Wine Business
In WineBusiness, Alex Koral (Regulatory General Counsel, Sovos ShipCompliant) reports in “Three States Revamp Their DtC Wine Shipping Laws” that three states have significantly expanded or updated their direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping regulations, potentially reshaping how wineries reach consumers across state lines. The article underscores how this wave of state-level legislation signals momentum in loosening long-standing DtC shipping restrictions.
From the article:
Both Mississippi and Delaware—states that have long been tantalizingly out of reach for the DtC market—enacted completely new DtC rules, while Arkansas (also finally) removed a provision that had severely limited DtC shipping in the state. With these changes, Utah is now the only state in the country without any DtC shipping rights on its books.
Wine Industry Advisor
In Wine Industry Advisor, it was reported that Samra Morris, winemaker at Alma Rosa Winery, has been named a finalist for Winemaker of the Year in the 2025 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
From the article:
Since joining Alma Rosa in 2019, Morris has become a dynamic voice in Santa Barbara County, crafting some of the Sta. Rita Hills’ most distinct wines. Alma Rosa’s 628-acre El Jabali estate in the Sta. Rita Hills encompasses 47 distinct, non-contiguous vineyard blocks planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache and small amounts of Pinot Blanc and Aligoté. Situated on the north-facing slopes of the Sta. Rita Hills, El Jabali was first planted in 1983 by California wine pioneer Richard Sanford, who went on to establish Alma Rosa Winery in 2005. Of the six vintages released under Morris’ leadership, 20 wines have been awarded 95-98 points by Wine Enthusiast.
The Drinks Business
In The Drinks Business, journalist Sarah Neish reports that the average direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine bottle price in the U.S. has climbed to $52.68, up nearly 8% from last year and about 40% higher than in 2018.
From the article:
According to the report, this has now climbed by 8% to reach US$52.68, nearly 40% higher than in 2018. Much of this has to do with the ultra-premium costs of Napa Valley wines, given that the average price of a Napa wine had already reached US$108 per bottle in 2023. Soaring prices such as those in Napa will have helped push up the total national average. Indeed, the report shows that between January and June 2025, Napa Valley accounted for a staggering 46% of national DTC sales value, and 27% of the volume.
VinePair
In VinePair, Stephen Bradley writes about how “blind tasting” has become a viral trend on social media. What used to be an insider, professional exercise is now being embraced by wine influencers, sommeliers, and everyday people. The article explores how this phenomenon is democratizing wine education: short-form videos, guessing games, vulnerability around being wrong, and relatability are helping new audiences engage with wine more deeply.
From the article:
Blind tasting was once an insider-only practice for wine professionals looking to learn and detect wines. But in the last couple of years, food and beverage publications, internet-savvy sommeliers, and wine “influencers” have been posting no-frills blind tastings across social media — and they are reaching audiences other forms of wine media haven’t.
These new-age blinds are set in humble apartments, high-end New York City restaurants, and in one case, a pontoon boat with the wine poured in red Solo cups.
And as wine outlets have gotten in on the trend, it’s difficult to see past. Wine Folly posts guess-the-wine carousels. Wine Enthusiast splashes wine in contestants’ faces to guess.
SF Chronicle
No. Just say No. I mean, WHY?
