spririts

The boom in U.S. microdistilleries comes in part from many Americans reinventing their careers in a dire economy. That entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in some of Colorado's newly minted microdistilleries. And industry giants, like Jim Beam, are also welcoming these new makers of American liquor.

From Champagne to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, vintners across France are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Thanks to favorable climatic conditions over the past 12 months, 2009 is expected to be an excellent vintage. The news is raising hopes among France's beleaguered wine and spirits...