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CNN
15-03-2025
- Business
- CNN
Tariffs got you down? How to substitute European wines for American imitators
Scotch and Irish whiskey aren't the only alcohols that will feel the pain of a 200% tariff on European-made products — so will your favorite bottles of Bordeaux and Chianti. Wine, which already dealt with an 8% drop in US sales last year, was hit with another blow this week when President Donald Trump threatened another round of tariffs set to go into effect in April. A 'vast majority will struggle to manage these added expenses,' Francis Creighton, CEO of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), said in a statement. 'At the end of the day, these tariffs if implemented won't just hurt our industry — they will directly raise prices for American consumers.' Imported wine and spirits encompass 35% of revenue of all US sales in the alcohol market, meaning that all aspects of cocktails and wines ordered at restaurants or purchased at retailers will 'rise significantly' if the tariffs go into effect, the trade organization warned. The 'rising costs will cause some consumers to stay at home, hurting the bartenders, servers and other bar and restaurant workers who depend on customer traffic for tips and shift hours,' Creighton said. If tariffs are implemented, drinkers might have to shift their allegiance to American-made wines. 'I'm sure some (wine) purists would disagree with me, but I definitely think that almost anything you can find in Europe, you can find a great equivalent here in the United States,' Allison Luvera, co-founder and CEO of California-based Juliet Wine, told CNN. One reason is America's diverse climate and soils, she said. 'When you have a country as big as ours, with so much diversity of where we can produce wine, inevitably you're going to find pockets that match the great wine-growing regions in Europe,' said Luvera. For example, during the 'Judgement of Paris' competition in 1976, wines from Napa Valley, California, won both the red and white categories, beating legendary chateaux and domaines from Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind taste test. Since then, American equivalents of red Burgundy wines produced in eastern France have risen in reputation. Drinkers looking for a similar to a red Burgundy and white Burgundy, should look for a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, respectively. Luvera said there's 'absolutely standout regions' in the US that make wines 'similar in style and profile to the French counterparts' — for example, the Willamette Valley in Oregon, specifically Eola-Amity Hills, which are 'putting out wines that rival some of the best stuff coming out of France.' In California, the Russian River Valley in Sonoma and Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara in particular have 'similarities between climate and some of the West Coast wine-growing regions' with Burgundy, France, Luvera said. Drinkers looking for a flavor similar to Sancerre, a crisp white wine made in central France, can turn to a Sauvignon Blanc made in the Central Coast of California because those grapes are grown in similar climates to France. Beyond California, Luvera points to Riesling white wines from, out of all places, the Finger Lakes in New York, which has an 'incredible microclimate that's very similar to some of the cooler climates in Europe, whether it be Germany, Austria, or parts of France like the Loire Valley.' Perhaps the only wine that doesn't have a one-for-one comparison is Champagne, which can only be made in specific regions of France. However, there are sparkling winemakers that use the same methods and grapes used in France, Luvera said, pointing to California-based Schramsberg Vineyards as one example. 'If somebody wanted to find a Champagne alternative here, they would want to look for a sparkling wine made in the United States that says 'traditional method,'' she said. 'That's going to be the most similar product to Champagne.' Lastly, since we're shifting into the warmer months and 'rosé all day' will inevitably seen on signs outside of our favorite wine bars, Luvera has an American-made alternative to the French-made pink-colored wine. To get the 'same light, approachable, delicious style' as rosé, drinkers can 'look to California, specifically the Central Coast, and anything that's made of Grenache,' she said, referring to the grape variety that's widely used in wines and that's native to France. The US imports roughly $5.4 billion in wine from the EU, according to a Morningstar note, with the firm adding that with 'such an extensive and valuable trading relationship, tariffs can have a materially negative impact on both markets.' Luvera is aware that Juliet Wine stands to benefit from the tariffs, which are intended for US consumers to buy American-made products. But Luvera said she is against the tariffs because the wine industry is an 'interconnected ecosystem of distributors, retailers and restaurants.' 'Everybody would be negatively impacted in some way, whether indirectly or directly, if these went into effect,' she said. Although her company could experience a short-term lift in sales, Juliet Wine is ultimately dependent on distributors, retailers and other partners. She said the tariffs 'would have a downstream effect on domestic producers, even if they, as individual brands, weren't impacted.' France is also feeling nervous about the impending tariffs. Pierre Gonet, a winemaker at Champagne Philippe Gonet, told BFM-TV, a CNN affiliate in Paris, that he's 'afraid that all our customers will run away from us' if Trump imposes tariffs. He added that the industry is 'still hoping that our leaders will be able to intervene and calm Mr. Trump down so that the Champagne stays Champagne.'
