The wine market is less predictable than ever, and so is the consumer. Rapid fluctuations in the economy or political situation mean customers have less certainty in potential sales, so when inflation or tariffs rise or fall, or a retail account is gained or lost, wineries need a quick turnaround...

We are certainly living in different times—times that are difficult to predict and even harder to plan for. Challenges originating far outside our professional world are quickly impacting our day-to-day operations and, ultimately, your business. Throughout 2026, suppliers across the industry have...

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has authorized the European Union (EU) to implement tariffs on $4 billion worth of US made goods annually in retaliation for government aid to Boeing Co. deemed illegal by the WTO. The decision is one-third of the EU’s request for a $12 billion award and lower...

Green shoots: Is this a “transitional moment”? With spring getting underway, this month’s California Report assesses vineyard conditions, grape demand, and whether the bulk wine and grape markets are seeing the first tentative green shoots of recovery: Is the industry in a “transitional moment”...

On February 20, 2026, in a victory for American beer, wine, and spirits importers, the Supreme Court in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, 607 US ____, Slip Op., February 20, 2026 (“Learning Resources”) struck down President Trump’s imposition of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic...

The wine and spirits industry is standing on the precipice of a major design evolution. For years, “premium” was defined by weight, excess, and tradition. For 2026, a new definition of luxury is emerging; one that values intelligence over mass, and tactile storytelling over simple visual appeal....

After 30 years of moving up and to the right, the American wine industry hit a wall. Not a temporary slowdown or a soft patch. A structural shift that requires a fundamentally different marketing playbook. 2025 was the reality check. 2026 is the year wineries either adapt or watch their customer...

The 2026 State of the Industry session at Unified was cautiously optimistic but did delivered a clear message: the wine industry is not in a temporary downturn, it is undergoing a structural reset. We are deep into this adjustment but there is still work to be done. Declining consumption, excess...