-By Michelle Moran

Editor's Note: This is the debut of our new Beverage Aisle department that will run four times each year. It would appear that Americans are thirsty for knowledge of beverages in all categories from specialty waters and energy drinks to craft beers and artisan wines. So we have chosen to better represent this growing category to provide retailers with a clearer understanding of the trends and products associated with this burgeoning department.

Younger Generation Thirsts for Beverage Knowledge
Millennial consumers (21-30-year-olds) and their thirst for new experiences have a clear impact on their alcoholic beverage choices, according to a new study by The Nielsen Company. In the most comprehensive study to date of the alcoholic beverage preferences of the U.S. Millennial generation, Nielsen finds that Millennial consumers frequently seek new tastes and are willing to pay a premium for alcoholic beverages.

Also known as "The Next Great Generation," the 70 million Millennials outnumber Generation Xers (31-44-year-olds) by nearly 25 million and are nearly as large as the approximately 77 million Baby Boomers (45-65-year-olds) in the U.S.

"The Millennials are primed to be an extremely influential group," said Richard Hurst, senior vice president of Beverage Alcohol at ACNielsen, a service of The Nielsen Company. "At the beginning of their careers, Millennials are discovering the world and have control over their money and time in ways their predecessors never did. A sizeable group with many purchasing years ahead of them, understanding what they're buying, why they're buying, where they're buying and how they're buying represents an enormous opportunity for today's manufacturers and retailers."

"Understanding this important consumer group is critical to our business," said Ed Gawronski, vice president, Market and Business Insights, Miller Brewing Company. "We know Millennials will have great influence on category dynamics for years to come."

Alcoholic beverage preferences for the 21-30-years-old age group are clearly changing. Ten years ago, beer accounted for 59 percent of this group's alcoholic beverage spending; this number has shrunk 12 percentage points to 47 percent as wine and spirits purchases have grown in relatively equal proportions. While the 31-plus age group preferences are changing in a similar manner, wine and spirits preferences are moving at a much slower rate with only a six percentage point gain during the last 10 years.

Roll Out the (Beer) Barrels
Despite the decline over the past 10 years, Millennials still show a preference for beer. On a dollar basis, beer represents the majority (47%) of Millennial consumers' spending, compared to spirits (27%) and wine (26%). On a volume basis, beer accounts for 83 percent of Millennials' purchases, compared to 11 percent for wine and 6 percent for spirits. Among Millennials who drink different types of alcoholic beverages, beer is most often cited as their "favorite."

Nielsen's research shows that within the beer category, Millennials are exhibiting drinking preferences that differ from older generations and they are much more likely to experiment with different beer types and flavors. While domestic premium beers are still their dominant choice, Millennials are much more inclined than older consumers to purchase imported beers (28% of Millennial beer spending versus 15% for other age groups) or craft beers (15% of Millennial beer spending versus 6% for other age groups).

Considering imported beers, Millennials tend to look more favorably to Mexican beer imports than older generations do. Mexican beers account for nearly one half (46%) of Millennials' import purchases compared to approximately one-third (35%) of older consumers' import purchases. Older consumers show greater interest in imports from Holland, Germany and Canada than Millennials do.

"One might expect that as consumers grow older and their income levels rise, they would naturally trade up," said Hurst. "In fact, economy beer purchases are much more common among older generations. Craft and import beers have a receptive audience in Millennials who clearly are open to new tastes in beer, and are willing to pay more to try something different."

Socializing With Spirits
As with beer, Millennials show a preference for premium over value when it comes to spirits. Premium and ultra-premium spirits rank highest among Millennials, while value-priced spirits dominate consumers over age 50. For example, Millennials satisfy nearly half of their vodka purchases with premium and ultra-premium priced brands, compared to less than one-third of total
vodka sales for consumers over age 30, and 20 percent of consumers 61 years and older.

Nielsen's study shows that compared to Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, Millennials are more inclined to consume spirits with their friends in a bar or nightclub and are the most enthusiastic age group in learning about spirits.

"As a group, Millennials grew up with more beverage options — premium coffees, flavored waters, sweetened drink options — than their older counterparts," said Hurst. "The Millennial desire for variety is reflected in their preference for a wide range of spirits. Millennials are the most inclined to socialize and choose a more expensive drink than older consumers."

