The Senate was back this week, with the House joining them next week after a very long summer recess. Between now and the end of this month, both chambers will be in DC at the same time for just 11 days. That’s important (and alarming) because a government shutdown will start on October 1 unless they jointly pass a continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels for several more months—when they’ll repeat this drill all over again! The problems: (1) The conservative House Freedom Caucus will oppose any CR which doesn’t include its priorities, which are basically dead ends; and (2) the Biden Administration wants to couple disaster relief funds and more aid for Ukraine with any CR. Meanwhile, there are side conversations about a possible impeachment inquiry, the health of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and many other issues. On a more positive note, WineAmerica Director Mario Mazza was able to directly present our priorities for the

WineAmerica and the Wine Institute recently held our first joint Congressional wine reception since 2019. The Covid era took away our ability to hold these events, and it was great to get back to hosting and getting a chance to enjoy wine with Members of Congress and their staff. The March 23 event was intended to shed light on the Congressional Wine Caucus, and all of the work that it does on behalf of the industry in Congress. WineAmerica and Wine Institute provided wine from California, Washington, Oregon, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania and Michigan, and we partnered with Certified American Grown, who provided flowers that accompanied the wine and 75-degree weather perfectly. Wine receptions are an important part of the advocacy process for WineAmerica. When you meet with a Congressional office, nine times out of ten it is with staff, not with the Member. This is fine as the staff does the lion’s share of the work, but you almost never get facetime with a Member during a regula

Afternoon Brief, January 20th

DTC Symposium Recap: Engaging the Future: The 2023 Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium, which took place Jan. 18-19, was a forward looking affair featuring panel discussions and data presentations focused on future opportunities for the wine industry — and, of course, DTC, in particular...

Afternoon Brief, January 13th

Jane Anson Publishes the First Wine Article Written by Artificial Intelligence Tool ChatGPT : Less than 24 hours ago, Jane Anson, wine writer and publisher of JaneAnson.com commissioned an article on how the new ChatGPT technology can be used within the fine wine industry...

Wine’s Most Inspiring People 2023: Bob Mazza — Raising the Profile of Pennsylvania Wine Since 1972

By Paul Vigna   Bob Mazza has been behind the wheel of his family’s namesake winery in northwest Pennsylvania since 1972. And you’ll find that driving is an appropriate metaphor […]

WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, recently installed new members on its Board of Directors and discussed the outlook in Washington heading into 2023. The annual Fall Retreat, this year held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Washington on November 14-15, also included updates on the organization's membership, government affairs activities, and 2022 National Economic Impact Study. "This was an excellent and productive gathering reflective of WineAmerica's continuing evolution," said WineAmerica President Jim Trezise, who served on the organization's Board and Executive Committee for 25 years before becoming President in 2017. "The new Board members bring fresh perspectives and energy to blend with the dedication and experience of longtime Directors." The newly installed Directors, elected by the membership in October, are Michelle Kaufman of the Stoller Wine Group (OR), Edward Matovcik of Constellation Brands (NY, CA, WA),