In recent years, US trade policy developments – including broad tariffs and anti-dumping/countervailing duties – have disrupted global supply chains and increased costs across multiple industries. The wine and spirits sector, in particular, continues to experience the ripple effects of trade tensions involving key packaging sources such as China, Mexico, and Canada, along with ongoing tariffs on aluminum and steel. On April 2, 2025, President Trump invoked emergency trade powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), imposing a 10% “baseline” IEEPA tariff on most imported products from most countries, effective April 5. Higher tariff rates on imports from 57 countries were temporarily suspended for all but China, providing a 90-day reprieve. Meanwhile, China was subjected to 125% IEEPA reciprocal tariffs plus 20% IEEPA “fentanyl” tariffs, as well as any other applicable tariffs, such as the 25% China Section 301 tariffs initia

We are excited to introduce a new stave toast profile, Mineral Toast, designed to bring an enhanced sense of minerality to white and rosé wines. This innovative toast profile significantly impacts the sensory characteristics of wine, influencing its interaction with fruit and other elements during the winemaking process. Minerality in wine is often attributed to specific terroirs, rooted in the soil and environment where grapes are grown. While traditionally linked to the vine’s interaction with soil minerals, minerality can also be shaped by winemaking techniques—including the use of oak. Mineral Toast staves utilize carefully selected French Oak air-dried over an extended period. The wood undergoes hot water treatment to soften tannins and reduce harshness, followed by extended toasting at a lower temperature. The gentle process avoids the formation of high notes such as spice, smoke or char, resulting in a delicate profile featuring hints of vanilla, stone fruit,

Afternoon Brief, July 12th

July Brings a Mixed Bag of New State Alcohol Laws: California bartenders will need to be certified, while Virginians can now bring up to three gallons of booze across state lines...

Afternoon Brief, April 13th

Sustainability Lies in Wine Technology: Ironically, it turns out that sustainable wine production may need more human intervention, not less...