Wine 988

HAMMONDSPORT, NY — The Finger Lakes wine industry is bracing for potential effects from an emerging trade conflict between the United States and Canada. With winemaking being a significant part of the region’s economy, local vintners are reevaluating their sales strategies heading into the 2025 season.

"We’re all just looking at this with our fingers crossed and saying we’ll see what happens," expressed Jordan Harris, the Winemaker and COO at Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport. He noted the situation is rapidly evolving, making it hard to predict future impacts.

In response to U.S. tariffs on various Canadian imports, Canadian provinces, particularly Ontario and Quebec, have removed American-made alcoholic beverages from their shelves. This shift is problematic for wineries like Heron Hill, which had previously counted on sales across the border. "By removing American wines from the shelves, it effectively creates more space for Canadian products," Harris pointed out, adding that he doubts their wines will regain shelf space due to consumer habits potentially shifting to local alternatives.

Currently, Heron Hill Winery has not yet felt the effects as the peak season has not commenced. However, Harris anticipates challenges with the arrival of summer, particularly due to the ban on American alcohol in Canada and a likely decrease in Canadian tourism. "A significant portion of our business relies on travelers from Canada who visit the Finger Lakes for wine tours," he stated.

Despite signing a deal with a Canadian distributor to increase their market presence in Canada earlier this year, the winery was unable to ship wine across the border before the American products were banned.

Looking ahead, Harris sees potential solutions to mitigate the impact, including targeting areas like Buffalo to expand their customer base. He believes that many Buffalo residents, who used to travel to Canada for wine tasting, may consider exploring Finger Lakes wines instead.

The U.S. wine industry is facing significant challenges after Canada imposed a 25% tariff on several American products, including wine. This action comes in retaliation to new tariffs set by the U.S., which, although some were paused until early April, have already begun to disrupt trade relationships.

Benjamin Aneff, the president of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance, expressed concerns about how these tariffs will affect U.S. wine suppliers. He highlighted that the tariffs represent a massive problem for the industry, impacting both producers and consumers.

This scenario underscores the complexity of international trade and the ripple effects tariffs can have across various sectors, particularly for businesses reliant on exporting goods. As negotiations continue, the outlook for the U.S. wine industry remains uncertain, prompting calls for reevaluation of the trade policies affecting it.

Located in New York’s West Village, Cora is a New-American wine bar defined by an impressive focus on North American wines. Led by sommelier Emmeline Zhao, executive chef Joseph Bliffen, and pastry chef Janice Sung, Cora sets itself apart in a city where European wines typically dominate.

Cora features a curated wine list that emphasizes sustainability and highlights winemakers from diverse backgrounds, a refreshing change in New York’s dining scene. According to Zhao, this approach complements their culinary mission: "If the food celebrates who and where we are, why wouldn’t the wines?”

The team behind Cora also previously operated Dogwood Café, known for its Chinese-American pastries. This expertise can be seen in Cora’s menu, which combines innovative dishes such as kinako twice-baked croissants with classics. Their commitment to crafting everything in-house, from bread to pasta, showcases their dedication to quality and sustainability.

Cora offers nearly 20 wines by the glass, including selections from lesser-known regions like Minnesota, Texas, and Virginia, alongside the more recognized wines from California and Oregon. This comes at a time when the U.S. wine market is facing challenges, with a noted decline in demand for still wines, but Zhao remains optimistic about the value of domestic wines and hopes others will follow suit.

Despite the hurdles of opening in a bustling city—supply chain delays and regulatory obstacles—Zhao maintains a collaborative attitude toward neighboring restaurants, emphasizing community over competition. With over 1,000 wine bars in New York state, including 677 in the city, Zhao and her team are focused on establishing Cora as a beloved fixture in the West Village rather than pursuing immediate expansion.

Looking ahead, Zhao emphasizes the importance of providing quality food, beverage, and hospitality, aiming to create a warm atmosphere that nourishes and uplifts their guests.

Regardless of the views of your wine-loving friends, there is no universally accepted method for serving wine. You can pour wine into a water glass, and you might just find an article that supports that idea—just as easily as you’ll find one arguing against it. As a casual wine drinker myself, I don’t hold strong opinions on the matter, yet I recognize the benefits of a quality wine decanter, particularly when it comes to enhancing the drinking experience.

Decanting wine involves transferring it from the bottle to another vessel. This technique serves two primary purposes: separating sediment that may have formed at the bottom and aerating the wine. Aeration allows the wine to interact with oxygen, softening any bitter tannic flavors and enabling its aromatic qualities to fully express themselves.

Though the importance of decanting may vary depending on the specific bottle, I remain a strong advocate for using decanters. These vessels are designed to enhance air exposure, often resulting in some striking designs that can elevate your dinner table aesthetics. A beautiful decanter not only makes your wine more enjoyable but also acts as a functional piece of art.

