The pandemic didn’t slow the momentum of distillery tourism. It just placed it on pause. As restrictions on visiting distilleries loosened in 2021 — particularly for vaccinated folks — early returns suggested the public fervor to visit the hallowed grounds where their favorite spirits are made remains as strong as it did in pre-pandemic times.

Savoie is a footnote in wine most guides, often relegated to “other” French wine regions that merit little more than brief mentions after exhaustive examinations of Bordeaux and Burgundy, the Rhône and the Loire, and other areas on the beaten path. But that may be changing as more wine lovers discover the delights of this Alpine region — Savoy in English — especially its light yet distinctive and affordable white wines.

The relationship between millennials and wine has been a hot button topic for years, with craft beer, hard seltzer, and distilled spirits vying for market share. The Silicon Valley Bank’s recently published 2022 State of the Wine Industry report shows the scale of the issue, using industry-wide surveys and data, sourced from reputable organizations such as the Wine Institute. In 2021, Americans did not consume more wine than in the previous year.

When starting a wine cellar, it can be tempting to buy as many bottles as possible, shove them in a cool, dark place, and not touch them for 15 years. But that tactic doesn’t work for every bottle, with some wines hardly changing after years of storage and others prone to overaging.

E. & J. Gallo Winery is excited to sponsor this episode of VinePair’s “Wine 101.” Gallo always welcomes new friends to wine with an amazing wide range of favorites, ranging from everyday to luxury and sparkling wines. Gallo also makes award-winning spirits (but, you know, this is a wine podcast…). So whether you’re new to wine or an aficionado, Gallo welcomes you to wine. We look forward to serving you enjoyment in moments that matter.