Effervescence Unleashed: What is Champagne?

Champagne is a sparkling wine that is exclusively produced in the Appellation d’Origine Controlee area of Champagne, France and made using the traditional method known as the Méthode Champenoise. This method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which creates the bubbles that are characteristic of Champagne. While the term “Champagne” is often used generically to […]

Announcing a New Campaign: Friends in Low Places

🍸Celebrating the No– & Low– ABV Cocktail & Mocktail Movement “Drinking culture needs to evolve to the point where nonalcoholic options are standard…It’s about providing choice, not judgement, and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, regardless of their relationship with alcohol.”, Chris Cardon (founder of Continuous Beverage Solutions) in a conversation with Justin […]

Why We’re Attending the Wine Sales Symposium

Navigating the New Reality: George Christie on the State—and Future—of the Wine Industry In a rapidly evolving industry where tradition and innovation collide, George Christie has a front-row seat to the changes reshaping American wine. As founder and president of the Wine Industry Network (WIN), Christie has spent over two decades building platforms, events, and […]

Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail of the Month for May 2025: The Sparkling Tequila

The Effervescence Unleashed Cocktail of the Month for May 2025 is the Sparkling Tequila. Simply add tequila, lime juice, and mead (or simple syrup) to a shaker. Shake for 10-20 seconds and top with sparkling wine.Ingredients Cambio is a self-described Mexican-styled Tequila: Tequila is one of the only spirits in the world to retain a […]

Effervescence Unleashed: What is Prosecco?

Part of the Effervescence Unleashed program is to highlight the various sparkling wine regions and methods used throughout the world. Prosecco is a popular but commonly misunderstood word. Is it a region, a wine, or a grape variety? Before 2009 this term described all three. Pretty confusing, right? Thus, in 2009 several changes were made. First, the Prosecco […]

BevFluence Chicago Speakeasy: Gin Flavor Profiles with Aaron Knoll of The Gin Is In

On Day 2 of the BevFluence Chicago Speakeasy, Aaron Knoll of The Gin Is In presented a seminar on the various flavor profiles of Gin and which of these profiles consumers are preferring. The seminar included six gins from across the globe. Wolf Point Distilling Florence Field Gin, Chicago IllinoisBold Rock Gin, VirginiaAmrut Nilgiris London […]

Report: 2025 Chicago Speakeasy & Bartender Lab

Overview: From February 5th-12th, 2025, the BevFluence Chicago Speakeasy took over the Windy City and particularly Eris Brewery and Cider House, bringing together an exceptional mix of sommeliers, bartenders, brand representatives, and influencers. This multi-day experience featured blind tastings, hands-on bartender labs, educational seminars, and curated dinners, highlighting tequila, gin, Norton wine, and innovative cider […]

EWE25: Solving a Grape’s Identity: Using DNA or Ampelography? Norton or Cynthiana

As Eastern viticulture reemerged after Prohibition in the late 1960s, Norton and Cynthiana were mixed in vineyards and officially deemed as synonymous. — Lucie Morton With the return of the Norton and Cynthiana grapes post-prohibition in Missouri, Virginia, Arkansas (courtesy of Stone Hill Winery in Missouri, Horton Vineyards in Virginia, and Post Familie Vineyards in Arkansas) the common perception was that the two grapes were […]