Here are some standout wine decanters that are not only cool but also sure to impress at your next dinner party:

• Holcomb Birdie Glass Wine Decanter: This decanter features a unique stainless-steel aerator modeled after a badminton birdie and comes with a chic wood trivet. Priced at $150.

• Alessi Eugenia Wine Decanter: This elegantly designed decanter captures a modern touch with exaggerated angles reminiscent of midcentury retrofuturism. Available for $65.

• La Riccia Pinch Decanter: Handblown from recycled glass, each piece has an organic quality, showcasing the craftsmanship that goes into it. Priced at $275.

• Fazeek Vice Versa Carafe: This multi-purpose carafe boasts a playful design, adding a splash of color to your dining table, and is available for $129.

Each of these choices has its own unique flair, making them not just decanters but conversation starters at any gathering. Investing in one could elevate your wine-drinking ritual and transform it into an unforgettable experience.

Canadian stores have recently embarked on a notable movement by removing American liquor and wine from their shelves in direct protest against President Trump’s tariffs. This initiative reflects a growing wave of nationalism in both Mexico and Canada, driven by Trump’s "America First" policy.

The situation has garnered attention as the Canadian response has been framed by some media outlets, including the New York Times, as Canada taking Trump’s rhetoric of being treated as the "51st state" quite seriously. With the trade tensions escalating, Richard Haass, a senior counselor at Centerview Partners, joined Chris Jansing to discuss the implications of the ongoing trade war and its impact on both nations.

This protest is part of a broader backlash against U.S. trade policies, which are perceived as detrimental to cross-border relationships and economic ties. As retailers in Canada make this symbolic gesture, it signifies not only their economic grievances but also a rallying cry for national pride amid external pressures.

For more insights into the unfolding situation, visit MSNBC.

Framed by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the north and the Chihuahuan Desert in the south, New Mexico is the United States’ fifth-largest state, showcasing a rich landscape of rolling sand dunes, prehistoric petroglyphs, fairytale caves, and dormant volcanoes. Along with its diverse topography, New Mexico boasts a vibrant cultural tapestry woven from the histories of Indigenous peoples, Hispanics, and Anglo Americans who’ve coexisted here for centuries.

While the state’s cuisine, a colorful blend of Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences, often captures the spotlight, the story of its wine heritage is one worth exploring. Long before vineyards were established in California, New Mexico was home to grape cultivation, with its first vineyard recorded in 1629 by two Franciscan monks. By 1880, over 3,000 acres of vineyards were producing nearly one million gallons of wine, but the industry faced decline due to floods and competition. It wasn’t until the 1970s that wineries began reemerging, leading to a resurgence in wine production.

Despite this growth, the state remains relatively unknown to international wine enthusiasts, as about 85% of its wineries are small businesses producing fewer than 7,000 cases per year. The personal charm of tasting wine in New Mexico’s wineries adds to its allure, with informal interactions that make visitors feel at home.

The primary wine regions lie between Albuquerque and the Texas border, where the warm days and cool nights of the Middle Rio Grande Valley and Mimbres Valley are ideal for growing Italian varietals such as Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Albuquerque, with its abundance of tasting rooms, serves as the best starting point for wine lovers looking to explore local flavors.

Taos, which is home to one of New Mexico’s most interesting winemaking regions, presents unique challenges for its producers, who grow Merlot and Riesling at high altitudes. The region gives visitors the chance to experience wines from its northernmost wineries, surrounded by historical pueblos and breathtaking landscapes.

In a state with a high percentage of Hispanic residents, the diversity of its winemakers enriches the cellar-door experiences, allowing travelers to engage with wines crafted by a mix of Native American, female, and Hispanic artisans. For example, guests can enjoy a traditional Spanish dish while sipping wine at Las Nueve Niñas Winery or experience flamenco performances at Vara Winery. At Vivác Winery, visitors may sample unique wines like chokecherry wine, created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning musician Robert Mirabal.

Traveling to New Mexico is simple, with several airlines offering flights to Albuquerque. For a local stay, options include Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque or El Monte Sagrado in Taos. Each offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the state’s rich culture and burgeoning wine scene.

Discover more about New Mexico: New Mexico Tourism

MONROE COUNTY, Mich. – In a court session on March 6, 2025, evidence was presented showing Marshella Chidester, the woman accused of drunk driving and crashing into a birthday party, holding wine shortly before the incident. The trial, which involves the crash that occurred on April 20, 2024, is now in the jury’s hands.

During the proceedings, Deputy Hooper from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office testified about the findings from a search warrant executed at Chidester’s residence. Hooper revealed that a camera in Chidester’s kitchen had recorded her actions leading up to the crash. The footage showed her with a mini bottle of wine around 9:30 a.m. and throughout the day leading up to the accident, including her appearing to toss an empty bottle into the trash just prior to the crash.

