The Gallup organization recently released the results of a poll indicating that beer now has a significant lead over wine. The poll was further divided between 30 to 49 year olds and those aged 50 and above.

The younger group favored beer 47 percent, wine 27 percent and liquor 21 percent. The second group favored beer at 45 percent, liquor at 33 percent and wine at 19 percent. These are interesting statistics which leads to further questions including does income affect the type of alcoholic beverage one drinks?

According to the article by Gallup, they discovered that higher economic status, higher income and age plays a significant role into how frequently alcohol is enjoyed. Does that mean the higher the income the more stress comes with money or that more money means the affordability of the drink?

I have visited several wineries that diversify their wineries. Three Brothers in the Finger Lakes region of New York has three wineries and a brewery at the same location. One tasting room is an upscale wine tasting room. Passion Feet is the tasting room geared towards women and the third is for those just out for a good time and just beginning to learn about wine. The brewery offers beer and a non-alcoholic root beer. Three Brothers definitely caters to wine and beer lovers. Jack Rabbit Hill and Peak Spirits in Colorado has diversified by producing wine and adding a distillery in a separate building just a few feet from the winery. Peak Spirits uses a copper still to produce spirits using only fresh fruit. The distilled spirits include Pear Aperitifs, Riesling Grappa, Organic Vodka and Coffee Flavored Grappa.

Diversification helps everyone. Unfortunately, states have different laws regarding what can be produced on winery property. Some states will not permit a distillery to be located with a winery. Will we ever see the end of Prohibitionist type regulations?