Riesling in America: A Grape Still Waiting for Its Moment
Riesling has long been regarded as one of the world’s most expressive white grape varieties, yet in the United States it remains far less institutionally embraced than Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Its history is deep and well documented: the grape originated in the Rhine Valley of Germany, with written references appearing as early as 1435 […]
American Rum: A Sense of Terroir
American rum occupies a curious place in the nation’s spirits landscape: historically foundational, technically diverse, and increasingly innovative—yet still far from the institutional recognition enjoyed by bourbon, rye, or even American single malt. The category’s roots run deep. Rum was the first widely produced spirit in the colonies, with New England distilleries converting Caribbean molasses […]
The Gatekeeper Paradox — Series Introduction
A BevFluence Series Social Media | Gatekeeping | Fog City Social | Whiskey Culture | Community-Built Events The Velvet Rope Moved What a community-built whiskey event in San Francisco taught us about who actually controls access in the beverage industry — and what that means for every brand still knocking on the wrong doors. Every […]
The April Freeze That Rewrote the 2026 Vintage: Virginia and Maryland’s Grape Losses
The Mid‑Atlantic wine industry is no stranger to weather drama, but the April 21st 2026 freeze and radiational frost carved its own chapter into regional history. After an unseasonably warm March pushed vines into early budbreak, a sudden plunge into the low 20s°F delivered a blow that many growers describe as the most severe in decades. […]
Collaborations in Hospitality – Part One of Three – Why Collaborations Fall Apart Before They Begin
Everyone loves the idea of a partnership. Almost nobody does the work required to make one last. Let’s start with the reason you clicked on this…A failed collaboration, it can be embarrassing, like any relationship that goes bad. You’ve been in a collaboration that felt promising and ended badly. Or you’re considering one right now, […]
Why We are Attending the Eastern Winery Exposition
“EWE coordinates the biggest trade show outside of the West Coast. This dynamic conference offers industry members to learn from the vendors who often can supply a wide range of practical advice and discuss the latest vineyard and winery equipment. The EWE seminars feature regional winemakers and entrepreneurs who willingly offer their success stories.. And […]
Attention Spirits Brands: Baltimore Speakeasy & Bartender Lab 2024
BevFluence® is coming to Baltimore this August! We’ll close out the summer with a week of imbibing experiences. The week consists of tasting and education with Eric Kozlik, Tracie Franklin, Shaun Stewart, and BevFluence’s own Chandler Tomayko. The program also includes a day at our content studio, where media has the opportunity to collaborate and create […]