Chidester claimed she consumed only one glass of wine at a local restaurant before driving. However, bodycam footage contradicted this, as it showed her stating she had a glass of wine "about a half hour ago." A restaurant employee confirmed her presence from 11 a.m. to noon, with the accident happening shortly after 3 p.m. Evidence presented in court indicated that her blood alcohol concentration post-accident was .18, which is over twice the legal limit in Michigan.

An employee at Warehouse Beverage in South Euclid reported being attacked by a disgruntled customer on February 25. The incident occurred when a 42-year-old man, who is a regular customer, requested to take a package of cigars and pay for them the next day. When the employee informed him that this was not allowed, the customer proceeded to grab a bottle of wine and head towards the exit.

The employee followed him, leading the customer to retaliate by throwing the bottle underhand at his face, resulting in a minor injury. Although the employee declined medical assistance, he reported the incident to the police.

Officers apprehended the suspect at the nearby Tiki Time Bar after he initially resisted arrest. During custody, he exhibited signs of mental distress, including talking about suing the government. The man now faces charges for assault.

For more local news, visit the Sun Messenger.

On February 26, 2025, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a significant bill that allows wineries to ship wine directly to consumers in the state, marking a major change in Mississippi’s wine landscape. This law will take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing residents to order wine from both in-state and out-of-state wineries. With this new legislation, Mississippi joins a growing list of states that permit direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipping, leaving Arkansas, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Utah as the only states that still restrict it.

State Senator Walter Michel’s Senate Bill 2145 was passed by the Mississippi Legislature on February 18 and is seen as a positive step for wine lovers and businesses in the state. Senator Jeremy England, one of the bill’s supporters, emphasized its importance in promoting consumer freedom and attracting businesses to Mississippi. The legislation aims to enhance the state’s image and provide new choices for residents eager to explore wines not available through local distributors.

Accompanying legislation in the state House, HB 1175, faced challenges but ultimately contributed to passing the bill. Some lawmakers, such as State Representative Hank Zuber, argued that the law would not threaten local alcohol retailers, as it restricts direct shipments to wines not already distributed in the state.

The new law stipulates that licensed wineries must obtain a direct wine shipper’s permit and comply with regulations, including maintaining records and labeling shipments with alcohol content warnings. Consumers will be able to have wines shipped directly to their home, provided they are over 21 and sign for their deliveries. However, restrictions remain, such as not being allowed to send more than twelve cases to a single address per year, and shipments cannot be made to dry counties.

While this development is predominantly seen as a win for consumers, some voices within the wine industry express concerns about the limitations imposed by the legislation. Critics argue that consumers may still face restricted options, as they may only order wines that are not already available through local wholesalers.

The law comes amid broader challenges for DTC wine shipping in the U.S., with recent data indicating a decrease in both the volume and value of wine DTC shipments. Despite these concerns, the addition of Mississippi to the list of states permitting DTC shipping is seen as a positive development that could inspire similar legislative action in other states.

Moving forward, the effect of this law on both wineries and consumers in Mississippi remains to be seen, but advocates believe it could serve as a model for change elsewhere. Lawmakers in states like New York and Delaware are reportedly considering their own DTC legislation in response to Mississippi’s new law.

For more detailed information about state shipping laws, check out Wine Spectator’s comprehensive guide.

Wine Retailers Disappointed by Court’s Upholding of Discriminatory Shipping Law

The National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR) has expressed disappointment following the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in the Day v. Henry case, which validates Arizona’s law that prohibits the shipping of wine from out-of-state retailers to consumers within the state. This ruling highlights a split among circuit courts regarding the constitutionality of state alcohol laws that may discriminate against interstate commerce.

Currently, Arizona allows local wine retailers to ship to state residents but denies this same privilege to out-of-state sellers. As a result, Arizona consumers are restricted from accessing a vast selection of wines that are not available through local wholesalers, ultimately decreasing the state’s tax revenue and interfering with commerce between states.

Tom Wark, NAWR’s executive director, emphasized the need for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear this case to address what he perceives as discriminatory practices in wine shipping laws. He pointed out that the recent ruling creates a circuit split, which underscores the inconsistency in how courts are interpreting state laws related to alcohol distribution.

The 9th Circuit’s ruling aligns with decisions from the 4th and 8th Circuits, which have upheld state regulations requiring out-of-state retailers to establish physical locations within the state to be permitted to ship. Conversely, courts in the 6th and 1st Circuits argue that states must provide substantial justification for such requirements, asserting they must serve public health and safety interests.

Wark criticized the 9th Circuit’s prioritization of an outdated "Three-Tier System" over the rights of consumers. He noted that dissenting opinions within the court acknowledge that the purpose of the three-tier system is to promote public welfare rather than serve as a barrier to broader market access.

In light of this ruling, NAWR continues to fight for equitable access for wine retailers and looks towards future legal avenues to combat such discriminatory laws.

For more context about the National Association of Wine Retailers, visit their official site: NAWR.