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- news
2026 Mid-Year Wine Law Update: Five Legal Developments Every Winery and Wine Brand Should Be Watching
The wine industry continues to navigate a rapidly evolving legal and regulatory landscape. In addition to changing consumer preferences and economic pressures, wineries, importers, distributors, and wine brands must stay informed about developments that may affect their operations, labeling, marketing, distribution, and compliance obligations. As we reach the midpoint of...
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TTB Recommends Delaying Submission of 2026 Q1 CBMA Importer Refund Claims
Due to a known data transmission issue between U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”), certain first quarter 2026 import data displayed in the myTTB CBMA Importer Claims System may reflect inflated quantity amounts, particularly for entries from January through mid-February...
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Lindsey Zahn on the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast: Legal Essentials Every Wine Brand and Winery Should Know
In Episode 295: “Wine Law Essentials: Contracts, TTB, Social Media & More,” we dive into some of the most common legal pitfalls that wine brands and wineries encounter and how to avoid them. We covered the critical importance of well-crafted contracts, how to think about ownership and rights in agreements,...
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New York Expands Opportunities for Craft Beverage Producers with New Law
According to MidHudson News, New York State has taken a major step to support craft beverage entrepreneurs with the recent signing of legislation creating an alcohol brand owner’s license. This new law allows brand owners who do not produce their own beverages—whether beer, wine, cider, or spirits—to contract with licensed...
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2025 Year in Review: Key Legal Trends in the Alcohol Beverage Industry
As 2025 comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the key legal trends shaping the alcohol beverage industry this year. From regulatory updates to emerging market shifts, the past twelve months have underscored the importance of proactive compliance and strategic planning for brands, importers, and distributors...
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A Conversation on Pommeau: Lindsey Zahn Featured on Cider Chat with Ria Windcaller
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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...