CNN
15-03-2025
- Business
- CNN
Tariffs got you down? How to substitute European wines for American imitators
Scotch and Irish whiskey aren't the only alcohols that will feel the pain of a 200% tariff on European-made products — so will your favorite bottles of Bordeaux and Chianti. Wine, which already dealt with an 8% drop in US sales last year, was hit with another blow this week when President Donald Trump threatened another round of tariffs set to go into effect in April. A 'vast majority will struggle to manage these added expenses,' Francis Creighton, CEO of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), said in a statement. 'At the end of the day, these tariffs if implemented won't just hurt our industry — they will directly raise prices for American consumers.' Imported wine and spirits encompass 35% of revenue of all US sales in the alcohol market, meaning that all aspects of cocktails and wines ordered at restaurants or purchased at retailers will 'rise significantly' if the tariffs go into effect, the trade organization warned. The 'rising costs will cause some consumers to stay at home, hurting the bartenders, servers and other bar and restaurant workers who depend on customer traffic for tips and shift hours,' Creighton said. If tariffs are implemented, drinkers might have to shift their allegiance to American-made wines. 'I'm sure some (wine) purists would disagree with me, but I definitely think that almost anything you can find in Europe, you can find a great equivalent here in the United States,' Allison Luvera, co-founder and CEO of California-based Juliet Wine, told CNN. One reason is America's diverse climate and soils, she said. 'When you have a country as big as ours, with so much diversity of where we can produce wine, inevitably you're going to find pockets that match the great wine-growing regions in Europe,' said Luvera. For example, during the 'Judgement of Paris' competition in 1976, wines from Napa Valley, California, won both the red and white categories, beating legendary chateaux and domaines from Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind taste test. Since then, American equivalents of red Burgundy wines produced in eastern France have risen in reputation. Drinkers looking for a similar to a red Burgundy and white Burgundy, should look for a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, respectively. Luvera said there's 'absolutely standout regions' in the US that make wines 'similar in style and profile to the French counterparts' — for example, the Willamette Valley in Oregon, specifically Eola-Amity Hills, which are 'putting out wines that rival some of the best stuff coming out of France.' In California, the Russian River Valley in Sonoma and Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara in particular have 'similarities between climate and some of the West Coast wine-growing regions' with Burgundy, France, Luvera said. Drinkers looking for a flavor similar to Sancerre, a crisp white wine made in central France, can turn to a Sauvignon Blanc made in the Central Coast of California because those grapes are grown in similar climates to France. Beyond California, Luvera points to Riesling white wines from, out of all places, the Finger Lakes in New York, which has an 'incredible microclimate that's very similar to some of the cooler climates in Europe, whether it be Germany, Austria, or parts of France like the Loire Valley.' Perhaps the only wine that doesn't have a one-for-one comparison is Champagne, which can only be made in specific regions of France. However, there are sparkling winemakers that use the same methods and grapes used in France, Luvera said, pointing to California-based Schramsberg Vineyards as one example. 'If somebody wanted to find a Champagne alternative here, they would want to look for a sparkling wine made in the United States that says 'traditional method,'' she said. 'That's going to be the most similar product to Champagne.' Lastly, since we're shifting into the warmer months and 'rosé all day' will inevitably seen on signs outside of our favorite wine bars, Luvera has an American-made alternative to the French-made pink-colored wine. To get the 'same light, approachable, delicious style' as rosé, drinkers can 'look to California, specifically the Central Coast, and anything that's made of Grenache,' she said, referring to the grape variety that's widely used in wines and that's native to France. The US imports roughly $5.4 billion in wine from the EU, according to a Morningstar note, with the firm adding that with 'such an extensive and valuable trading relationship, tariffs can have a materially negative impact on both markets.' Luvera is aware that Juliet Wine stands to benefit from the tariffs, which are intended for US consumers to buy American-made products. But Luvera said she is against the tariffs because the wine industry is an 'interconnected ecosystem of distributors, retailers and restaurants.' 'Everybody would be negatively impacted in some way, whether indirectly or directly, if these went into effect,' she said. Although her company could experience a short-term lift in sales, Juliet Wine is ultimately dependent on distributors, retailers and other partners. She said the tariffs 'would have a downstream effect on domestic producers, even if they, as individual brands, weren't impacted.' France is also feeling nervous about the impending tariffs. Pierre Gonet, a winemaker at Champagne Philippe Gonet, told BFM-TV, a CNN affiliate in Paris, that he's 'afraid that all our customers will run away from us' if Trump imposes tariffs. He added that the industry is 'still hoping that our leaders will be able to intervene and calm Mr. Trump down so that the Champagne stays Champagne.'
