Let's Ask: Are Wine Pros Drinking Less?
According to the recent Wine America Economic Impact Study, the US wine industry employs more than 1.7 million people –927,033 full time equivalent (FTE) people directly, 383,476 as suppliers, and 439,854 people whose jobs are directly dependent on the wine industry.
It's safe to assume that many of these people choose to drink wine.
But as ongoing headlines highlight declining wine consumption, it begs the question, are we as wine professionals also drinking less, or is it the broader public driving the trend?
Of course, you, dear reader, are here because you are interested in mindfulness, moderation and living well, so it may be the influence of this community that's driving this curiosity (we were ahead of the curve after all).
But with the increased, and very welcome discussions around moderation, flex-drinking, zebra-striping, and mindfulness, are we as wine professionals changing how we drink wine?
Let's be honest. As wine pros, we have no shortage of access to wine, often great wine. Between trade tastings, sample accounts, staff allocations, and opportunities to taste and learn, there is no shortage of wine at our disposal.
We are also a curious bunch with talented palates, who are on the lookout for new and interesting flavors, regions, stories and discoveries. Couple this with the rocket-ship rise in the growth and quality of low-and no alcohol offerings, are we as professionals switching out what's in our glass? At least a little? And can we be honest about it?
With the increasing availability of quality low, no and mid-strength drink options appearing on beverage programs, Happy Hour drinks with industry friends may look different, and a "Day off Drinks" is an easier goal to achieve. I've been challenged (more than once) on whether encouraging people to drink less hurts the wine business, but I vehemently disagree. But, ARE we hurting our own business if we drink differently these days?
It's a complex topic, so join us for our next ABG Happier Hour on June 12 at 4pm PT | 7pm ET, and let's talk about it:
How are our own habits around drinking evolving?
Are we drinking more or less than we were a year ago?
If we are drinking differently, what is in our glass?
What's new and exciting in our fridges and home bars?
As always, we will close with our "Ask and Give" section at the end of the call where you can offer and ask for whatever you may need, right now.
So join us on June 12th at 4pm PT | 7pm ET and let's dive on in. YOU CAN REGISTER HERE.
And if you can't make the Happier Hour, but want to share, drop a line anytime with your perspective at rebecca@abalancedglass.com
And in July, we will also repeat our ABG community check -in survey and our attitudes toward drinks will be a focus area. The survey link will be shared in next issue, and we would love to hear your thoughts.
Namaste,
Beck
