired Mala Closure Systems Inc.'s industrial assets in the US. Terms weren't disclosed.

Russia Mulls 200% Tariffs on Wine from NATO Countries

The official line is that the 200% tariff is at the request of the Association of Winegrowers and Winemakers of Russia (AVVR) "to strengthen measures to protect the Russian market by imposing duties for wine, sparkling wine, fortified wine from NATO states at 200%.”

Thanks for reading. We'll see you over the weekend. – Joel

PS: We have a new phone number: (301) 485-9149.