A Message from Bob Hendrickson, RNDC // New report from BMO Bank’s wine division highlights silver linings amid challenges

By now, you’ve heard the news that RNDC will exit the California market, effective September 2, 2025. We want to provide context around this difficult decision.

Though wineries say they don’t expect to increase their sales in 2025, they do report feeling optimistic about the potential for growth over the next five years.

A recent economic impact study commissioned by WineAmerica and conducted by John Dunham & Associates was a dramatic reminder of just how important an economic driver it is here in the United States.

The number of smoke-exposure days during harvest has risen sharply, especially in September and October — peak ripening months for red varietals such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Jeff Siegel traces the shockwaves through a wine industry already in decline.

Brown-Forman has brought its latest financial year to a close with a quarterly dip in sales, bookending fiscal 2025.

Earlier this week, I broke the news here at VinePair that Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) plans to “withdraw” from California — like, the entire state — at the beginning of September.

Wilson Daniels is joining the Breakthru Beverage portfolio in California as current distributor RNDC exits the state. The move is effective July 1.

Classic Wines of California, a leading family-owned distributor of fine wines and spirits since 1973, today announced the acceleration of a major strategic initiative to drive growth and strengthen its distribution presence across the Golden State.

Felicity Carter reports on a new way of selling to existing customers — getting them to collaborate.

Lei in Chinatown comes from Annie Shi.

Companies continue to pull vineyards due to lagging wine sales. Still, growers and vintners remain hopeful for the future.

Denmark's wine import market showed stability in 2024 in terms of both volume and value. However, there was an increased concentration on wine producers from the EU.

Sicily's most affable and chillable red is perfect for summer, and is still having its moment.

Many people enjoy sake, the Japanese rice wine. But now, a local brewing company is betting diners will soon make room for Korean rice wine.

In the increasingly extreme climate of Provence, producers are putting more faith in regenerative farming techniques to secure a healthy crop.

Hot air holds more moisture. That’s why you can blow your hair dry even after a steamy shower. It’s also what dumps rain in the tropics and sucks water from desert soils.

The state’s push to cut plastic packaging by nearly a third is gaining ground but facing intense pushback.

Alternative redemption centers now allowed.

In June, the biggest wine event in New Orleans is bringing the wine world to town, with all the reasons to love wine and explore now.

Wine Spectator relaunched its Bring Your Own Magnum Party with delicious food, amazing wines and the leaders of Napa and Sonoma wine.