Sweet and Salty News

Marco Alves

Senior Editor, Drinks

As the Senior Editor, Drinks at Sweet and Salty News, Marco Alves oversees coverage across wine, spirits, and mixology, including beats like The Cellar & Vine and Behind the Bar. He explores everything from oenology and global wine regions to distillation science and beverage program curation. Marco's approach is rooted in the belief that every bottle tells a story about a specific time, place, and culture, offering readers deep insights into what they drink. Through his writing, he aims to demystify complex fermentation techniques and classic cocktail crafting for both enthusiasts and professionals.

Expertise

Oenology and ViticultureGlobal Wine RegionsDistillation and Spirits ProductionClassic and Modern MixologySake and Fortified WinesBeverage Program CurationFermentation Science

Coverage Areas

The Cellar & Vine
Behind the Bar
Global Drink Culture

Latest Articles

Diverse group of young adults socializing and enjoying a variety of colorful ready-to-drink cocktails at a trendy bar.
Behind the Bar

RTD Beverages Surge Past Traditional Spirits Amid Shifting Consumer Preferences

Ready-to-drink beverages now account for 94% of total spirits volume growth, even as overall alcohol consumption in the U.

Sep 9, 2026 · 6 min read

An exquisitely prepared Beijing duck served at a lavishly decorated table inside iDen's Beijing Duck House in New York City.
Behind the Bar

iDen’s Beijing Duck House Opens in NYC, Highlighting Luxury Trend

On September 1, 2026, iDen’s Beijing Duck House, a high-end duck restaurant, opened in New York City, taking over the prestigious former location of La Grenouille.

Sep 2, 2026 · 2 min read

A split scene showing healthy grapevines and stressed vines in an Indian vineyard, with a winery in the background under a dynamic sky.
The Cellar & Vine

India's Wine Industry Thrives Amidst Climate Shifts and Evolving Tastes

In Maharashtra's Nashik Valley, once a prime region for Indian Cabernet Sauvignon, average temperatures have climbed 1.

Aug 30, 2026 · 4 min read

Overflowing barrels of red wine in an Italian vineyard during harvest, symbolizing a severe market glut and crisis.
The Cellar & Vine

Italy's Red Wine Glut Worsens with Early Harvest Amid Crisis

In Valpolicella, Italy, a staggering 172,280 quintals of grapes, representing 20% of total production, are currently stockpiled, signaling an unprecedented glut in the red wine market.

Aug 29, 2026 · 2 min read

An artistic arrangement of unique spirit bottles filled with colorful liqueurs, surrounded by exotic botanicals like celery root, aronia, and saffron.
Behind the Bar

Top 8 Unique Lesser-Known Spirits From Around the Globe

At Apologue Liqueurs, celery root, Aronia, and saffron are not just ingredients; they are the foundation for a new generation of spirits challenging traditional palates.

Aug 23, 2026 · 4 min read

A refreshing Classic Gin Gimlet cocktail in a coupe glass, garnished with a lime wheel, sits on a bar, ready to be enjoyed.
Behind the Bar

Top 2 Best Gin Cocktail Recipes to Make at Home

A perfectly balanced Classic Gin Gimlet requires just two minutes to craft, proving that the finest gin cocktails don't demand complex techniques or obscure ingredients.

Aug 16, 2026 · 3 min read

Ghost Corner 2024 Sémillon bottle receiving the SA Terroir Trophy for Top Wine at a prestigious award ceremony.
The Cellar & Vine

Ghost Corner Sémillon Wins 2024 SA Terroir Trophy for Top Wine

For the second year running, Ghost Corner Wines has claimed the SA Terroir Trophy for Top Wine, this time with its 2024 Sémillon.

Aug 13, 2026 · 3 min read

Juxtaposition of sun-scorched Italian vineyard and frost-covered vines, symbolizing the dual threats of heat and cold to global grape harvests.
The Cellar & Vine

Extreme weather accelerates Franciacorta's 2026 grape harvest to July 30

In Italy's Franciacorta region, the 2026 grape harvest is set to begin on July 30, marking the earliest start on record, according to Winenews It .

Jul 30, 2026 · 3 min read

A vineyard landscape showcasing the interplay of soil, rolling hills, and changing weather, illustrating how these elements influence wine flavor.
The Cellar & Vine

How Do Soil, Climate, and Topography Shape Wine Flavor?

