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# What We're Reading --
- URL: https://bevnews.net/what-were-reading-169/
- Published: 2026-09-16T05:13:06.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-16T05:13:06.000Z
- Author: Joel Whitaker

## [A Tale of Two Wine Industries](https://clarksmith.substack.com/p/a-tale-of-two-wine-industries?utm%5Fsource=Afternoon+Brief&utm%5Fcampaign=b296e95c00-EMAIL%5FCAMPAIGN%5F2026%5F09%5F14%5F09%5F44%5FCOPY%5F01&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=0%5F-e9165d7cef-587960459)

The invisible prosperity. (Confessions of a Renegade Winemaker)

## [Can the Feds Ban You From Making Liquor in Your Own Home?](https://reason.com/2026/09/12/can-the-feds-ban-you-from-making-liquor-in-your-own-home/?ref=bevnews.net)

A challenge to the federal prohibition on home distilling could give the Supreme Court a chance to rein in Congress’ Commerce Clause power. (Reason)

## [Merlot Vs Pinot Noir: The Differences Between 2 Popular Red Wines Everyone Should Know](https://www.tastingtable.com/2251993/merlot-vs-pinot-noir-differences-explained/?ref=bevnews.net)

Juicy, deep merlot showcases dark fruits while Pinot noir keeps it cooler, complex, and earthy. (Tasting Table)

## [Beer In Pasta? Italians Are Starting To Do It](https://www.chowhound.com/2254128/try-italian-method-add-beer-to-pasta/?ref=bevnews.net)

While dishes like spaghetti all'ubriaco and spezzatino di manzo rely on wine, some Italian cooks have been turning to beer for pasta sauces, marinades, and more as they pursue new flavors. (Chowhound)

## [The Magic and the Math: How a Tech Engineer is Building a Winery for the Long Game in Paso Robles](https://pleasethepalate.com/the-magic-and-the-math-how-a-tech-engineer-is-building-a-winery-for-the-long-game-in-paso-robles/?utm%5Fsource=Afternoon+Brief&utm%5Fcampaign=b296e95c00-EMAIL%5FCAMPAIGN%5F2026%5F09%5F14%5F09%5F44%5FCOPY%5F01&utm%5Fmedium=email&utm%5Fterm=0%5F-e9165d7cef-587960459)

Every day we read about the challenges and struggles in the wine industry. Starting a winery, building a brand, and making it profitable, especially in today’s challenging wine market, is no small feat. But that is exactly what Bill and Julie Lapp are doing in Paso Robles with Mid•Point Winery. (Please the Palate).

## [Why Do Some Beer Cans Have Dots On The Bottom?](https://www.mashed.com/2253101/why-beer-cans-have-dots-on-bottom/?ref=bevnews.net)

It's a quality control measure. (Mashed)

## [OPINION: Where China came from – and why it turned up in the first place](https://winetitles.com.au/opinion-where-china-came-from-and-why-it-turned-up-in-the-first-place/?%5Fbhlid=da4aed25ef55a130903df9defd712d3311465315&ref=bevnews.net)

This is the first installation of a two-part opinion piece by Edward Cavanagh that commences a cautionary tale: understanding what it was that motivated China to develop a relationship with Australian wines and wineries provides a few clues about why the industry needs to be more careful in the future. (WineTitles.com.au)

## [Grapes on the Mother Road: Missouri’s winery and roadside grape-stand tradition on Route 66](https://www.newspressnow.com/life/features/grapes-on-the-mother-road-missouri-s-winery-and-roadside-grape-stand-tradition-on-route/article%5Febb48b55-a4ea-4a22-aa13-da6a844d7ccb.html?%5Fbhlid=2c80631ffd800e08bdca4cd21b0c266fd9c61157&ref=bevnews.net)

Long before neon signs and roadside attractions became the norm on Route 66, another landmark lined Missouri’s stretch of the Mother Road each autumn: modest roadside stands offering clusters of purple Concord grapes. Drivers on the old two-lane highway would pull over at one of dozens of handwritten “GRAPES” signs that dotted the gravel shoulders in both directions. Their goal was to purchase the sweet fruit grown by families who had tended vines in the Ozark foothills since the early 1900s. ((St. Joseph, Mo.) News-Press)

## [Like it or not: Wine Faces Yet Another Inflection Point. How is it Going to Change? Part One.](https://robertejoseph.substack.com/p/like-it-or-not-wine-faces-yet-another?utm%5Fsource=email&redirect=app-store-no-desktop&inbox=true&utm%5Fcampaign=email-read-in-app&triedRedirect=true)

A very different way of looking at wine history. (Robert Joseph/Substack)