Archived Articles

Three Biggest Challenges Facing Small Wineries Today?

Three Biggest Challenges Facing Small Wineries Today?

I think the real story in the Willamette Valley (and other small regions nationally) is that 75% of wineries produce fewer than 5,000 cases annually. It’s micro-production by any measure. They have survived because of so-called “Premiumization” and the recent fascination with their AVAs. What will happen when the next ...
Wine Labels 201: Protecting Your Design

Wine Labels 201: Protecting Your Design

By Brian D. Kaider In the July/August Issue, The Grapevine published an article by attorney, Lindsey Zahn, entitled “Wine Labels 101: Navigating TTB’s COLA Process.” The article described the information that must be contained on the label as well as how the label gets approved for use. This article will ...
Grape Purchase Agreements & Smoke Taint

Grape Purchase Agreements & Smoke Taint

By Brian D. Kaider, Esq. and Kenneth Y. Lo, Esq. As I traveled to Sacramento for this year’s Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, I began writing this article, intending to focus on key provisions of Grape Purchase Agreements (GPAs) that parties should negotiate. But, upon arrival at the symposium, I ...
Endorsements Unique to the Wine Making Industry

Endorsements Unique to the Wine Making Industry

By Brian Kennon, Midwest Winery Insurance When I visit a winery for the first time, my number one priority is to first hand observe any exposures. I want to know the risks present for that particular winery. This is done by a number of steps, I meet with the owner ...
Wine Labels 101: Navigating TTB’s COLA Process

Wine Labels 101: Navigating TTB’s COLA Process

By Lindsey A. Zahn, Esq. The label approval process is unique to the alcohol beverage industry; most traditional foods (such as cookies, pasta, and sugar) are not subject to government pre-approval before being sold at market. Indeed, well before a wine reaches a store’s shelves or the hands of a ...
Special Events: Identifying Legal Issues – Part 1

Special Events: Identifying Legal Issues – Part 1

Acres of rolling hills covered in fruit-covered vines are an idyllic setting for large gatherings and special events. But, for wineries, there are a host of legal concerns that must be addressed or they could lose their license or even be subject to criminal prosecution. ARE YOU ALLOWED TO HAVE ...
Special Events: Identifying Legal Issues – Part 2

Special Events: Identifying Legal Issues – Part 2

By Brian Kaider, Esq. Special events are a valuable source of supplemental income for wineries, but they also present a variety of legal concerns, which if not properly addressed may have significant consequences. In the first part of this article, we discussed limitations on holding special events as well as ...
Does Your Wine Require Formula Approval

Does Your Wine Require Formula Approval

By Brian D. Kaider, Esq. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has the authority to regulate the production and importation of wine in the United States. In some cases, the TTB requires approval of the formula before a manufacturer may make certain wines. The rules relating to ...
Distributor Agreements: ‘Til Death Do Us Part?

Distributor Agreements: ‘Til Death Do Us Part?

By Brian D. Kaider, Esq. Many early stage wineries market their products via tasting room sales, wine clubs, direct-to-consumer shipments and, to the extent permitted, self-distribution to local restaurants, grocery stores, and wine stores. Eventually, winery growth will necessitate working with a distributor, a relationship not to be entered into ...
The Most Common Types of Financing Available on the Market for your Business

The Most Common Types of Financing Available on the Market for your Business

By Angela Faringhy, Innovative Lease Services, Inc Metal tanks in a row inside the winery factory Let’s talk about money. In order for your agricultural and wine business to grow – sufficient funds are needed to take on projects, making purchases and expanding your operations to become more efficient and ...