In this week’s roundup, we reflect on 2020 predictions, how they have evolved, and what trends have emerged. Off-premise wine sales continued to flourish throughout the summer. Meet four black men that are opening up the industry and encouraging diversity. The wine industry asks for an extension for wildfire aid. Learn how to market your next virtual event and get a few DTC tips from the fitness industry.

A Reboot for the Future of DTC

To state the obvious—things have changed between 2019 and 2020. With the pandemic, tasting rooms closing, a DTC eCommerce influx, wildfires, police brutality, and more, the year is not turning out how anyone expected. In this article, we take a look back at the themes predicted for this year, how they have evolved, and other trends that we've seen emerge.

Total Wine Sales Grew in Off-Premise Channel Over the Summer

Compared to the same weeks last summer, wine sales are up almost 20 percent in off-premise growth. Sparkling wine growth outshined table wine throughout the pandemic. Spirits’ off-premise growth was even more impressive at a 29.7 percent increase during the summer months.

One in a Thousand Winemakers Is Black—These Men Are Working to Close the Industry's Gap

Black winemakers are rare. These four men are ignoring the stereotypes and have reached the top echelon of the very white wine world. Learn more about these men, the importance of black American wine culture, and how they’re all transforming the future of the industry.

US Wine Industry Calls for State Aid as Wildfires Continue

Wildfires are still raging and it’s feared that there is potential for more to come. A group of winemakers and wine grape growers in California, Washington, and Oregon have requested an extension to the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program which provides coverage for losses suffered in wildfires.

Supporting Your Virtual Event

These days, most in-person events have been canceled due to COVID-19 and virtual events are popping up everywhere. How do you market a virtual event and does it differ from marketing an in-person event? Learn what you need to do to successfully promote your next virtual event.

What to Learn from Fitness Apps; How to Do DTC Well

The digital world is rapidly changing and fitness has been one of the breakout industries to quickly adopt technology and new consumer buying behaviors and run with it. Craft producers have a lot to learn from fitness companies and how they sell DTC.