Winebits 691: Cocktails-to-go, wine bars, Grape-Nuts

This week’s wine news: Texas is one step closer to cocktails-to-go, which would have been unthinkable a year ago. Plus, are supermarkets and wine bars ready to resume consumer wine tastings, and even Grape-Nuts got caught in pandemic supply chain shortfalls

• Yes, in Texas: Texas is one step closer to legalizing cocktails-to-go, which would have been unheard of just a year ago. The state house approved the measure 144-1 last week. But, since this is Texas, there’s still much more legislative to-do to watch. The state senate has not voted the bill out of committee, and that often means it won’t come up for a vote in the full senate. Which, if that happens, means the bill is dead this session. Still, that the bill has come this far — and with the support of legislators usually opposed to liberalizing the state’s restrictive liquor laws — means the bill could pass, even if has to wait for the next session of the Legislature in 2023.

• Resuming wine tastings? Retail wine bars and tastings, which mostly went away during the pandemic, may come back in a big way later this year. That’s what one consultant told the Supermarket News trade magazine. Mark Landini, noting that in-store wine tastings and wine bars have become crucial to many high-end food retailers, says “we’re seeing optimism on the long-term prospects for wine bars and taprooms, including takeout and outdoor settings in addition to the in-store trend.” Retailers like in-store wine service not only as perk for customers, but because those who stay for a glass of wine tend to buy more groceries.

• Yes, even Grape-Nuts: The pandemic’s shock to the supply chain showed up in a variety of ways in the wine business, with some brands missing from store shelves for extended periods of time, as well as a can shortage that left some canned wines in short supply. But why not, if even a staple like Grape-Nuts cereal went missing? The Shelby Report says consumers paid as much as $110 a box for the breakfast staple, as pandemic-related shortages and price gouging sent prices soaring. A company spokeswoman says the company will reimburse consumers who paid more than $10 a box, provided they can provide a receipt. And I thought not being able to buy La Vieille Ferme rose regularly was bad. Perspective is all, yes?

Photo: “Cocktails to go” by Tom Coates is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0