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Wine & Spirits

Franzia Decks the Box in Holiday Ugly Sweater Style

Franzia has dressed up its classic Chardonnay box with a colorful holiday ugly sweater design, available for a limited time only. The classic knit holiday sweater graphics are accompanied by a printed-on-the-box bow and gift tag, so gift givers can easily fill in the tag and place the box right under the tree or directly into the hands of eager friends, or, as Franzia call them, “franz.” No wrapping required!

The limited-edition holiday box is available for purchase in retail stores nationwide while supplies last for a suggested retail price of $17.99. This is the second seasonal packaging design for Franzia, following the limited-edition Patriotic box design, which debuted in May 2022.

More than just a limited-edition box, the festive design on the holiday box can also be found on a matching Franzia holiday ugly sweater complete with battery-powered holiday lights. The coordinating set makes party guests the life –and light– of the party. The matching Franzia sweater is available for purchase at shop.franzia.com for $45.

In addition to the Franzia holiday ugly sweater with lights and corresponding holiday box design, Franzia has also released its largest merchandise item ever created for their collections: an inflatable lawn decoration shaped like a real box of Franzia. Available in two varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sunset Blush, the fully inflated yard decoration stands five feet tall with internal lights to illuminate the design. The Franzia inflatable lawn decoration is available for purchase at shop.franzia.com for $50.

“At Franzia, we are always looking to provide new ways for our fans to show off their enthusiasm for the brand. This holiday season, we are taking things to the next level by not only designing a limited-edition holiday Chardonnay box that’s wrapped and ready for gift giving, but also creating a matching holiday ugly sweater with blinking holiday lights. You and your box of Franzia become the star of any holiday party,” said Katie Hoefs, marketing manager. “Additionally, your neighbors will be jealous of your outdoor holiday decorations with our oversized Franzia lawn inflatable, which shows off holiday spirit in a BIG way!”

The Franzia holiday merchandise collection also includes a festive holiday onesie, more Franzia sweaters, Franzia socks and more. For additional information about the limited edition Franzia holiday box, the matching holiday sweater, inflatable lawn decoration and other holiday gift ideas, visit the Franzia website.

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Red, white or crimson? Single-Serve Wine Copa Di Vino Goes to ‘Bama

Single-serve wine Copa Di Vino from Splash Beverage GroupSingle-serve wine Copa Di Vino from Splash Beverage Group will be the exclusive wine available at the University of Alabama’s Athletics Department events, which includes  NCAA football games in Bryant Denny Stadium.

Through this agreement, Copa Di Vino will also be included in various broadcast and digital advertising conducted by the athletic department.

Copa Di Vino is the leading producer of premium wine by the glass in the United States. Famously launched with multiple appearances on the hit television series, “Shark Tank,” the brand is now widely recognized for premium wines without the need for bottles, corkscrews or glass.

“This is a very exciting and unique opportunity for Copa Di Vino to not only see increased sales as we continue our execution in large venues, but to benefit from an association with one of the more widely recognized “brands” in the U.S.,” said Robert Nistico, Splash Beverage Group’s chairman and CEO.

“The University of Alabama Crimson Tide has the largest fan base in the SEC.  Alabama football has appeared in 9 national championship games since 2009, and U of A Athletics hosts over 1.4 million spectators each academic year, including over 800,000 at Bryan Denny Stadium.

Single-serve wine Copa di Vino, through this agreement, will be allowed to use the Athletics Departments logos and we’d note that Alabama is the #1 selling brand in college athletics. U of A fans will see Copa signage throughout the venues. We’re thrilled with the exposure that Copa will receive.”

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Aviation American Gin Opens Distillery, Visitor Center

Aviation American Gin is celebrating the grand opening of the “Aviation American Gin Distillery and Visitor Center” in its hometown of Portland, Ore. The state-of-the-art, nearly 33,000 sq. ft. facility features an intimate tasting room, exceptional draft cocktail bar and gift shop. As part of the interactive experience, visitors can get a sneak peek at co-owner Ryan Reynolds’ office, which doubles as an escape room, inviting guests to solve a series of puzzles and identify various Easter eggs to get out.

The new Aviation Gin experience offers guests a behind the scenes look at how Aviation Gin is distilled in its uniquely American style, crafted with a blend of botanicals, which delivers an approachable and uniquely balanced flavor profile. Like all successful partnerships, none is overpowering or masking, but each plays a part in bringing out the best in all. Aviation Gin was created to be balanced and smooth to complement any cocktail or even fly solo.

“About three years ago, we set out to create a one-of-a-kind distillery and tasting experience to give people the opportunity to get a look at how we make the world’s greatest spirit – Aviation American Gin, that is. We’re thrilled to announce that the Aviation American Gin Distillery is officially open for business in Portland, Ore., and everyone (21 years and older) is welcome,” said Ryan Reynolds, Aviation American Gin’s co-owner. “If a grown-up theme park and a bartender fell in love and produced offspring, it would be this gin factory.”

Helmed by award-winning industry veteran and distillery director, Hollie Stephenson, the facility will offer educational tours of the distillation process and bottling line, as well as tasting flights and unique seasonal draft cocktails. Stephenson will bring her vast production and tasting room experience to the site as she oversees the distilling and bottling operations, as well as the newly constructed visitor center and tasting room.

“Portland, Ore., is such a vibrant city with a rich, unrivaled spirits & cocktail scene. We’re proud to be opening the Aviation American Gin Distillery in the company’s hometown,” said Christina Choi, senior vice president at Diageo. “Knowing how beloved the brand is, we’re excited to invite consumers to explore, sip and learn about how our premium, uniquely American-style gin is distilled.”

The tours will be held in intimate groups of no more than 12 visitors and will cost $28 per person, which includes a guided tasting. Guests are invited to enjoy the distillery at their leisure and those who are visiting the bar can sip on cocktails and tasting flights (limited to 2.5oz per day) without participating in the full tour.

The distillery will be serving six draft cocktails that will rotate seasonally, starting with: Ryan’s Nitro Negroni, Fizzy Bees Knees, Grapefruit Collins, Aviation G&T, Saturn, and the Flora Dora. A straight tasting of Aviation American Gin will also be available to purchase for $5. Guests must be 21+ with valid ID to sample or purchase cocktails.

In 2020, Diageo acquired Aviation American Gin through the acquisition of the Davos Brands portfolio.

The Aviation American Gin Distillery is located at 2075 NW Wilson St. Portland, OR 97209, and is open Thursday through Sunday from noon – 7PM PT. Guests can book their visit at https://www.aviationgin.com/visit-us. For more information and to stay up to date on the latest news, including distillery details, please visit www.aviationgin.com or follow @aviationgin on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Aviation American Gin [42% Alc/Vol. Imported by Diageo, New York, NY] reminds you to drink responsibly.

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