Nielsen found that Millennials perceive spirits to be "fun," "modern" and "popular." Baby Boomers, on the other hand, are less likely to consider spirits "fun" and more likely to perceive spirits as "relaxing" and "suiting their lifestyle."

Red, Red Wine
Millennials tend to prefer red wines (51% of volume) more so than older consumers (approximately 44%). Among red wines, Cabernet and Pinot Noir have the most distinct skew toward Millennials while Chardonnay remains the most popular white wine across all ages. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Rieslings account for a higher share of Millennials' wine purchases compared to the over-30 population.

Similar to the beer category, Millennials are more open to trying imported varieties and also contribute more to sake sales than Gen Xers and Baby Boomers.

Nielsen's research shows that while Millennials perceive wine to be "relaxing" and "sophisticated," they associate a certain formality with wine, citing it most often as the beverage of choice during a "formal" night out, and less often for casual occasions. While most Millennials consider themselves novices or only slightly knowledgeable about wine, approximately one-third (34%) of Millennials are interested in learning more — an "education" opportunity for wineries.

"The overall quality of wine has improved significantly during the last 15 years, so that today, the premium wine consumer will rarely find wine of poor quality," said Gary Glass, president, White Rocket Wine Company. "This is changing how the Millennial consumer shops as the Millennial focus is not on learning about wine to avoid 'making mistakes' but on having fun with wine. Quality certainly needs to be in the bottle, but to sell that first bottle, the brand name and packaging are critical as this is the key driver of Millennials' wine shopping decisions."

Editor's Note: Information for Nielsen's Millennials and Beverage Alcohol Study was collected via a triangulation of Nielsen's Homescan® consumer panel information and online survey and fieldwork from a sample of nearly 900 consumers 21 years old and older who drink beer, wine and spirits at least once every two months. For manufacturers and retailers interested in purchasing the study, please visit www.nielsen.com.

What's On Tap
By James Mellgren

Great Food, Great Beer: The Anheuser-Busch Cookbook
Having spent a fair amount of time with the folks at Anheuser-Busch, I am convinced they are passionate about at least two things — making beer and pairing said beer with delicious food. In regard to the latter, they have launched their new cookbook, Great Food, Great Beer: The Anheuser-Busch Cookbook (Sunset, $24.95), filled with 185 recipes, most of which use beer as an ingredient, with suggestions for pairing with beer. These are not your stereotyped beer recipes, however. True, there are many dishes that would be at home at a good tailgate party, but just as many that could be served at an elegant soiree, cocktail party, or regular family dinner. The book also provides some history on the venerable St. Louis beer company; a description of how beer is made; essays on pairing food and beer, tasting beer, pouring beer, choosing the right glassware that can affect the way you taste beer; and a concise glossary of beer terminology. This is a beer book for a whole new generation of beer drinkers, whether they're enjoying a cold lager on a hot day, sipping a stout beer with their dessert, or using the stout in the dessert.

Deschutes Brewery Debuts Organic Ale
Oregon's award-winning Deschutes Brewery has introduced its newest beer, Green Lakes Organic Ale, a classic amber ale made with caramel and Munich malts for a lovely reddish hue and six different varieties of hops. Brewmaster Larry Sidor spent four years searching for organic barley that would meet the brewery's standards, and another six months gaining organic certification for the 50-barrel brew house. Green Lakes Organic Ale was originally available only on tap at Deschutes Public House in downtown Bend, but six-packs are expected to be on shelves in the Western states in early February. MSRP: $4.00 for 22-oz. bottles, and $7.00 to $9.00 for six-packs. For more information, visit www.deschutesbrewery.com.

Orlio Organic Beer Company Capitalizes on Hot Trends
Banking on the emerging trends of organic products (75% of U.S. shoppers buy organic products at least occasionally), craft beer (up 11.7% between 2005 and 2006) and organic beer (sales doubled between 2003 and 2005 to $19 million), Orlio Organic Beer Company was launched last spring in South Burlington, Vt. So far they are offering Orlio Organic Common Ale, a medium-bodied deep golden beer, India Pale Ale, a strong but smooth medium-bodied copper ale (available February through July), and Black Lager, a rich, dark, malty medium-bodied beer (available August through January). All of the company's malts are two-row domestic and their hops all from Yakima Valley in Washington State. MSRP: $8.99/six-pack, $35.99/case of 24. For more information, visit www.orlio.net.

