This week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed groundbreaking legislation, S.2852A/A.3132A, permitting producers of spirits, cider, and mead to ship directly to New York consumers. This new law significantly enhances market opportunities for the state’s burgeoning craft beverage industry, enabling producers to deliver their unique products straight to customers both…
Author: Lindsey A. Zahn
Lindsey is the founder and author of On Reserve: A Wine Law Blog. She is an attorney and the Managing Partner of the alcohol beverage and food law firm Lindsey Zahn P.C. Lindsey is admitted to the New York State Bar.
TTB to Hold Listening Sessions for Alcohol Nutritional Information, Allergens, and Ingredients
Earlier this week, TTB announced its intention to hold two virtual listening sessions this month to hear industry concerns regarding alcohol nutritional information, allergens, and ingredients. Nutritional information, allergen, and ingredients statements are generally not required on alcohol beverages falling within TTB’s labeling jurisdiction. For products that make certain types…
Dracula Wine Brand Owner Sues 19 Crimes
Vampire Family Brands, LLC, a Ventura County winemaker, recognized for wine brands like Dracula, Vampire, and Fangria, is taking legal action against an Australian vintner for what it believes to be an infringement of its trademark, among other things. According to a complaint filed on August 29, 2023 in U.S….
European Commission Makes Last Minute Change to New Wine Label Regulations
EU Regulation 2021/2117 creates a significant change for the European Union’s wine and aromatic wine market. As of December 8, 2023, wines bound for the EU market must prominently feature a comprehensive list of all added ingredients on their labels. Many wineries planned in advance and printed labels to comply…
Prosecco to be Registered as a Geographical Indication in Singapore
A recent legal case, Consorzio di Tutela della Denominazione di Origine Controllata Prosecco v Australian Grape and Wine Incorporated [2023] SGCA 37, the Singapore Court of Appeal granted Consorzio’s application to register “Prosecco” as a Geographical Indication (“GI”) which designates wine originating from Italy. This represents a significant interpretation of the…
Russia Permits the Word Champagne on Russian Sparkling Wines
Various media sources have reported that Russia is requiring Champagne wines from the actual appellation of Champagne to tout “Sparkling Wine” on their labels as a result of a new law that went into effect on July 2nd. See, e.g., Only Wines Made in Russia Can be Called Champagne Under…
NYSLA Ends To-Go Privileges of COVID-19
On June 23rd, Governor Cuomo announced that emergency declaration that commenced in March 2020 would come to an end on June 24th. As a result, all executive orders expired on that date. Effective immediately, the temporary to-go privileges that were extended by the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”) to…
NYSLA Restricts On-Premises Sales in Response to COVID-19
In response to Governor Cuomo’s order, the New York State Liquor Authority (“NYSLA”) issued restrictions to licensees with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak, effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 8:00 PM ET. Per the NYSLA, all licensed on-premises establishments (including restaurants, bars, taverns, clubs, arenas, catering establishments, etc.) must stop on-premises…
Proactive Legal and Compliance Steps for Wineries in a COVID-19 Environment
In a world where the spread of COVID-19 is increasing and where consumers and businesses alike have encouraged “social distancing,” it is not without many sacrifices. The wine industry and other service-based businesses are certainly not immune and must be creative during a time where consumers and workers are staying home….
Inaugural Northeastern Cider Conference to be Held in Albany, New York in March 2020
This March is the inaugural Northeastern Cider Conference, which will be held in Albany, New York. The conference is a much-needed event for cider makers, brand owners, and importers. Sessions will discuss matters pertaining to growing, fermenting, distribution, retail, education, packaging, etc. and will include many renowned professionals in the cider world….