State of the Union 2026

OWS - State of the Union 2026

As we enter February, I wanted to share with you the “State of Union” for OWS -- a look back at the accomplishments of 2025 and an outline of what to expect in 2026.

Recently, I was talking with a fellow small business operator about how he felt about 2025 and what he expected in 2026.  Throughout this conversation, we both kept using one word over and over to describe how we felt about each year.  My word for 2025 was “thought-provoking” (okay maybe it is two words but the hyphen makes it one word, right?) Throughout the year we achieved new milestones: 6% growth in sales; 25% growth in first time buyers; hosted 12 virtual wine and food tastings, 3 private wine dinners, 10 private wine tastings; and added three new members to the OWS Team.  All was not rosy as we faced the same challenges many of you experienced as well, for example rising costs and out of stock items.  If those challenges were not enough, the wine industry as well as the whole alcohol industry is reeling from a drop in consumption, a loss of connection to younger generations and logistical challenges as breweries and distilleries are closing or have gone to smaller production levels.  Through all of this we prevailed and are inspired to make 2026 even better!

Back to the conversation about outlooks, my word for 2026 is giddiness” – excited, but with a degree of uncertainty.  What do I mean by this? After a great 2025, I feel like 2026 is going to be even greater, but as with all small business owners, I do not want to get too excited.  But, when I consider the community we have built and continue to expand, I feel great.

This year, in addition to growing our sales, I also want to grow the size of our community.  Whether it is collaborating with old and new partners, or simply being in the community with new events, you will see more OWS!

Some of the initiatives we have been working on and looking to release in the coming months include:

•         More in-depth information through blogs - both written and video.  Soon we will be launching our new series called “Behind the Label”

·       Cultivating more interactive community with new features on our website and social media.  For example, on our Culinary Page, we will showcase our culinary adventures as well as food created by our culinary team delivered to your home.

·       Create more in-person events – both wine tastings and wine dinners

·       Building more private events – whether you are celebrating a milestone or simply want to entertain your guests to a great night of food and wine

·       Increasing our sales force (more soon)

In the coming weeks, you will see more from us about these initiatives and more!  We invite you to provide your feedback, requests and more at bryan@owswine.com.

Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to making 2026 even better than 2025 with you, our valued community!

Cheers,

Bryan