Chelada, la Combinación Perfecta
As part of a new "Savory Beer" category, Anheuser-Busch (A-B) has introduced Chelada, a delicious and refreshing combination of Clamato brand tomato cocktail with either Budweiser or Bud Light. Sometimes referred to as "red beer" throughout the Midwest, Chelada is based on a traditional method of serving beer in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America. This is not for cocktail hour, but rather for brunch (think Bloody Marys with less alcohol), tailgating, the beach, and other daytime activities. A-B combines approximately one-third Clamato with two-thirds beer, adds a little chile for spiciness and a hint of lime to make this tasty thirst-quencher. Clamato, for those unfamiliar, is a zesty tomato-based beverage that includes celery, onions, spices and a dash of clam juice. It was invented in 1961 in California by the Duffy-Mott Co. and is now owned by Cadbury-Schweppes. In Mexico, Clamato is routinely mixed with beer and also with tequila or vodka for a Bloody Caesar. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

News Briefs
St. Killian Importing Co., Inc. of Kingston, Mass., has contracted for the exclusive rights to distribute Otro Mundo — translated from Spanish as "another world" — in the United States. Founded in 2004, Otro Mundo Brewing Co. makes two premium products — Golden Ale and Red Ale — using only the finest natural ingredients. Both beers are offered in stylish 16.9-ounce bottles and are shipped 12 bottles per case. Golden Ale is 5.5% alcohol by volume while Red Ale is 7.5% alcohol by volume.

St. Killian is a national importer of specialty beers. In addition to Otro Mundo from Argentina, products for national distribution include Wurzburger Hofbrau and Julius Echter — rated the best German Hefewizen — from Germany and Tusker Lager from East Africa Breweries in Nairobi, Kenya. For the New England states, New York, New Jersey and Delaware, the company also imports San Miguel from the Philippines, Amarit from Thailand and J. Boag's from Tasmania in Australia. For more information, call 781-585-5165 or visit www.stkillianbeers.com.

Schwelmer Beer Imports North America, Inc. (www.schwelmer.com), importer of several lines of German beers, including its own Schwelmer Pils (a hop-accented blond lager), Alt (a copper-colored ale), Bernstein (an amber lager) and Weizen (a yeast-turbid wheat ale) celebrated its official U.S.-wide launch of the Schwelmer line of beers, which has been brewed in the Westphalian town of Schwelm, Germany, since 1830. Schwelmer started its U.S. operations only about two years ago and is now embarking on an aggressive expansion of its distribution area well beyond its home base in Brooklyn.

Schwelmer beers are gaining quite an aura. They were featured recently on the new FX Networks' TV series "Damages," starring Glenn Close, where, in the second episode, David Connor (played by actor Noah Bean) can be seen drinking a Schwelmer at his engagement party. Called "riveting" by Newsday and "simply extraordinary" by the Chicago Tribune, this show obviously has great taste in beer, too! For more information, call 718-554-7356.

H2O
By Kristin V. Montalvo

H20 – Essence Waters
You've probably noticed the bevy of flavored waters crowding grocery shelves lately. The problem — most of them contain artificial sweeteners, food coloring and taste the least bit refreshing. Thankfully, we've discovered the following new breed of designer thirst-quenchers, called essence waters, featuring naturally-infused fruit essences and herbs, and none of the bad stuff like their predecessors. Now that's what we call refreshing.

Ayala's Herbal Water
Ayala's Herbal Water is based on the infusion of pure water and culinary herbs known to have a high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities. Each Herbal Water blend is all-natural and soon to be certified organic, with no calories, artificial additives, or preservatives. Available in six exotic flavors: cinnamon orange peel, lemongrass mint vanilla, jasmine vanilla, lavender mint lemongrass thyme, cloves cardamom cinnamon, and ginger lemon peel. The product comes in 16-oz. PET bottles. MSRP: $1.50/16-oz. bottle. For more information, visit www.herbalwater.com.

Hint Essence Water
Hint Essence Water is a brand of premium drinking water with just a touch of natural flavor. But unlike other fruit-infused waters, Hint is made without sugar or artificial sweeteners. Natural fruit essences are infused into pure water, delivering on the promise -- refreshing great taste without all the junk. Hint is available in Mango-Grapefruit, Pomegranate-Tangerine, Lime, Raspberry-Lime, Peppermint, Pear, Tropical Punch, Cucumber and Strawberry Kiwi, with seasonal fan favorites appearing from time to time. Each 16-oz. bottle is $1.79, with 24-bottle cases available for $44.00. For more information, visit www.drinkhint.com.

