The Wine Press: Revenge Tariffs, Served With A Chill

Today in Wine News

On February 1, President Trump placed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing “an extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs” that constitutes a national emergency. Two days later, America’s neighbors to the north and south had both reached agreements with the Trump administration to reprieve Canada and Mexico for 30 days… but not without immediate repercussions for the American alcohol industry.

So what does lie in store for American exports? How will the already flagging American wine industry fight through tariffs on exports to find new audiences abroad? And what will happen to the Americans who want to continue supporting their favorite American producers?

Keep listening to learn more.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum (right) shake hands. (Photo Credit: The Wall Street Journal)

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Further Reading

• “Joint Statement by the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., the Chamber of the Tequila Industry, and Spirits Canada on Tariffs on Imports from Canada and Mexico” (Press Release)

• “What We Know About New Tariffs on American Alcohol” (Courtney Schiessl Magrini/SevenFifty Daily)

• “Canadians cancel trips, ban American booze after Trump's tariffs” (Anna Mehler Paperny, Amanda Stephenson and Ed White/Reuters)

• “U.S. booze stocks tumble as Canada prepares to retaliate against Trump tariffs” (Ciara Linnane/MarketWatch)

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In Other News

Here are some additional highlights from the week in wine news:

Jai Singh has become the first ever Best Sommelier in India! The newly founded Sommeliers Association of India held its first national contest on January 29th as part of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale.

• “India Crowns Its First-Ever ‘2025 SAI Best Sommelier of India’ at The LaLiT Mumbai” (Wine Industry Advisor Editor)

Touraine has become the first Loire Valley AOC to add climate change-resistant grape varieties to its blends. The Touraine AOC’s governing board recently decided to permit six different grapes to be blended into the wines: Floréal, Meslier Saint-François, Orbois, Chenin, Grolleau and Pineau d’Aunis.

• “6 new grape varieties for AOC Touraine” (Vitisphere)

And finally, Peter Babich, widely considered one of the great pioneers of New Zealand wine, has passed away at age 92. Peter Babich is survived by his wife, Lise Babich, his sons Joseph, David and Michael, his daughters-in-law Julie and Paula and grandchildren Peter, Luke, Annelise, Sophia and Amara.

• “Peter Babich pioneering leader of New Zealand wine dies” (Richard Siddle/The Buyer)

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That’s all the news this week. Thank you for listening to The Wine Press!

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We’ll be back next week with a new crop of wine news. Until then, cheers, and happy drinking!