Episode description

Today in Wine News

Think pieces about extraneous tariffs on imported wines started popping up mere hours after the 45th President of the United States became President-Elect for the second time. Americans have been heeding the call to stock up on their favorite French and Italian wines before January 20th, fearing accessibility issues on anything without a “Made in the U.S.A.” sticker on it.

How will a proposed 10 to 20 percent tariff on imported goods affect the way Americans drink wine? And how can wine lovers continue to enjoy their favorite imported wines when exorbitant prices dictate smaller cellars and smaller restaurant wine lists?

Keep listening to learn more.

Further Reading

* “The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs on the Wine Industry: Past and Future” (Stephanie L. Zeppa, Reid Whitten, and Karl Buhler/The National Law Review)

* “What do Trump's tariffs and Ferris Bueller have in common? Anyone? Anyone?” (Peter Armstrong/CBC News)

* “Time to Stock Up the Drinks Cabinet” (W. Blake Gray/WineSearcher)

* The Wine Press, Episode 15: Wine Gets Political (Aug. 15, 2024)

In Other News

Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:

The wildfires that swept through Los Angeles last week have had devastating effects on one of the country’s best food and wine areas. In some good news, restaurants across Southern California are providing food and hospitality to a lot of people who need sustenance and comfort. Our deepest sympathies go out to our friends in Los Angeles, especially those who have lost loved ones or housing due to the wildfires.

* “A Running List of Los Angeles Restaurants Impacted by the 2025 Palisades and Eaton Wildfires” (Rebecca Roland/Eater Los Angeles)

* “Los Angeles Restaurants Offering Free Meals and Relief During the 2025 Fires” (Rebecca Roland/Eater Los Angeles)

Wine bottles now come in numerous new sizes! Effective as of January 10, wine may now be sold in the additional bottle sizes: 180ml, 300ml, 330ml, 360ml, 473 ml (16 oz.), 550 ml, 568 ml (19.2 oz), 600 ml, 620 ml, 700 ml, 720 ml, 1.8 L, and 2.25 L.

* “Wine Just Got Fun-Sized” (Alder Yarrow/Vinography)

And finally, Dr. Anita Oberholster, a beloved Enology professor at UC Davis, has passed away from cancer. Dr. Oberholster contributed a lot of important research on wildfire impacts during the 2017, 2018, and 2020 harvests, for which she won many regional and national awards, including two years on Wine Business Monthly’s annual list of the Top 50 most influential people in the U.S. wine industry.

* “Remembering Anita Oberholster” (UC Davis Press Release)

That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!

Become a subscriber and be the first to access new episodes of The Wine Press, as well as Wine and Movie Pairings and more articles every week. And while you’re in the subscribing spirit, be sure to follow The Wine Press on Instagram at thewinepresspodcast, or reach out via email to thewinepresspodcast@gmail.com.

We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!