Metromint Water
The Metromint Water line features fresh, flavorful, pesticide-free mint grown in Washington State's Yakima Valley. Then it's distilled in a double-distillation process that steams the leaves until the true essence of the mint is reached. The entire Metromint family -- including Peppermint, Spearmint, Orangemint, Lemonmint and, now, new Chocolatemint (think of it as a calorie-free peppermint patty) -- contains no sweeteners, no preservatives and no calories. Available in 500-ml PET bottles for $1.39–$1.69. For more information, visit www.metromint.com.

Twist Water
Incorporating just a twist of pure juice and fruit essence, this all-natural, ultra-premium water from Talking Rain has no sweeteners, preservatives or artificial ingredients. The company worked on the formula with the purpose of mastering the balance of a totally natural "barely there" fruit flavor without the need for anything artificial. Available in four natural flavors (sweetened with regular fruit juice and flavored with regular natural flavors) -- Lemon, Mandarin, Marionberry and Peach; and four organic falvors (sweetened with organic agave nectar and organic flavors) -- Mango Açaí, Mandarin White Tea, Pomegranate Blueberry, West Indies Lime. Twist retails for $1.29–$1.49. For more information, visit www.drinktwist.com.

News Briefs
Innovations in Bottled Water, a new report from market analyst Business Insights Ltd., identified key trends in the bottled water market including:
With growing awareness of the dangers of obesity, parents are switching away from sugary carbonated drinks and purchasing healthier bottled water alternatives for their kids. Within the adult market, health is also a key issue. As a result, development of functional bottled waters has been considerable. Such waters have been aimed particularly at the female market. Manufacturers are aligning themselves with the beauty industry and developing products to aid weight control, skin health, and well-being. A close link between hydration and beauty is being promoted. Growing globalization will mean the introduction of international brands to emerging economies. In more established markets, super premium products will become a feature of the market. New packaging solutions will form a major part of brand extension activity as manufacturers reach new markets with more convenient packaging formats. The bottled water industry is under scrutiny because of its preference for PET bottles. There is increasing pressure from governments and consumer groups for bottled water manufacturers to seek out more environmentally benign packaging.
Trying to get young children to drink water isn't easy — the tendency even at a toddler's age is to gravitate toward sweet juices. But studies are finding that children are consuming way too much sugar, and a big chunk of those empty calories come from juices, sodas and other sugary drinks. So this coming school year, Roberta Greenspan from Maddie's Beverage Company, maker of Wateroos water-filled drink boxes, is encouraging parents to scrap at least some of the sugar in their kids' diets by giving them delicious flavored water in their lunch boxes. Wateroos water-filled drink boxes have no sugar, artificial ingredients or sweeteners, and no calories. Available in four varieties (flavored and unflavored), Wateroos is the only children's water beverage packaged in colorful and playful drink boxes making water fun for kids to drink. Wateroos is packaged in six packs of 8-oz. (237 ml) Tetra Pak boxes with an SRP of $3.29. For more information, call 650-292-4908 or visit www.wateroos.com.


The Main Squeeze
Luvli Juices, a new, premium, all-natural vegetable juice company, has introduced three juices to the New York market — Smashing Tomato, Spicy Tomato & Zingy Carrot — providing three full servings of vegetables in each 10-oz. bottle. These flavor-forward juices are packed with the nutrition of 12 vegetables, offering substantive amounts of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, iron and 100% of vitamins C & A. Luvli is available for purchase online at www.luvlijuices.com, in cases of 12 10-oz. or six 1-liter bottles, MSRP: 10-oz. juice: $2.19/1 liter: $5.25.

Enjoy your "apple a day" the organic way. Apple Rush has introduced its USDA organic 100% Juice line in six delicious flavors including Original Apple, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Black Cherry, Cranberry and Strawberry Apple Blends. They're lightly carbonated, not too sweet and available in attractive four-packs at an MSRP of $5.99 each. For more information, visit www.applerush.com.

Simply Orange Juice Company is expanding its flourishing portfolio of refreshing, not-from-concentrate chilled juices and juice drinks with the introduction of new 13.5-fl.-oz. single-serve carafes. Single-serve Simply Orange Original, Simply Orange Calcium, Simply Lemonade and Simply Limeade varieties are available to retailers now. The new package option will allow the Simply line to provide a convenient, portable container for the growing on-the-go consumer base. MSRP: $1.79. For more information, call 800-871-2653.

