I am excited to share that I recently joined Ria Windcaller on the renowned Cider Chat podcast for a deep and engaging conversation about Pommeau, its history, and how U.S. producers are increasingly exploring this traditional French beverage. The episode, 478: Pommeau: What Happens When a French Classic Lands on…
Seven Things You Didn’t Know About Non-Alcoholic Products from a Compliance Perspective
Non-alcoholic beverages are not just having a moment—they have become a movement. From spirit alternatives to dealcoholized wines to near beers to mocktails, the “NA” space is booming. But while many assume non-alcoholic means simple, the regulatory reality is far more nuanced. Below are seven compliance considerations that producers, importers,…
What the 2025 U.S. Federal Government Shutdown Means for Alcohol Beverage Companies
As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown, and this has direct implications for wine businesses that rely on federal agencies like the TTB and FDA. Below is a quick overview of what alcohol beverage companies should expect: Impacts on TTB Impacts on FDA Effect…
When Prosecco Explodes: Legal Lessons for Wine Brands from the Costco Recall
You may have seen the recent story: Costco has recalled its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene product in at least 11 states because bottles were at risk of shattering or “exploding,” even when unopened. VinePair. The recall spans bottles sold between April 25 – August 26, 2025. VinePair. This kind of…
The Rise of No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: How TTB and FDA Divide Oversight
The demand for no- and low-alcohol beverages has exploded in recent years. From health-conscious consumers seeking moderation to younger demographics embracing mindful drinking, wineries are increasingly exploring how dealcoholized or reduced-alcohol products might fit into their portfolios. While the trend is promising, the regulatory framework in the United States can…
Seventh Circuit Denies Rehearing in Chicago Wine Co. Case: What It Means for Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently issued a per curiam decision denying a petition for rehearing en banc in the Chicago Wine Co. v. Indiana case. This ruling upholds Indiana’s law prohibiting out-of-state retailers from shipping wine directly to Indiana consumers and reinforces states’ authority to…
FDA Plans to Revoke Standards for Over 50 Foods
The FDA has announced plans to eliminate or propose eliminating Standards of Identity (“SOIs”) for 52 food items, stating that many of these regulations are outdated. These standards, which have existed since 1939, define what ingredients and production methods are required for certain foods like milk, peanut butter, ketchup, and jam. FDA Commissioner…
New York Considers Brand Owner’s License to Modernize Alcohol Distribution Options
New York State is taking a meaningful step toward modernizing its alcohol beverage laws with Assembly Bill A6277A, which proposes the creation of a new Brand Owner’s License. For years, brand owners who lacked physical production facilities faced legal uncertainty when contracting with New York-based manufacturers. This bill aims to…
New York’s Reciprocal Shipping Law Faces Legal Challenge from California Spirits Brand
A recent federal lawsuit filed by Ad Obscura LLC (The Obscure Distillery,) a California-based craft spirits producer, against the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”) could have significant implications for interstate liquor shipping regulations in the United States according to Food & Wine‘s April 21, 2025 article titled “This Lawsuit…
Michigan Attorney General Cracks Down on Illegal Wine Shipments
According to Lansing State Journal, Michigan’s Attorney General took legal action against multiple wineries for allegedly illegally shipping wine into the state without the required direct shipper licenses. Since 2023, the Attorney General’s office has filed at least 700 lawsuits against wineries in New York, Washington, Montana, Oregon, and California,…