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump may make your next bottle of champagne or wine a lot more expensive
President Donald Trump's latest bid to tackle the European Union's 'hostile and abusive' trading practices is to tack new duties on alcohol imports. Not only would that make European wine more expensive for consumers, but it could devastate the restaurant business. In response to Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum, the E.U. hiked its duties on imports of American whiskey to 50%, in a move that the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States called 'deeply disappointing.' That set off Trump's new threat. 'If this Tariff is not removed immediately, the U.S. will shortly place a 200% Tariff on all wines, champagnes, & alcoholic products coming out of France and other E.U. represented countries,' Trump wrote on his Truth Social, saying that U.S. businesses will benefit. A tariff is a tax on an imported good and paid for by the importing business, not the foreign seller. They're designed as a protective measure that encourages domestic companies to shift manufacturing back to the U.S. and consumers to buy 'Made in America' products. Read More:The Trump tariffs are coming for wine. American restaurants could die But wine and other alcohol products aren't able to be mixed and matched as easily as other goods, such as steel. Ninety-five percent of the world's bourbon is made in Kentucky. Champagne can only be called champagne if it is made in France, uses a certain method, and is from the region of Champagne. 'Chardonnay grown in the soil of Chablis produces a wine that cannot be recreated anywhere on earth. The same can be said for Nebbiolo in Piedmont, Pinot Noir in Burgundy or Tempranillo in Rioja,' Harmon Skurnik, a member of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance, told Wine Spectator. After Trump imposed tariffs on wine during his first term, many companies absorbed some of the cost to avoid raising prices and potentially losing customers. But fewer people are drinking alcohol these days, resulting in last year becoming one of the 'most challenging years in collective memory' for the beverage alcohol industry, according to the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America's (WSWA). Wine consumption peaked in 2021 at 3.16 gallons per person, with per capita consumption dropping 15% to 2.68 gallons by 2023, according to data from the U.S. Wine Institute. By volume, wines and spirit sales dropped 7.2% and 3.7%, respectively, in 2024 according to WSWA's SipSource report. Revenue sank 4.8% overall for wine and spirits sellers last year. If enacted, Trump's new tariffs could result in price hikes for consumers at liquor and grocery stores and put pressure on the restaurant business. Most restaurateurs make 50% to 60% of their profit on wine and drinks. 'Restaurants are run at ridiculously low margins, like 3% on average, and when one of our better profit-making products is taken off the table, I don't know where we'll make it up,' DeWayne Schaaf, chef and owner of Celebrations, a fine dining restaurant in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, told Quartz in November. 'A lot of people are going to have to pivot: lose wine, lose staff or close days,' he said. —Peter Green contributed to this article. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Tashi Baijiu 'The Spirit of Tibet' Wins Double-Gold Medal and Best of show Baijiu at the 2025 WSWA Spirits Competition
Less than a month after capturing the #1 White Spirit at the San Diego International Spirits Challenge, Tashi 'The Spirit of Tibet' takes home the coveted Best of Show Baijiu award at WSWA NAPA, Calif., March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Tashi Baijiu, known as The Spirit of Tibet, has achieved another monumental milestone by winning the prestigious Double-Gold Medal and Best of show Baijiu at the 2025 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Spirits Competition. This remarkable achievement comes less than a month after the brand was honored with the title of #1 White Spirit at the San Diego International Spirits Challenge. Tashi Baijiu, a unique and premium offering crafted from ancient Tibetan traditions, has gained global recognition for its unparalleled flavor profile and cultural significance. The recognition at WSWA solidifies its place among the finest spirits in the world, reinforcing its growing reputation in the competitive international spirits market. The Double-Gold Medal win signifies unanimous praise from the competition's expert panel of judges, which includes industry leaders, sommeliers, and spirits professionals. The Best of show Baijiu award, the most coveted distinction of the competition, acknowledges Tashi Baijiu as the top overall Baijiu in the competition for its exceptional quality and innovation. 