News Briefs
O.N.E. Partners With Natural/Specialty Sales (NSS)
O.N.E. World Enterprises has appointed Natural/Specialty Sales (NSS) as its national sales and marketing agency. Founded in 2005, O.N.E. is a leading manufacturer of innovative, better-for-you beverages, including O.N.E. Coconut Water and O.N.E. Amazon Açaí. Natural/Specialty Sales, a wholly-owned affiliate of Acosta Sales and Marketing Company, exclusively serves more than 300 manufacturers of natural, organic, specialty and ethnic foods throughout the U.S. O.N.E. is committed to the sustainability of the Amazon rainforest and donates a percentage of profits to not-for-profit organizations such as Healthy Child Healthy World (www.healthychild.org). To learn more about O.N.E., go to www.onenaturalexperience.com.

The Buzz
Beverage Innovations Inc. is showcasing its VENGA Functional Infusions and TeaWAVE Fruit Smoothies. VENGA Functional Infusions is a line of tea-based beverages cold-aseptically filled in Switzerland in 532-ml/18-oz. PET bottles. VENGA is blended with the purest Swiss Alpine water, 100% natural fruit juices and nutriceuticals to generate functionalities. The line includes Calorie Burn, Brainstorm, Health&Zen, Rehydrate, Daily Dose and Energize. MSRP: $2.49–$2.99. For more information, call 561-665-8200.

The Healthy Beverage Company presents three new flavors of Steaz Energy: Organic Fuel for the Mind, Body and Soul -- Lime, Orange and Diet Berry -- crisp and refreshing while providing a natural, jitter-free energy boost. The natural boost in Steaz Energy comes from four quality ingredients: organic Fair Trade Certified Ceylon green tea from Sri Lanka, organic Guayaki yerba mate, organic Sambazon Açai, and organic Guarana. Energy Diet Berry is sweetened with pure organic sugarcane juice without highly refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The drinks come in the 12-oz. SLEEK™ can and retail for $1.99 per can. For more information, visit www.steazenergy.com.

News Briefs
SoNu Beverages — organic, vitamin-enhanced, flavored beverage manufacturer — has appointed Scott Abramson as chief operating officer. Abramson brings to the company more than 20 years of experience from the beverage and sales industries with some of the most competitive brands in the business. Most recently, Abramson was vice president of sales for Lifestyles Beverages, Inc. For more information, visit www.SoNuBeverages.com.

The Grape
Willamette Valley Vineyards (WVV), the first winery in the world to become certified by the Rainforest Alliance to use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified cork, has released its 2006 Pinot Noir. This wine is the first to be bottled using cork harvested from sustainably managed forests. The Rainforest Alliance was responsible for awarding FSC certification at each step throughout the process, beginning with certifying the world's first cork forest in 2005. It later certified the cork manufacturing facilities, which are owned by the Amorim Group. Willamette Valley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by Jim Bernau and is best known for its acclaimed Pinot Noir. For more information, call 800-344-9463 or visit www.WillametteValleyVineyards.com.

Tasting Notes: The Isles of Greece
These notes were provided from guests of HEPO who attended the 2nd Annual Kerasma Conference in Crete and Santorini last June. The Gourmet Retailer Magazine worked with Kerasma organizers to bring the top retailers and their importers to the conference.

Domaine Sigalas Santorini White 2006 100% Assyrtiko
From the ever-dwindling acreage still devoted to agriculture on the island of Santorini, this gem of a white shows the clean minerality and acidity that one would normally associate with a white from the Alto Adige or the Alsace. It develops nicely in the glass as beautiful lemon/lime flavors open up and mingle with an ever-so-delicate saline minerality. Paris Sigalas also produces the rare red wine Mavrotragono, which is classified by Slow Foods as a presidio product, the equivalent of an endangered species in world culinary and gastronomic culture. $21.00
James Stock, Haw River Wine Man, Burlington, N.C.

Alpha Estates Alpha Red 2004
From Western Macedonia, a blend of Syrah, Xinomavro and Merlot, this huge red shows that the climate and soils of Greece are capable of producing massive, highly extracted modern type wines that so many consumers are clamoring for. Licorice and blueberry jamminess makes this go very well with lamb dishes and game. Best decanted. $37.00.
James Stock, Haw River Wine Man, Burlington, N.C.

