Recognizing the innovators and trendsetters who redefined taste, creativity, and excellence at the ECRM Grand Tasting.
Food & Beverage Magazine is honored to feature the winners of the ECRM Grand Tasting, a showcase where top brands and makers in beer, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink (RTD) categories rose above the competition. These companies exemplify the cutting edge of flavor, quality, and market innovation, offering restaurateurs, buyers, and hospitality leaders a glimpse at the future of beverage trends.
Best Beer – Springfield Beer Company
Ryan Kunken (Owner | President | Brewer)
admin@spfldbeercompany.com
Springfield Beer Company’s standout brews captured judges’ attention for their balance, craftsmanship, and consistent quality. The award spotlights Springfield Beer’s commitment to raising the profile of independent American breweries and their dedication to inventive, drinkable styles that deliver on both tradition and taste.
Best Wine – DNA Vineyards
Andrea Silverstein (Owner)
andrea@dnavineyards.com
Simone Sequeira (Winemaker)
simone@dnavineyards.com
DNA Vineyards secured top honors with wines that marry terroir-driven character and bold varietal expression. Guided by Andrea Silverstein and winemaker Simone Sequeira, DNA is pushing the boundaries of sustainable winemaking—offering buyers and sommeliers wines that resonate with both connoisseurs and the eco-conscious consumer.
Best Spirit – Mean Spirits Distillery
David Hall (Owner)
davehall@meanspiritsdistillery.com
Louis Shepard (Owner)
loushepard@meanenterprises.com
Mean Spirits Distillery blends old-world technique with new-world vision, earning this year’s Best Spirit for bold, memorable pours that impress both mixologists and collectors. Their hands-on approach and relentless pursuit of quality set a new standard for independent distilling in the US.
Best Innovative Product – VARIN Life Inc.
Corey Weitzman (Director of Business Development)
corey@varinlife.com
Tyler Marshall (CEO)
tyler@varinlife.com
Zach Miller (Director of Distribution)
Zach@VARINLife.com
VARIN Life Inc. took the innovation prize with disruptive product lines engineered for evolving consumer preferences—whether functional wellness or next-generation packaging. Their recognition at ECRM positions them as a top target for forward-looking buyers and retailers in search of what’s next.
Best RTD (Ready-to-Drink) – Nowadays
Chris Wheatley (Director of National Accounts)
cwheatley@trynowadays.com
Corey Nicely (Key Account Manager)
cnicely@trynowadays.com
Koby Licciardo (SVP of Sales)
koby@trynowadays.com
Maggie Grube (Division Sales Manager)
mgruber@trynowadays.com
Nowadays captured the judges’ attention for RTD beverages that align with modern hospitality needs: convenience, quality, and flavor-forward formulations. Their team continues to lead with smart category solutions and national expansion strategies that make an impact with today’s increasingly mobile, health-minded consumer.
Business Takeaways for Buyers and Operators
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Category innovation is driving buyer interest—each winner profiles what’s working right now in consumer beverage demand.
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Contact details above connect you with creators and leaders for collaboration, distribution, and interviews.
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As Q4 approaches, these brands represent must-watch movements for beverage programs, retail shelves, and wholesale partnerships.
Celebrate excellence and stay ahead of the curve—subscribe for more Grand Tasting and trend coverage at fbmagazine.com.
Want to be featured in our next ECRM Winner Spotlight? Connect with our editorial team.
