Amidst the months leading up to the Covid-19 outbreak, there was a surge in demand for alcohol in the United States. However, this demand could not be met due to a shortage of supply. This situation worsened when the pandemic hit, causing many domestic alcohol brands to increase their production significantly. Despite this, as the market continues to adjust, many producers find themselves with more stock than they can sell, leading to fierce competition and the closure of businesses.
The wine market is particularly affected by this issue. Winemakers often see their craft as an art rather than a business. While winemaking is undoubtedly an art form, it must also be commercially viable to sustain a business. This struggle is not unique to the wine industry; we see similar challenges in other industries such as fashion and restaurants.
On a recent episode of the “VinePair Podcast,” Adam, Joanna, and Zach discussed a San Francisco Chronicle article highlighting the difficulties faced by California winemakers. They argued that these challenges are more of a result of the pandemic’s impact rather than a permanent shift in Americans’ attitudes towards wine. They suggested that small winemakers should be more transparent about their business plans to better prepare for tough times ahead.
Joanna was reading an article about the hidden hazards of hospitality when a bar is too big, Zach was exploring how low-sulfite wines from Burgundy could reshape tradition, and Adam was delving into why drink makers seek royal warrants and the potential nervousness surrounding this practice at the moment. Listen to their full discussion on the VinePair Podcast available on various platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.