In this week’s roundup, we explore how wineries and breweries can leverage their data, the wine-centric roots of Hispanics, what you can do to thrive in the future wine economy, how tasting rooms are transforming, a review of this year's biggest wine news, and the effects of the federal government shut down.

How Wineries and Breweries Can Leverage Data

Even without a formal analytics infrastructure, breweries and wineries can still glean actionable insights out of their data. Whether it has been intentional or not, you already have data at your fingertips that can help your business customize, economize, and explore.

The Hispanic Consumer is Key to the Future of the Wine Industry

They say that Hispanic Americans carry wine in their blood and its no exaggeration. Wine has been an intrinsic part of Latino culture for thousands of years. With expected growth among the Latino US population, wineries will see positive effects if they can build strategies that are inclusive of Hispanic family, social, and culinary tastes.

Small Investment…Big Return

While wine production is increasing in the US, it’s also expected that wine consumption will slow. What does this mean for your business? It means you need to know your customers better than ever and give them the type of hospitality that will keep them coming back for more.

Why the Tasting Room is Dead

Things aren’t like they use to be. Instead of a stale dark lounge feel, tasting rooms are turning into “maker” spaces, nature experiences, and hip places that you could lounge in all day. See examples of some wineries that are taking the tasting room to the next level.

The Wine Year in Review

It’s been an unusual year, not only in world news but also in wine news. Although many of this year’s big stories seem vaguely familiar. Wine Searcher reviews the headlines of the year but also connects them to past stories with a vein of familiarity.

Federal Government Shutdown Consequences Emerge Along North Coast

It’s been almost two weeks since the government shutdown and the consequences are starting to show. Air traffic controllers are working without a guarantee of compensations, national parks have been practically left on their own, and wineries are growing a backlog for federal approvals on new wine labels.