Domaine Sigalas Santorini 2006 Barrel Fermented
This was my favorite white wine we sampled in Santorini. I have this wine on my shelf. The grape is Assyrtiko. I also sold the 2005 which was also highly acclaimed. Wine Spectator notes it as a smart buy that's "a rich, exotic-tasting white, with aromas and flavors of beeswax, apricot, tropical fruits and spice. Very creamy, this is filled with custard notes, which extend on the minerally finish."
Eveyln Ignatow, Hyde Park Gourmet Food & Wine, Cincinnati, Ohio

Gaia Estate Koutsi-Nemea Agiorgitiko
While Greece isn't known for having the best reds in the world, we really were exposed to the varieties and qualities of product available on this trip. I was enamored of the Gaia Estate Koutsi-Nemea Agiorgitiko, which is a medium- to full-bodied red, with loads of raspberry and dark cherry flavors.
Eveyln Ignatow, Hyde Park Gourmet Food & Wine, Cincinnati, Ohio

Product Gallery
Giancarlo Ceci is introducing his award-winning NOP-certified organic wines to the U.S. market through an exclusive import agreement with Natural Merchants LLC. In the surroundings of Andria in the Puglia region of Italy, near Bari in Apulia, at an altitude of 250 meters, lies the farm GIANCARLO CECI. The vineyard is situated just above the famous Italy boot heel on the Adriatic Sea, an area that is perfectly suited for the production of fine wines. The first organic wines were produced in 2004 and the vineyard received USDA organic certification in 2006. Select varieties are now available in the United States under the PUGLIA label including the beautiful non-oaked 100% Italian Chardonnay and Rosso Montepulciano, a blend of traditional grape varieties from the Puglia region of Italy. Call 866-324-5333 for more information or visit www.naturalmerchants.com.

The new Waring Pro™ Professional Martini Maker brings cocktails down to 34° after the mixing cycle is complete. For best results, chill martini glasses before serving by filling with ice, and then discard the ice right before straining the martinis. The Martini Maker comes with a generously sized 20-oz. cocktail shaker that can go in the dishwasher, and a 1-oz. measuring cap. In addition, the stainless steel shaker has an indicator line showing the maximum amount of ice to add, which simplifies the art of mixing a great martini. MSRP is $99.95. For more information, call 800-492-7464 or visit www.waringproducts.com.

The Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker automatically shaves ice and blends it with consumers' favorite ingredients to consistently create restaurant-quality frozen drinks. Automated settings feature pre-programmed cycles that take the guesswork out of making the perfect frozen concoctions. Three models feature pre-programmed, automatic drink cycles that know just how much ice to shave and how long to blend to create that delicious, restaurant-quality frozen drink each and every time. The Bahamas™, Key West™ and Fiji™ models differ in ice capacity, motor power, drink selection options, and materials and colors. Priced from $199.99 to $379.99, all Margaritaville® Frozen Concoction Makers™ come with a "Changes in Latitude" Party Guide to kick-start any party. For more information, call 877-689-2737 or visit www.margaritavillecargo.com.

Stirrings launches Red and White Sangria Mixers. As with all of their products, the Red and White Sangria Mixers highlight the company's philosophy that "better ingredients make better cocktails." All Stirrings products are made with natural ingredients, including real fruit juice, triple-filtered water and cane sugar. Stirrings Sangria Mixers will retail for $9.99–$10.99. For more information, call 508-324-9800 or visit www.stirrings.com.

A whole new way to let wine "breathe?" These miniature Wine Whisks breathe life into your vino in seconds, allowing you to enjoy a glass of red or white right away. Small and portable, the whisks will come in handy when opening a new bottle of wine anywhere! Wine Whisk retails for $19.99. For information, please call 214-543-2342 or visit www.winewhisk.com.

TableTopics Wine Topics To Go. TableTopics Conversation Starters transform the same old cocktail party chitchat and wine-tasting parties to a whole new level. Small cubes are filled with mini cards each with a different question. They are fun, thought-provoking and guaranteed to propel your customers' conversations to new heights. TableTopics retail at $25.00 for regular versions and $9.00 for to-go versions, which includes the WineTopics To Go. For more information, call 888-690-6001 or visit www.tabletopics.com.


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