Balzac news is a source for the latest news and views from the company. Here we discuss the latest happenings in the industry, news from the company, resources for clients and prospects, and the occasional fun article.

Blogs are a meaningful way to share content with those that need it. We’re happy to share our knowledge and experience, with the hope that our clients see our value beyond the blog.

With 30 years in the business of marketing communications, we’ve developed many tips and tricks to increase efficiency and profitability for our clients. Today, the company is led by Michael Wangbickler, who joined the agency in 2004. Since then, Michael has worked with dozens of clients from all over the world, from France and Italy to Australia and Japan.

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Wine Industry Sales Symposium

Michael Wangbickler at Wine Industry Sales Symposium

The 2023 Wine Industry Sales Symposium, presented by Wine Industry Network (WIN), proved to be an unparalleled platform for learning, networking, and charting the course towards success in the dynamic world of wine sales to its attendees. The one-day educational conference featured wine industry experts speaking on all aspects of sales and marketing, including 3-Tier…

Hello Grappa! – A New York Minute

Grappa lovers get an education at Hello Grappa! Days  From June 14 to 16, 2023 in New York City, Balzac administered and managed a series of educational marketing events for the traditional Italian spirit Grappa at Hello Grappa! Days 2023. Grappa is experiencing a resurgence of interest due to its sustainability (it’s made from grape…

Kvevri - Georgian Wine

Balzac in Georgia – Original Wine Country

Last month (July 2023), agency president Michael Wangbickler was in Tbilisi, Georgia. The purpose of the trip was to conduct a day-long workshop on wine marketing and wine tourism. This was supported by a number of meetings with top officials and winery owners. Throughout the week, both Eter Gorgiladze (our expert in Georgia) and Mike…

Emma Criswell - Balzac Communications Marketing Director

Emma Criswell Marks Six Months

We’re thrilled to report that Emma Criswell is celebrating her six-month anniversary with the company. Criswell has a decade of experience in the wine and spirits industries and her addition adds key expertise to the management team. Not content to simply rule California, our president, Michael Wangbickler has plans to expand the company’s footprint nationally.…

Mustard in Vineyard

Napa County Agricultural Preserve Celebrates 50 Years

Napa County Agricultural Preserve Celebrates 50 YearsActivities planned throughout the year to celebrate golden anniversary Napa, CA (February 22, 2018): The Napa County Agricultural Preserve marks its 50-year anniversary in 2018. To celebrate this momentous milestone, community leaders from the Jack L. Davies Napa Valley Agricultural Land Preservation Fund and other organizations from throughout Napa…

Michael Wangbickler and Paul Wagner

Balzac Communications & Marketing Announces Management Changes

Paul Wagner retires and Michael Wangbickler takes title of President Napa, CA (August 31, 2017) – Balzac Communications & Marketing, a leading craft food and beverage marketing communications agency, announced today that Paul Wagner has stepped down as President of the company and relinquished the title to current Chief Executive Officer Michael Wangbickler. Wagner will take…

Bottle Talk with Rick and Paul

BOTTLE TALK WITH RICK AND PAUL Now Part of the Capital Public Radio Podcast Lineup

Bottle Talk with RICK and PAUL Join CPR Podcast Lineup What next? The Apocalypse? Sacramento, CA – Capital Public Radio, Sacramento’s NPR station, is now featuring Bottle Talk with Rick and Paul in its podcast lineup alongside such NPR standards as Fresh Air, MarketPlace, A Prairie Home Companion, Science Friday, and Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me.  Go…