In this episode of IntoWineTV, host Lisa Kolenda and wine panelists Bartholomew Broadbent, Michael Cervin, and Richard Jennings discuss the problems with wine distribution in the US.
US wine distribution is controlled by prohibition legacy laws in each state that regulate the sale and/or shipment of wine. These laws mainly serve two purposes: 1. They generate tax revenue for the states, and 2. They protect the "monopoly" held by a few distributors in each state that requires all wine sales to run through those distributors.
Are these regulatory walls at all beginning to crumble?
How do these state-by-state regulations impact sales and distribution for wine producers?
How does the internet and direct sales fit into this?
Are the consumers being well served by these regulations or are they just being denied choice in the marketplace?
The panel discusses these issues and more. See previous IntoWineTV videos.
Panelists:
Bartholomew Broadbent, CEO of Broadbent Selections.
Michael Cervin, Wine, Food, & Travel Writer, MichaelCervin.com
Richard Jennings, Founder, RJonWine.com