Wine Enthusiast – Tariffs Have Transformed the Wine World as We Know It
In Wine Enthusiast, writer Aleks Zecevic analyzes how new U.S. tariffs—along with rising shipping costs, currency fluctuations, and trade tensions—are reshaping the global wine industry. These pressures are squeezing margins, adding unpredictability to supply chains, and forcing importers and producers alike to rethink their strategies. The opening few lines of the article sum up the damage and its lasting effects:
When the news broke about the Trump administration’s threats to impose a 200% tariff on European wines, Jenny Lefcourt, president and co-founder of Jenny & François Selections, was hiking in the Grand Canyon. From the trail, she called her office and froze all shipments.
“Two hundred percent would have put me out of business,” Lefcourt says.
After months of back-and-forths, the levy eventually settled at 15%. Still, the damage was done for all stakeholders in the wine and spirits world. Trust eroded between producers, importers, and the federal government. Margins collapsed across the whole world. The future is shaky for anyone who can’t lower prices.
The Drinks Business – Loss of US fine wine buyers following Trump tariffs akin to the ‘exodus’ of Asian buyers in 2010
Continuing to cover the shift in global wine dynamics under new U.S. tariffs, The Drinks Business now reports another repercussion: U.S. fine wine buyers are pulling back in a manner likened to the “exodus” of Asian buyers from global markets in 2010. The piece argues that the withdrawal of U.S. demand after Trump-era tariff pressures may be one of the sharpest reversals in recent fine wine trade history. From the article:
In a recent webinar, Liv-ex’s (Liv-ex – The London International Vintners Exchange) Market Analyst of Market Intelligence- Sophia Gilmour said that the “importance of US buyers had perhaps not been fully realized until their exodus”, noting that it was “almost akin to that of Asian buyers in the late 2000s.”
Outlining the defining trends of the year, Gilmour noted that at the start of this year, the outlook was positive, with traded volumes up, prices seeing minimal declines, and an area of positivity in the market. “The first quarter looked solid and we saw some stability,” she said. “A recovery, or at least sideways movement, looked likely.”
However, this changed in March with the threat of trade tariffs, and “immediately” US buyers – whose market share had grown to 35% of traded value in 2024 – withdrew their bids.
“Traded volumes dropped, and soon after, so too did prices,” she said.
Wine Enthusiast – The Rise of the Winery Hotel Has Come at the Exact Right Time
Tina and I love a good Winery Hotel, and Wine Enthusiast explores how the growth of wine tourism is fueling this new hybrid lodging category. As travelers seek immersive, slower-paced wine country retreats, properties that combine accommodations with vineyard access, cellar experiences, and hands-on education are becoming more tasteful and desirable. From the Article:
Globally, wine tourism is expected to grow 13% by 2034. While hotels that make their own wine are nothing new, the wine tourism boom has fueled the growing category of accommodations that let guests play winemaker and student all at once, in some of the world’s most prestigious wine regions. According to research from Future Market Research, the desire for personalized and immersive wine experiences are fueling wine tourism’s expansion.
It’s the reason why, in August, I traveled to the heart of Piemonte to Villa La Madonna, a boutique hotel surrounded by its own rolling Barbera vines, to enjoy regionally-focused tastings and classes from the comfort of one place.
While in Tuscany, we visited San Felice Winery, which is part of a full resort with a restaurant and a Spa. We didn’t stay there but did visit the Winery, had services at the Spa, and dined at the Michelin-starred Poggio Rosso. (SKY – LINK TO ALL OF THIS)
When in Paso Robles, we stay at the Allegretto Winery and Vineyard Resort. With its tasting room and the Cello Ristorante & Bar.
Il Cielo Resort – Luxury and tranquility come together at Il Cielo Resort, making it an ideal home base for your wine country getaway. The rooms are beautifully designed, offering a mix of elegance and comfort, but the real showstopper is the on-site restaurant, Latitude 32.
If you’re looking for something with a bit more rustic charm, Hacienda Guadalupe is the perfect choice. This boutique hotel blends traditional Mexican architecture with modern comforts, all while offering breathtaking vineyard views. Whether you’re starting your day with a cup of coffee on the terrace or unwinding with a glass of wine at sunset, the warm hospitality and serene atmosphere make for a truly memorable stay.
Wine Business – Afterwords Debuts 97-Point 2023 GIII Cabernet from Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
And we’ll wrap the news with a big shout-out to our friend Anton Van de Plas.
I found a press release in Wine Business about his label, Afterwords, founded by Anton & Lisa Van de Plas. It debuted the 2023 GIII Cabernet Sauvignon from the Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges II, crafted by winemaker Julien Fayard, it scored a 97-point nod from International Wine Report.
You may remember Anton from his days at Gandona. If not be sure to check out our interview with him at Gandona Estate. A Note on the Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III: It is one of Napa Valley’s most revered sites, a piece of living history originally planted to vine in 1895 by Elizabeth Yount Rutherford. Developed by Georges de Latour in 1928 and launched to fame by Andre Tchelistcheff (chel-LEEST-cheff) in the 1960s, “G3” is a 300-acre plot in the heart of Rutherford that continues to produce benchmark expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon.
From the Press Release:
“Working with fruit from Beckstoffer Georges III is a winemaker’s dream,” shared Julien Fayard, whose two decades of experience include acclaimed projects across Napa and Sonoma. “This site imparts an unparalleled intensity and refinement to the Cabernet. For the GIII, we focused on gentle extraction and precise élevage to highlight its innate elegance, ensuring it’s as delightful now as it will be in 20 years. It’s a wine that speaks volumes about place and patience.”
The “Chapter” series represents Afterwords Wines’ commitment to terroir-driven storytelling, with each release illuminating a unique vineyard’s narrative. Future chapters will explore other (Beckstoffer) benchmark sites, continuing the brand’s pursuit of wines that transcend the ordinary. Limited in production, the 2023 GIII Cabernet Sauvignon is available for purchase exclusively through the Afterwords website at afterwords.wine,
Château Mont-Thabor – A Family-Run Organic Estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Château Mont-Thabor, a historic family-run estate in Bédarrides, has been producing wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, and Luberon since 1881. Now managed by Fanny Stehelin, her husband Vincent Brémond, and her father Daniel Stehelin, the domaine combines generational expertise with certified organic farming to craft terroir-driven wines.
2021 Chateau Mont-Thabor Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Old-vine Grenache in a classic key: Mont-Thabor 2021 layers black-cherry and blackberry depth with cigar-box spice and a faint smoky line, then finishes long and tidy. It’s poised rather than showy—CdP clarity with a quiet streak of power.
Terrae – Truffe & Vin is an intimate restaurant in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where truffles and local wines take center stage. With its refined menu, heartfelt hospitality, and a concept built around the region’s culinary treasures, it delivers a dining experience that is both rooted in tradition and distinctly memorable.
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