In 2010, some Bordeaux wines reached an unprecedented 16% alcohol, a stark indicator of how quickly climate change is reshaping the very essence of classic wine regions.

Jul 18, 2026 · 5 min read

A sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktail centerpiece on a bar, with blurred patrons enjoying mocktails in the background, highlighting a vibrant social scene.
Behind the Bar

Top 6 Non-Alcoholic Drink Alternatives to Alcohol

Out of 95 non-alcoholic drinks taste-tested, several emerged with complex flavor profiles and satisfying textures that genuinely rival their alcoholic counterparts.

Jul 15, 2026 · 6 min read

An intimate bar scene in the American South, showcasing expertly crafted cocktails and a warm, historic ambiance with patrons enjoying the atmosphere.
Behind the Bar

Top 7 Cocktail Cities & Bars in the American South

At New Orleans' Jewel of the South, patrons sip a Crusta, one of the city's original cocktails, while enjoying rustic dishes like crisp tripe.

Jul 12, 2026 · 5 min read

European vineyard struggling with extreme heat, with a sommelier observing wilting grapevines and considering adaptation strategies.
The Cellar & Vine

EU Funds Help Wineries Adapt to Climate Crisis, But Deeper Changes Are Needed

French vineyards experienced temperatures as high as 44°C during a June heatwave, pushing traditional winemaking to its absolute limits, according to The Drinks Business .

Jul 10, 2026 · 4 min read

Interior view of Bluebird Distilling's Phoenixville location showcasing a modern bar area and a glimpse into the Dough House pizzeria kitchen, highlighting the fusion of spirits and food.
Behind the Bar

Bluebird Distilling Phoenixville adds Dough House pizzeria

Bluebird Distilling has poured $2.

Jul 7, 2026 · 2 min read

A lively bar scene showcasing the booming ready-to-drink cocktail market, with a visual representation of market growth and a decline for a legacy brand.
The Food Trade

RTD Cocktails Surge to Nearly $4 Billion Amid Market Shifts

In 2025, while the ready-to-drink cocktail market surged to nearly $4 billion, Jim Beam's RTD sales plummeted by 6.

Jul 3, 2026 · 3 min read

A parched vineyard with shriveled grapes under intense sun, symbolizing the impact of climate change on wine regions and land use.
The Cellar & Vine

Emerging Wine Regions Face Land Use Crisis Amid Climate Adaptation Challenges

When temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, grapevines face a profound crisis, leading to shriveled berries, degraded color, and drastically reduced yields.

Jun 29, 2026 · 4 min read

A steaming pot of colorful ratatouille with fresh vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes on a rustic kitchen counter.
The Test Kitchen

Easy Ratatouille Recipe Update Serves Warm, Cold, or Room Temp

Forget the fancy French reputation: ratatouille, a dish often associated with intricate preparation, can be frozen for up to three months, making it a surprisingly practical staple for busy weeknights

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

Diverse group of Mexican winemakers in a modern vineyard at sunset, examining grapes, symbolizing innovation and tradition in the wine industry.
The Cellar & Vine

Mexican wine pioneers redefine tradition with innovative techniques

In 2023, sparkling wine sales in Queretaro alone topped US$481,000.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A pint of beer on a bar counter with a $3.20 minimum price tag, illustrating the impact of new alcohol pricing policies on bars and consumers.
Behind the Bar

Minimum alcohol prices boost health but squeeze bars and consumers

In Alberta, a 20 oz. draught beer now costs a minimum of $3.20, a price floor designed to curb consumption that could reshape the province's bar scene and consumer habits. This new pricing structure,

Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Golden hour sunlight illuminates a sprawling vineyard in Essex, with rows of grapevines leading to a rustic winery, symbolizing the growth of wine tourism.
The Cellar & Vine

Essex Wine Tourism Booms, Driving Visitor Growth

In Essex, land prices in prime grape-growing areas have surged by 15% annually over the past five years, according to a Savills Rural Property Report.

Jun 18, 2026 · 4 min read

An open bottle of red wine preserved with a vacuum pump, ready for cooking or enjoying later.
The Cellar & Vine

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Party Wine This Year

A simple vacuum pump and your refrigerator can extend the life of an open bottle of wine for weeks, transforming what was once considered waste into a versatile ingredient or another enjoyable glass.

Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read