New York-based Pernod Ricard USA announced that Lillet, a wine-based aperitif produced in Bordeaux, France, has joined the Pernod Ricard USA portfolio of premium spirit and wine brands, effective Jan. 1. 

The Stewart family, owners of Sonoma, Calif.-based Lake Sonoma Winery, has negotiated the purchase of Envolve Winery from sibling proprietors Mike, Kate and Chris Benziger and Ben Flajnik. 

Cape Classics added to its portfolio with its latest label — Terre Brûlée — hailing from the Swartland region. 

Art-Farm Wine now offers its St. Mayhem line of wines, which will roll out nationwide early in 2016. 

It’s no secret that bottled water is one of the hottest beverage trends in the market. Market research firms have touted its growing market share and campaigns like first lady Michelle Obama’s Drink Up initiative is encouraging consumers to turn to the zero-calorie option.

Oliver winery released two wines for the fall: Bubblecraft Red and Bubblecraft White.

I recently returned from a vacation in Southern California, where I mixed in some work between Disneyland, whale watching and playing in the Pacific Ocean. After watching my 19-year-old son and the rest of Chicago Danube Swabians — a German folk-dancing group — participate in a Landerstrachtenfest in Anaheim, we got the chance to explore California and sample a few beverages, too.