The wine industry is shaking off some major legal and regulatory dust this week. We look at a massive win for the trade as Mexico led a global coalition to block a World Health Organization-backed push for standardized health warning labels. Back in the U.S., the Supreme Court officially declined to review state retail shipping bans, keeping the traditional three-tier system locked tight. Meanwhile, New York is dragging its 1934 liquor laws into the 21st century by dumping protectionist licensing rules and finally legalizing business credit cards for alcohol retailers. From policy overhauls to Paso Robles Rhone blends, the landscape is shifting fast.
Health and Education Reporter Loryn Kykendall writes for the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin that Walla Walla Community College is launching a new Wine Industry Sales and Management certificate program beginning this fall. The one-year credential, which requires 45 to 55 credits, is designed to address growing workforce needs in the wine industry and is open to both students new to the field and working professionals seeking to formalize or advance their skills. The program will launch in a hybrid format combining online and in-person instruction, with a planned transition to fully online delivery in its second year. Program Director of Enology and Viticulture Martin Fujishin described the intent plainly: wineries need professionals who understand the business side of operations and can connect with customers, not just the vineyards. From the article:
“Today’s wine industry is incredibly dynamic,” said Martin Fujishin, program director of enology and viticulture. “Wineries are looking for professionals who can connect with customers, understand the business side of operations and help drive growth. This certificate is designed to build those skills in a practical, applied way.”
Fujishin added: “This program is about access and opportunity. Whether someone is already working in a tasting room, managing accounts or exploring a new career path, we’re meeting them where they are and helping them move forward with confidence.
Our partnerships with local wineries are a critical part of this program. Students aren’t just learning concepts — they’re applying them in real settings and building relationships that can lead directly to careers.”
The Business Council of New York State announced that the New York State Senate Economic Development Committee has advanced legislation to reform the State Liquor Authority’s outdated “public convenience and advantage” standard for liquor store licensing, the first time such legislation has ever cleared the committee. The bill would replace a vague, Prohibition-era threshold that critics say has functioned as a protectionist tool, allowing established competitors to block new retail entrants, with the same “good cause for disapproval” standard already used for bars and restaurants. Paul Zuber of the Business Council called it a major milestone toward bringing New York’s liquor laws into the 21st century. Two additional bills advanced alongside the primary legislation, further chipping away at rules that have gone largely unchanged since 1934.
The Three Laws Being Updated
Alcohol Law Review reports that the United States Supreme Court has declined to hear challenges to state alcohol retail shipping laws out of both Arizona and Indiana, delivering a decisive win for state three-tier system defenders and a significant loss for advocates of expanded direct-to-consumer wine shipping. The Arizona case centered on whether the state could require alcohol retailers to maintain a physical presence in the state as a condition of doing business there. The Indiana case involved an Illinois retailer’s attempt to ship directly to Indiana consumers without complying with the state’s three-tier distribution requirements. Both cases were framed as dormant Commerce Clause challenges, arguing that state physical presence requirements unconstitutionally discriminate against out-of-state retailers.
The Bottom Line:
The Court’s denial adds to a long and consistent line of similar rejections across the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th Circuits, all of which have upheld state authority to regulate alcohol retail under the framework established by the 21st Amendment. For wine retailers, distributors, and anyone following the direct shipping debate, the practical takeaway is clear: state three-tier laws remain firmly intact, and the Supreme Court has shown no appetite for revisiting that framework.
W. Blake Gray reports for Wine-Searcher that a push to establish standardized health warning labels on wine and beer through the Codex Alimentarius international food standards body was blocked at a meeting in Ottawa, delivering a setback to what Gray characterizes as the neo-Prohibitionist movement. The effort was formally introduced by Tanzania, with assistance from a coalition of smaller nations and, critically, the World Health Organization. The WHO’s Global Alcohol Action Plan 2022-2030 sets a target of reducing world alcohol consumption by 20%, and defines “harmful use of alcohol” by total per capita consumption, a framing that effectively treats every drink as harmful. Unable to place proposals directly on the Codex agenda, the WHO worked through member states to get alcohol labeling on the table, with Tanzania serving as the vehicle.
Mexico led the opposition, submitting a lengthy and pointed written statement that Gray describes as reading, in spirit, like “hands off our Tequila.” The US, Chile, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and others all raised objections, representing a broad coalition that extended well beyond wine and spirits producing nations.
From the article:
Neo-Prohibitionists lost a skirmish last week in Canada at one of the world’s most obscure, and polite, international forums. As a result, we won’t be seeing standard health warning labels on wine and beer anytime soon.
You can thank Mexico. A lot of nations opposed the neo-Prohibitionists at the Codex meeting in Ottawa. The US was spoiling for a fight. The EU was wishy-washy, managing to come down on both sides while also saying its member states might disagree. Australia said no thanks, but you can try again later. Japan said, thank you but no thank you.
Opolo Vineyards Tasting Experience
Opolo Vineyards is a dynamic estate that dabbles in a little bit of everything. While Rhone and Bordeaux varieties make up the bulk of the brand’s portfolio, they also dabble in Albarino, Moscato (via the Flirtations bottling), and a sparkling wine. The winery even operates a distillery where they produce a number of liqueurs, including cherry, apricot, and fig brandy, whiskey, brandy, amaro, and chamomile liqueur. And they operate an inn, the Inn at Opolo, with suite-sized accommodations!
The tasting room at Opolo Vineyards is lively, and the owners, Rick Quinn and Dave Nichols, frequently hang out in the tasting room, as they were on our visit. We love it when we see a winery’s owner(s) onsite, talking to guests, entertaining friends, and generally just showing how much they love the business they’re in, rather than those winery owners who you only ever see in press releases.
Cordant “Bedlam” Red Blend 2020
The 2020 Cordant “Bedlam” is a Rhone-inspired blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Petite Sirah, and 20% Grenache. In the glass, this Paso Robles is a deep shade of garnet, hinting at the robust palate that’s to come. The nose is pronounced and explodes with dark fruit – blackberry, plum, black currant – laced with intriguing notes of graphite, potting soil, and a touch of lavender.
The palate mirrors the nose, offering bold black fruit flavors complemented by earthy tones and subtle oak spice. Dry, full-bodied, and boasting high tannins, this wine demands attention. Its long, lingering finish leaves a lasting impression of dark fruit and spice, making it a perfect companion for robust dishes that can match its intensity.
Postino Park Place in Irvine is all about good food and wine – inspired by the Italian coast, thank you very much – and good fun. This upscale chain restaurant group has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, and Georgia, and the widely popular concept shows no sign of slowing its expansion. As of this writing, Postino has twenty locations, with their newest Phoenix location opening in September 2023.
Corkage Fee $30 Per Bottle / No Limit
Laguna Beach, CA
4.4 Stars with over 342+ Reviews
After many years working in multiple Italian restaurants throughout Los Angeles, Chef Erik felt it was time to create his own experience. Oliver’s Osteria, named after his son (who was born the same day he opened), is a culmination of Chef Erik De Marchi’s dream of being a father and owning his own restaurant. After six years in Laguna Beach, Chef Erik decided it was time to expand with another location in Irvine with Oliver’s Trattoria.