Operating a winery involves far more than producing and selling wine. Federal law imposes ongoing reporting and recordkeeping obligations on bonded wineries and bonded wine cellars, and failure to comply can lead to penalties, compliance issues, and unnecessary scrutiny from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”). Once a winery receives its federal […]
What TTB Reports and Returns Are Required for Wineries? Read More »
Low-alcohol wines have become an increasingly popular category within the broader beverage market. Consumers are often drawn to these products for their lower alcohol content, reduced calorie profile, and convenience—particularly when packaged in smaller, more portable formats suited for casual, on-the-go occasions. As demand continues to grow, producers entering this space should be mindful that
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 »