Booze News Weekly Roundup: France Expects 30-Year Low Harvest, Van Winkle Announces 2026 Whiskey Collection, and More
This is VinePair’s Booze News Weekly Roundup, where we gather the hottest headlines and product releases every Friday for a snapshot of what’s happening in the beverage alcohol industry. This week, we have updates on harvest forecasts in France, Sapporo crossing the U.S.-Canada border, the latest product releases, and more.
News to know:
France braces for a record low harvest: After a growing season tempered by droughts and wildfires, producers in the country are expecting this year’s harvest to produce the lowest yields in 30 years. The French agriculture ministry forecasts a total of roughly 900 million gallons to be produced from this year’s harvest, a 6 percent dip year-over-year and a 17 percent drop from the average volume measured across 2021 to 2025.
Sapporo stokes the U.S.-Canada tariff fire: The Japanese brewer announced its plans to shift some of its brewing operations to the U.S. from Canada following the onset of a 50 percent tariff on Canadian beer. The move also comes after Trump issued a ban on Canadian alcohol imports, which is set to begin Sept. 29.
Dentist slashes world record Champagne sabrage: Swiss dentist Mirko Bozin broke the record for the number of Champagne bottles sabred in one minute. Bozin blew the tops off of 118 bottles in 60 seconds at a cutthroat tournament in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, breaking the previous record of 96 bottles that had been set just three months prior.
Kendall Jenner’s second bev-alc foray: The supermodel acquired a minority stake in U.K.-based functional beverage brand Trip.Trip launched in 2019 with cannabis-derived products but has since shifted its focus to other adaptogens, including non-psychedelic mushrooms.
Product releases to watch:
A new seat at the aperitivo table: The Campari Group, which dominates the Spritz sector with brands like Aperol under its wing, introduced a new aperitivo to the U.S.: Sarti. Though it was first founded in 1885, this marks its first appearance stateside, landing in markets nationwide. The blush-colored liquor blends blood orange, passion fruit, and mango flavors into a sweeter profile than the bitter qualities of Campari and Aperol.
Pappy to release 2026 Van Winkle Whiskey Collection: Crafted between the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery and Buffalo Trace Distillery, this year’s lineup includes bourbons with age statements of 10, 12, 15, 20, and 23 years, along with a 13-year-old rye. Suggested retail prices range from $169.99 to $499.99. Bottles within the limited-edition collection will be available at select retailers and on-premise accounts nationwide.
Josh expands Reserve collection with Sauvignon Blanc: The California mega-producer added a Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma County to its Reserve lineup. Josh Cellars Reserve Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is rolling out to retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $16.99.
The article Booze News Weekly Roundup: France Expects 30-Year Low Harvest, Van Winkle Announces 2026 Whiskey Collection, and More appeared first on VinePair.