Dec 9, 2004
In PR, the idea of the “gatekeeper” is that there are relatively few individuals in any industry who set trends and frame the issues. The wine industry is driven by media to an unusually (some would unfortunately) high degree. What this means is that when consumers go to Merlot in droves or start to shy away from big oaky chards or become comfortable with screw caps, it’s the media that has a big impact on making this happen. There are…
Dec 8, 2004
AN OPEN LETTER TO KAREN GERVOIS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR THE WINE & SPIRIT WHOLESALERS ASSOCIATION (WSWA). MS. GERVOIS IS AN AMAZINGLY ACCOMPLISHED COMMUNICATOR HAVING WORKED IN JOURNALISM, AS A REPORTER FOR THE NEWSHOUR WITH JIM LEHER HOUR, AS THE PRESS SECRETARY FOR SENATOR CHUCK ROBB (D-VA) AND DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY FOR SENATOR JOHN BEAUX (D-LA) AND AS A MANAGER AT Burson-Marsteller. SHE HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE SINCE 2001 FOR OVERSEEING THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR…
Dec 7, 2004
Dahlia Withlick has written a wonderful summation of the arguments in today’s Supreme Court case on Direct Shipping for Slate: In Vino Gravitas. Read it. Based on her blow by blow reporting of the various arguments made today, it appears to me that things went exactly as I thought they would. The Justices were overwhelmingly skeptical of the State’s argument that the only way they could protect minors, recover taxes and regulate the flow of alcohol is to erect these…
Dec 7, 2004
Well, the Great Wine Case has been argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. I’ve been waiting for this day for many years. It’s frustrating because it is very difficult at this hour to get much information on how the arguments went and what the reaction of the justices were. However, some reports have been filed. To this point we can report the following: -Clint bloc’s, an attorney from D.C representing those challenging the laws made the case that the laws…
Dec 6, 2004
What will those arguing before the Supreme Court tomorrow in the Direct Shipping case have to say? Get a glass of wine and read the various briefs filed in the case here .