In the months leading up to the outbreak of Covid-19, there was a massive demand for alcohol in the United States, but not enough supply to fulfill it. And demand only increased when the pandemic set in, so many domestic brands ramped up production ten-fold. Now, as the market continues to readjust, there are a slew of producers with more stock than they know what to do with. The boom times are over, and in a capitalist system with too much competition, places unfortunately go out of business.
This sentiment rings particularly true for the current wine market, where winemakers themselves tend to view their craft as an art, and not so much as a business. Of course they are correct in calling their winemaking art, but if your work is not commercially viable, you’re in trouble. We see it happen time and time again in fashion, restaurants, and more, so why should the wine industry be any different?
On this episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach respond to a recent San Francisco Chronicle piece about the purportedly dire situation facing California winemakers. They then propose that the current struggles are more an aftereffect of the pandemic rather than a cataclysmic shift in how Americans feel about wine and argue that small winemakers need to be more honest about their business plans in order to prepare for difficult times. Tune in for more.
Joanna is reading: The Hidden Hospitality Hazards When You’re Too Big for the Bar
Zach is reading: Can Burgundy’s Low-Sulfite Wines Reshape Tradition?
Adam is reading: Why Drink Makers Seek Royal Warrants — and Why They Might Be Nervous Right Now
