Starting a winery in New York involves more than securing grapes and equipment — it requires careful navigation of the state’s alcohol licensing framework. The New York wine industry offers meaningful opportunities for producers, but the licensing process must be handled correctly to avoid delays or compliance issues. Below is an overview of how to […]
Selling a winery is not just a business transaction — it is the transfer of a highly regulated operation with layered assets, licenses, intellectual property, real estate, inventory, and brand equity. Whether you are exploring a full exit or bringing in a strategic partner, early legal planning can preserve value and prevent costly delays. Below
Thinking About Selling Your Winery? Key Legal Considerations Read More »
Orange wine has become one of the most talked-about categories in the modern wine world. Once considered niche, it now appears on wine lists ranging from natural wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants. But despite its growing popularity, orange wine is often misunderstood. So what exactly is orange wine—and how is it regulated under U.S. law?
As more wineries look for flexible production options, two common operating models often come into focus: custom crush and alternating proprietorship (“AP”) arrangements. While both allow wineries to produce wine at facilities they do not own, they are treated very differently under federal and state law, and choosing the wrong structure can lead to licensing,
Custom Crush vs. Alternating Proprietorship: What Wineries Need to Know Read More »
The U.S. wine market remains a dynamic and evolving sector, shaped by shifting consumer preferences, new producers, and changing regulations. For entrepreneurs, becoming a wine distributor offers an opportunity to build valuable relationships across the industry and participate in the nationwide movement of wine from producer to retailer. However, because alcohol distribution is one of
For many wineries, partnering with a distributor is a necessary step to expand market reach. But before signing a distribution agreement, wineries must understand the legal framework that may govern the relationship: franchise laws. These state-level laws can significantly impact how—and whether—a winery can terminate, modify, or exit a distributor relationship. What Are Franchise Laws
When it comes to wine labeling in the United States, grape variety designations play an important role in how wineries market their products and how consumers make purchasing decisions. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) regulates these designations and maintains a list of approved grape varieties that may appear on American wine
When most people think about wine labeling requirements in the United States, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) typically comes to mind. For the majority of wines sold in the U.S., this is correct—the TTB regulates labeling and advertising for wines containing 7% alcohol by volume (“ABV”) or more. However, wines with
FDA Wine Labeling Requirements for Low-Alcohol Wines Read More »
Whether you’re a start-up wine brand without your own facility or an established producer looking to scale, partnering with a co-packer or custom crush producer can be a smart way to bring your product to market. But without a well-drafted contract, you may be leaving your business exposed to costly disputes, compliance headaches, and even
Launching or expanding a wine brand doesn’t always mean building your own winery or investing in expensive winemaking equipment. For many brand owners, wine contract production—often referred to as a custom crush arrangement—offers a practical, cost‑effective solution to bring wines to market. What Is a Custom Crush Arrangement? A custom crush arrangement allows a wine
What Is Wine Contract Production or a Custom Crush Arrangement? Read More »