Introduction to Wine Law

The alcohol beverage industry is one of the most regulated consumer product industries in the United States: producers, importers, distributors, and retailers generally require licenses through both federal and state government agencies; labels and formulas are subject to administrative approval prior to sale at market; and regulations exist that often prohibit cross ownership between licensed entities. The wine industry is not immune from these concerns, and wine is additionally subject to laws and rules for grape varieties and appellations of origin. Wine was also the topic of the 2005 Supreme Court case Granholm v. Heald, which had a major impact on the industry in the last decade. 

This course, presented by Lindsey A. Zahn, lawyer at Lehrman Beverage Law, PLLC, provides a brief history of wine regulation in the United States, addresses some of the contemporary issues in wine law, and offers insight on some of the most convoluted laws in existence since the repeal of Prohibition.

Learning Objections:

I.     Learn the history of wine regulation in the U.S.

II.    Gain a general understanding of federal wine labeling and advertising

III.   Generate a picture of how federal and state agencies work together

IV.   Provide an overview of trade practice laws unique to a highly regulated industry