As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has entered a shutdown, and this has direct implications for wine businesses that rely on federal agencies like the TTB and FDA. Below is a quick overview of what alcohol
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When Prosecco Explodes: Legal Lessons for Wine Brands from the Costco Recall
You may have seen the recent story: Costco has recalled its Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene product in at least 11 states because bottles were at risk of shattering or “exploding,” even when unopened. VinePair. The recall spans bottles sold
The Rise of No- and Low-Alcohol Wines: How TTB and FDA Divide Oversight
The demand for no- and low-alcohol beverages has exploded in recent years. From health-conscious consumers seeking moderation to younger demographics embracing mindful drinking, wineries are increasingly exploring how dealcoholized or reduced-alcohol products might fit into their portfolios. While the trend
Seventh Circuit Denies Rehearing in Chicago Wine Co. Case: What It Means for Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit recently issued a per curiam decision denying a petition for rehearing en banc in the Chicago Wine Co. v. Indiana case. This ruling upholds Indiana’s law prohibiting out-of-state retailers from shipping
FDA Plans to Revoke Standards for Over 50 Foods
The FDA has announced plans to eliminate or propose eliminating Standards of Identity (“SOIs”) for 52 food items, stating that many of these regulations are outdated. These standards, which have existed since 1939, define what ingredients and production methods are required
New York Considers Brand Owner’s License to Modernize Alcohol Distribution Options
New York State is taking a meaningful step toward modernizing its alcohol beverage laws with Assembly Bill A6277A, which proposes the creation of a new Brand Owner’s License. For years, brand owners who lacked physical production facilities faced legal
New York’s Reciprocal Shipping Law Faces Legal Challenge from California Spirits Brand
A recent federal lawsuit filed by Ad Obscura LLC (The Obscure Distillery,) a California-based craft spirits producer, against the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”) could have significant implications for interstate liquor shipping regulations in the United States according to
Michigan Attorney General Cracks Down on Illegal Wine Shipments
According to Lansing State Journal, Michigan’s Attorney General took legal action against multiple wineries for allegedly illegally shipping wine into the state without the required direct shipper licenses. Since 2023, the Attorney General’s office has filed at least 700
Mississippi Legalizes Direct-to-Customer Wine Shipping
Mississippi recently made a significant change to its wine laws by legalizing direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) wine shipping, effective July 1, 2025. This means licensed wineries can now legally ship wine directly to Mississippi residents. With this update, Arkansas, Delaware, Rhode Island, and
TTB Proposes New Requirements for Mandatory Food Allergen and Alcohol Facts on Wine, Spirits, and Malt Beverage Labels
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) is revisiting its rulemaking on labeling alcoholic beverages with allergen information and Alcohol Facts, including per-serving alcohol content, calorie count, and nutrient details. In January 2025, TTB published Notice No. 238