Federal Research Cuts This week proved a painful one for the grape research community and its many vital contributions to the American grape and wine industry. At least seven employees of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) were terminated in California, Washington, New York, and Hawaii, thus ending or diminishing important research on smoke exposure, grape … Read more
King Charles inaugurated Rhode Island as a wine producer in 1663 when England established it as an English colony, and production grew steadily until Prohibition. The modern industry began in 1975 when Sakonnet Vineyards opened, and today the smallest state (1215 square miles) has more than a dozen wineries. It’s not really an island, since … Read more
The Power of Coalitions In 2017 when the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was passed, it was largely due to the unprecedented collaboration among the wine, beer, spirits, and cider trade associations, resulting in major excise tax reductions for all. Historically, the different beverages often went their own ways, and sometimes fought on … Read more
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a rich history in the creation and evolution of the United States, and also in grapes and wine. In 1740, a grape cross between v. vinifera and v. labrusca was discovered and named the Alexander grape, and in 1786 the Pennsylvania Vine Company became the country’s first commercial vineyard. Philadelphia … Read more
Tariffs, Labor, and Freezes As if the wine industry isn’t already facing enough challenges, several more big ones are now official in the form of potential tariffs, immigration enforcement, and the freezing of funds and functions in DC. While all may be subject to legal challenge and delay, even the uncertainty can wreak havoc on … Read more