OWC Marco Baldocchi is one of the world's leading voices in consumer neuroscience and neuromarketing. His work has been featured in Forbes magazine and has highlighted the difference between talking about wine, such as
'grape varieties, the best wine, the terroir, how it's made etc...' against listening to what wine does. It's about how wine makes us feel. not what it tastes like. Neuroscience tells us when we drink wine that we also process memories, expectations and emotions. Wine can be the trigger to bring back memories, and is processed by the brain like a story, consumer neuroscience gives us access to the emotional mechanics behind wine perception'.
OWC Grüvi the Alcohol-Free wine producer, based in Denver have won the Best Non Alcoholic Red of the Year at the Sommeliers Choice Awards 2025. Their Alcohol Free Sangria is a bold fruit forward blend crafted with real deal juices like tart blackcurrant, sweet strawberry and juicy blood orange, all layered with natural botanicals for a dry balanced finish. Rooted in Grüvi's mission to create inclusive healthy social experiences, this award-winning release is proof that alcohol free doesn't mean flavour free, made with no added sugar, no artificial flavours and under 60 calories a can, its a refreshing new take on red.
OWC The consumption of rice beer is on the up due to consumers increasingly exploring different flavours and types of beer. Many popular Japanese beers like Sapporo, Kirin, and Asahi are rice-based, and even Budweiser uses rice along with barley in its brewing process. New research has shown that the category was worth US$3.91 billion in 2023, according to analysts from Data Bridge Market. With an expected growth leading to US$5.51 billion by 2031. Brewers are investing in research and development of rice beer to create innovative rice beer recipes. Market trends indicate a growing preference for organic and locally-sourced ingredients in rice beer production. This reflects a broader shift towards sustainability and environmental consciousness among consumers, with the incorporation of unique flavours such as exotic fruits, herbs, and spices in rice beer formulations gaining popularity. Offering consumers a diverse range of sensory experiences.
OWC American gin was among the most popular categories at the American Distilling Institute's International Spirits Competition. The following are some of the top gins from the competition. Voted in the 'Best of Class and 'Best category' sections. Silver Star Spirits, Devils Gin, Texas Gin, 44% ABV 750ml. A small batch spirit that incorporates 14 botanicals sourced from Texas and around the world. Griffo Distillery, Scott Street Gin, 46% ABV 750 ml. Named after the street where the distillery resides. The gin is a modern take on London Dry style, incorporating locally sourced Sonoma Meyer lemons, wild juniper, and organic botanicals. South Hollow Spirits, Dry Line Barrell Reserve Gin, 47% ABV 750ml. The first legal distillery on Cape Cod. Distilled from 100% sugar cane infused with various botanicals, including local, organic angelic root. Hush & Wisper Distilling Co, original Gin, 40% ABV 750ml. Based in Bryan Texas, prides itself on producing grain-to-glass spirits using locally sourced spirits. Gervasi Vineyard, Pink Peppercorn Gin, 55% ABV 750ml. Based in Canton, Ohio. Perennial winner at International spirit competitions, combines expressions of Szechuan peppercorns with coriander and lavender.
OWC A recent study reveals that the fastest way to chill beer doesn't always mean putting it in the freezer! The best method to cool a drink depends on how cold you want your drink to be. The serving temperature for pale ale is around 9°C. A 0.33L can needs 2 minutes in salty ice water to reach this temperature, as opposed to 15 minutes in a tap water bath.
OWC Once the leading light in attracting the masses to enjoying wine, think of Blue Nun. The German wine industry is facing a severe crisis. Sales are declining, particularly with the younger generation. Many consumers are opting for less costly foreign wines or reducing their consumption. The industry is also having to cope with rising production costs, increased wages at the same time that wholesale prices are plummeting, threatening the viability of many wineries. A new association of winemakers has warned that up to 60% of German winemaking families could face bankruptcy if the current trends continue. There is a threat to cultural identity as the German wine industry is deeply linked to German culture, rural identity, scenic landscapes, tourism and festivals.
OWC A Boutique English winery near Wellingborough has won two national wine awards. Fortieth Rule, the name is inspired by the Fortieth Rule of St Benedict, which dealt with monks' wine consumption, reflecting the joy of sharing wine and the winery's intellectual heritage. Based in the Northampton countryside, Fortieth Rule entered two wines at the English Wine Awards ( IEWA) competition and won awards for both. Their Hemina Pinot Noir Rosé won a silver medal with the judges, whose comments included ' Expressive vibrant expression of English Rosé, with Pinot shining on both nose and palate' and their Gaudette Sunday won a bronze, considered 'Fresh, light, very appealing with aromatic nose'. Fortieth Rule is the brainchild of Josh Atkinson and his sister Eleanor.
OWC Aldi has launched a new red wine that's designed to be served cold. Chill Bill - a lightly sparkling, fruity red made to be served chilled. It Landed in stores on Sunday July 27 for £6.99 it's 32% cheaper than Ocado’s comparable offering. Marketed for barbecues, picnics, or garden soirées, Chill Bill is part of a range of other chillable reds, sold for summer sipping. According to Aldi wine expert Sam Caporn, 'Cooling certain red wine tones down the alcohol, sharpens acidity and enhances freshness, which is exactly what people are looking for in a summery sip'. 'The trick is to pick reds that are low in tannins but high in flavour - like Pinot Noir, Gamay, Cinsault or Grenache - so the fruit still shines through when served chilled'. Sam also says of Chill Bill: 'This lightly sparkling red is fruity and expressive - just pop it in the fridge. Grab it just in time for August soirees because, like with all Special buys, once it’s gone, it’s gone'.
OWC Foetal alcohol syndrome has been recently in the news, the details of which I which I would prefer not to comment on. Foetal alcohol syndrome is caused when a baby growing inside the womb is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. The news report stated that the outcome can include a child developing distinct facial features along with learning difficulties and issues with controlling emotions and impulses. It's simple ladies, don't drink alcohol when you are pregnant.
OWC A new Rosé has been launched by Meghan Markle. The 'As Ever Rosé is produced at Fairwinds Estate in California's Napa Valley. The winery also produces bespoke wines for celebrities, including Barry Manilow. It is reported that Meghan picked the winery, which is a six hour drive from her home in Montecito, to show her support after the winery was almost totally destroyed in a devasting wildfire in 2020, causing $15 million worth of damage. She describes the wine as being 'infused with joy and whimsy'.
