The most compelling argument that can be made in favor of shutting down direct shipping from wineries to consumers and retailers is not that minors might get their hands on alcohol. It’s that out-of-state wineries might evade paying state taxes and the state would lose important revenue. Have you ever seen the reaction of a state agency or state legislator when faced with the prospect of having less money to play with. It’s the mother bear syndrome. Get out of…
Here in California we have some experience with electricity blackouts. A few summers back we experienced rolling blackouts that played havoc with one of the largest economies on earth. While the interruptions caused problems for some in the wine industry, the problems were nothing compared to what South African Vintners are apparently facing. According to reports, South African vintners, along with the rest of the country, have been hit hard by backouts. However, coming at harvest time (now…it’s the southern…
The battles over direct shipment of wine across state borders has largely been a fight between wineries and wine wholesalers, the former wanting the right to ship wine direct while the latter hoping to stop it all together. What’s been missing from the discussion has been the voice of wine retailers. That’s likely to change with the creation of the Specialty Wine Retailers Association. The creation of a number of companies that rely on direct shipping, SWRA will work to…
There’s no winery, there are no vineyards, there’s not that much self respect, but there are boobs and brand. If that’s enough for you then step on up. The price is only $460,000. According to the Classified Ad over at Wine Enthusiast’s web site, Cleavage Creek Winery is for sale. It’s described as a "Turnkey business." I wish I really knew that that meant. Do you turn a key and lose money? Or, do you turn a key and money…
The danger we all confront of becoming too jaded a person is surely the result of an accumulation of disappointments; not just a single shock to our idea that authenticity is worth seeking out. Still, today’s news that Barry Bonds appears to have used steroids heavily, and lied about it, is the kind of affront to my faith in authenticity that nearly puts me in the camp of the jaded. The disappointment that comes with hearing this news helps explain…
