Traditionally, summer (and the 4th of July specifically) have been opportunities for drinks brands of all kinds to (sometimes literally) wrap themselves in the American flag to move product. Yet even with the country's 250th anniversary just days away, it seems like relatively few are doing so this year. Is that because the current American political landscape is so fractious? Is patriotism and American pride at a low point, especially amongst the types of folks who tend to make that kind of decision? Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss that, plus how that kind of branding compares to more overtly targeting one political party or movement. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Zach is reading: Is It Time to Retire the Oversized Steakhouse Martini?

Joanna is reading: VinePair's Best New Bartenders Class of 2026

Adam is reading: Why Is New York City’s Hottest Cocktail Bar Serving Steak Frites?

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair

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Busy restaurants have imposed time limits on diners for decades. Yet bars have, historically, operated in such a way that once you get a seat, and as long as you're behaving, you can generally stay as long as you like. Well, in this new era of reservation-only bars, some are starting to impose time limits on patrons. Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss whether this is inhospitable, how bars should communicate this policy, and why bars in particular struggle to juggle the seating plans for a given evening. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Zach is drinking: Henschke "Hill of Grace" Shiraz

Joanna is drinking: Frozen Cherry Cola at Kinda Nice

Adam is drinking: Old King Cole Martini at Maison Premiere

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adam, Joanna, and Zach discuss the siren's song of online wine sales, and in particular the idea of affiliate marketing and referrals. So many businesses have taken aim at this potential market, yet when even Amazon decides that selling wine online is a non-starter, why do people continue to try? What are the specific challenges that make selling wine (and other beverage alcohol) online so difficult. Plus, an extended discussion of flavored whiskey. Please remember to subscribe to, rate, and review The VinePair Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes, and send any questions, comments, critiques, or suggestions to podcast@vinepair.com. Thanks for listening, and cheers!

Zach is reading: With the Industry Under Pressure, Should Bartenders and Sommeliers Finally Join Forces?

Joanna is reading: Why Is Everybody Making Blackberry Whiskey?

Instagram: @adamteeter, @jcsciarrino, @zgeballe, @vinepair

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.