Samuel Bracamontes

USA Ratings interviews Stephanie Gallo, GALLO's VP of Marketing, about business strategy and the wine industry's landscape, emphasizing the "total alcohol" business and efforts to democratize wine. For Stephanie Gallo one primary objective seems clear: democratize the enjoyment of wine. Another is to make GALLO, as a company, into a “total alcohol beverage supplier.” This requires an “intrapreneurial mindset” within a very large family-owned firm, which has never lost contact with its strong roots and traditions in California. The direct descendent of Ernest Gallo, Stephanie recently told her alma mater, Northwestern University, that additional “consumers in the United States and throughout the world” should be drinking wine. She added that the potential for expanding the overall market for wine remains substantial. “Only 33 percent of Americans drink wine on a regular basis, and of that 33 percent, 80 percent of the volume is done by 11 percent of the population,” she stated. “So I would argue that our quest to democratize wine still has not been met.” What some might view as dismal numbers regarding the wine market, Stephanie views as yet unconquered territory for expanding sales. As Vice President of Marketing, Stephanie Gallo has tremendous influence in that regard. Gallo produces up to 3% of the world’s wine (that’s a lot). With over 7500 employees, the company accounts for an estimated 13% of total US wine industry revenue. As Richard Hemming MW noted several years ago, “It is often said that the world’s largest wine producer” only makes a very small percentage of “the total annual production of wine, which is illustrative of wine’s highly fragmented market structure.” It is within this market environment that Gallo has thrived, but never dominated the wine sector. “By comparison,” writes Hemming, “Coca-Cola owns about 50% of the global soft drinks market, while Anheuser-Busch has a 28% share of the global beer market.” Hemming believes this shows how “the industry [is] highly fragmented, with millions of smaller wine producers around the world each accounting for just a minuscule fraction of total global production.”

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Key points from this article. 1. Champagne can loose 8,2% in volume ans STILL increase value. Incredible. 2. Cremant is making up for many of these "lost bottles" and positioning itself as the main "sexy alternative to Champagne" with 5,7% growth in 2023. My oberservations 1. The fact that there is one word (Cremant) to cover so many French regions is incredibly smart and useful to all of them. In this sense, I wish the Italian denomination Talento had stuck. 2. Cremant comes from many very different climates and made with many different varietals. This means Cremants have an incredible diversity- I think this could end up being a problem. In this sense, I'm glad the Italian Talento denomination doesn't exist anymore. 3. Given the very real problem of climate change on sparkling wine vineyards across the world, Trentodoc's mountain vineyards continue to have major advantages that many Cremant regions don't have. 4. Cremant's continued growth and problems dealing with a warming climate, means Trentodoc continues to be one of the most interesting sparkling wine denominations in the world. #trentodoc #sparklingwine #champagne #cremant #meininger https://lnkd.in/d8GHvX3T

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Elevate Your Martini Game: A Guide to the Best Vodkas for Crafting Exceptional Cocktails. Bartenders must constantly seek out new vodkas to keep their drink menus fresh and exciting. Vodka, of course, is a versatile spirit with the ability to blend seamlessly with a variety of ingredients. This makes it an essential base for numerous cocktails. By exploring new vodkas, bartenders can offer their patrons a diverse range of flavor profiles, from smooth and clean to bold and complex. This variety not only enhances the drinking experience but also caters to the evolving tastes of customers who are always eager to try something new and unique. In the realm of martinis, new vodkas can be game-changers. The martini, a classic cocktail, relies heavily on the quality and character of its vodka base. Introducing new vodkas allows bartenders to craft signature martinis that stand out. Whether it's a vodka with a subtle infusion of botanicals or one distilled from unconventional ingredients like quinoa or grapes, each new option provides an opportunity to experiment and create a martini that can become a bar's hallmark. These distinctive offerings can attract martini enthusiasts and set a bar apart from competitors. Beyond martinis, new vodkas open the door to innovative mixed drinks that can surprise and delight patrons. Vodka's adaptability means it can be paired with a wide array of mixers, fruits, herbs, and spices, allowing bartenders to push the boundaries of cocktail creativity. By incorporating new vodkas into their repertoire, bartenders can develop unique cocktails that highlight the distinct characteristics of each spirit. This continuous innovation not only keeps the bar's menu dynamic and engaging but also positions the bartender as a knowledgeable and adventurous mixologist, capable of delivering an exceptional drinking experience. Bartender Spirits Awards Bartenders Business

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Check out this Forbes article showcasing women-led Tequila brands, and it all started with Tequila Casa Dragones and Bertha Gonzalez Nieves! “Bertha González Nieves holds the title of the world’s first female Maestra Tequilera or tequila master. In 2009, after a decade of working at Jose Cuervo, she wanted to put her name behind a tequila of her own. She founded and still leads Tequila Casa Dragones, a portfolio of small-batch, ultra-premium sipping tequilas, including joven, blanco, reposado and añejo. Every expression makes use of different barrels; while the joven is aged in New American oak, the añejo’s complexity is a result of maturation in both French and American oak, both new barrels, of which the final liquid is a blend. Perhaps their most unique expression is their reposado Mizunara — released in 2022, this tequila became the first to be exclusively rested in new Mizunara casks, a rare and native Japanese oak that’s typically reserved for Japanese whisky.” #femalefounded #casadragones

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The cost of a winery visit is more than just the tasting room fee, according to MJ Dale, founder and CEO of Customer Vineyard. It includes expenses like hotel stays, wine purchases, and tips, leading to a significantly higher total cost in most regions. Dale also noted that LinkedIn is where most affluent customers can be found. Looking ahead, Rob McMillan predicts a "market correction in the number of wineries," indicating an improvement in numbers next year. Over the past two years, there has been a decline in wineries, mainly due to hobbyist wineries stepping back rather than consolidation. In 2024, the DTC wine market remains a serious arena, unsuitable for hobbyists. The evolving landscape suggests changes on the horizon, making strategic decisions crucial for wineries in the coming year.

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