I have worked in wine distribution for almost a decade and am astounded by the level of gaslighting and self-delusion that permeates drink culture right now. The truth is, these companies only care about their bottom line, a lot of them are owned by private equity companies, and have zero concern about the health of their employees or customers. I 100% percent agree that wine companies need to wake up and focus their creativity on embracing the n/a movement with the understanding that these grape and tea based beverages can be just as complimentary around a dinner table. We also need to challenge the assumption that we need alcohol to socialize.
Lipstick on a pig! Wine is still trying to sell the lie of upscale consumption. My wine-loving best friend didn’t feel very sophisticated when he survived a liver transplant last year. Booze worship is dying on the vine. Winemakers can adapt or die; we’re already moving on…
PS- While visiting my friends in Montreal this summer, I saw that Canada has a huge NA beverage culture and selection!
I'm going to use this as a gentle, motivational reminder and read this just after sitting down at an upcoming "friends-giving" dinner. at least half of us attending are already practicing sobriety. I'll share this with a handful of my "wine on special occasions only" friends and I'm sure they'll find it as helpful and inspirational as I have. thank you!
Yes yes YES!! I starting "drinking intentionally" (which means hardly ever drinking) at the beginning of this year. I'm a recovered bartender and this choice has confused the hell out of my social circle who is used to me closing down the bar with them.
Love this! This is one of the most important discussions of 2024, IMO. Its the structural fabric of society thats transforming here. Everyone is on board for wellness. Shifting drinking preferences away from alcohol and into more wellness is an opportunity for BigAlc to adapt and pivot, not spew hate towards those wanting to drink less. I own a Non Alcoholic Bar and Cafe in SF and am a career bartender and voice of the Non Alcoholic Movement. 93% of people that buy NonAlc buy alcohol, and I’m certainly not here to demonize alcohol, it does that on its own.
Yes Kristen! I read this recently and thought how hilarious and outrageous this term ‘Neo-Prohibitionist’ is. They are clearly scared and totally out of touch.
I have worked in wine distribution for almost a decade and am astounded by the level of gaslighting and self-delusion that permeates drink culture right now. The truth is, these companies only care about their bottom line, a lot of them are owned by private equity companies, and have zero concern about the health of their employees or customers. I 100% percent agree that wine companies need to wake up and focus their creativity on embracing the n/a movement with the understanding that these grape and tea based beverages can be just as complimentary around a dinner table. We also need to challenge the assumption that we need alcohol to socialize.
Lipstick on a pig! Wine is still trying to sell the lie of upscale consumption. My wine-loving best friend didn’t feel very sophisticated when he survived a liver transplant last year. Booze worship is dying on the vine. Winemakers can adapt or die; we’re already moving on…
PS- While visiting my friends in Montreal this summer, I saw that Canada has a huge NA beverage culture and selection!
Truth. Life's all about choices and mine's with you, wellness and freedom. Don't stop KCJ, we're 100% behind u. much love.
I'm going to use this as a gentle, motivational reminder and read this just after sitting down at an upcoming "friends-giving" dinner. at least half of us attending are already practicing sobriety. I'll share this with a handful of my "wine on special occasions only" friends and I'm sure they'll find it as helpful and inspirational as I have. thank you!
Yessss! And SAME: https://open.substack.com/pub/luncheonette/p/come-together?r=9tvo6&utm_medium=ios
This piece is so powerful! Thank you for taking this on. Multiple head nods of yes yes yes while reading.
Sit down “Come on Over October”! Such BS.
Yes yes YES!! I starting "drinking intentionally" (which means hardly ever drinking) at the beginning of this year. I'm a recovered bartender and this choice has confused the hell out of my social circle who is used to me closing down the bar with them.
My mom sent me this NY Times article the other day, entitled "Now is Not the Time to Give Up Wine." https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/26/opinion/wine-sober-october.html?unlocked_article_code=1.VU4.C9oH.ggYCO8WpnjiB&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=ce . Not exactly supportive 😆
It's interesting how hard they're fighting to show us we NEED a substance to enjoy a sublime life. I think that just makes you a slave.
Thank you for this outstanding piece! Absolutely spot on.
Love this! This is one of the most important discussions of 2024, IMO. Its the structural fabric of society thats transforming here. Everyone is on board for wellness. Shifting drinking preferences away from alcohol and into more wellness is an opportunity for BigAlc to adapt and pivot, not spew hate towards those wanting to drink less. I own a Non Alcoholic Bar and Cafe in SF and am a career bartender and voice of the Non Alcoholic Movement. 93% of people that buy NonAlc buy alcohol, and I’m certainly not here to demonize alcohol, it does that on its own.
Yes Kristen! I read this recently and thought how hilarious and outrageous this term ‘Neo-Prohibitionist’ is. They are clearly scared and totally out of touch.