'We are incredibly proud and humbled by these prestigious accolades,' ZhiPing Hu said, General Manager of Tibet Alajiabao Spirits which produces Tashi Baijiu. 'To be recognized by such a respected panel, not only for the unique and rich heritage behind our product but also for its exceptional taste, is a true honor. These wins are a testament to the dedication of our team and the authenticity of Tashi Baijiu as a celebration of Tibet's traditions and craftsmanship.' The WSWA Spirits Competition judges evaluate Baijiu entries with rigorous standards for taste, innovation, and overall quality. Tashi Baijiu's back-to-back wins at both the San Diego International Spirits Challenge and WSWA place the brand in an elite class of spirits, with growing recognition from both consumers and industry professionals alike. Tashi Baijiu's journey, rooted in centuries-old Tibetan heritage, is marked by the use of naturally huskless barley from the Himalayan region and 600-year-old distillation techniques. It continues to captivate spirit connoisseurs around the globe, from the United States to Asia, for its bold and distinctive character. Tashi Baijiu's continuous success highlights a new chapter in the global spirits industry, with more exciting developments expected in the coming months. About Tashi Baijiu Tashi Baijiu, The Spirit of Tibet, is a premium baijiu made of highland huskless barley and inspired by the rich history and culture of Tibet. Crafted using time-honored distillation techniques and organically grown barley native to the Himalayan region, Tashi Baijiu offers a unique and refreshing alternative to traditional spirits. The brand has garnered international acclaim for its bold flavors, cultural significance, and innovative approach to modernizing a centuries-old tradition. 'One World ~ One Sky ~ Tashi Delek!' 707-888-8700
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cydcor Event Services Capabilities Bring Brands to Life with Experiential Marketing
Cydcor's Event Expertise Shared with a High-Impact Presence at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Access Live Agoura Hills, California--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2025) - Cydcor, a leader in outsourced sales and marketing solutions, continues to evolve its service offerings to meet the dynamic needs of brands. As part of its commitment to delivering high-impact solutions, Cydcor is leveraging its expertise in residential, business-to-business, and retail sales to offer a full suite of event services including: Sports venue brand ambassadors Product education and training Retail sales ambassadors Sales driven samplings and tastings Booth buildout and event activations Known for its expertise in face-to-face interactions, Cydcor's experiential marketing services allow brands to connect directly with consumers through interactive, high-energy engagements at trade shows, retail spaces, and entertainment venues. Earlier this month, Cydcor made a powerful impact at the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Access Live event in Denver, where it showcased the company's expertise in creating immersive, high-energy brand experiences. As brands seek more direct and impactful ways to connect with consumers, Cydcor continues to innovate with scalable and customized event solutions. "Our expertise in customer acquisition and brand engagement naturally extends into live events, allowing us to create powerful consumer interactions that drive real business impact," said Vera Quinn, CEO of Cydcor. "Bringing our event services capabilities to WSWA was a great opportunity to demonstrate how we help brands maximize visibility, engagement, and sales in competitive spaces." With more than 30 years of experience in helping brands grow, Cydcor's event services provides tailored solutions designed to help its clients maximize their return on investment in live events. For more than three decades, Cydcor has provided customer acquisition solutions to Fortune 500 and emerging companies in a wide range of industries. Cydcor has mastered the power of building relationships with consumers while leveraging the advantages of technology to acquire, grow, and retain customers for its clients. Founded in 1994, the privately held company is based in Agoura Hills, California. For more information about Cydcor, visit Media Contact: Gail MichalakVice President of Marketing805-277-5525gmichalak@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit
