• Our pal Scott Carpenter, the Everyday Wine Guy, has announced his wines to watch for the new year. Scott likes Spanish tempranillo (no surprise to regular visitors here, who know how much I like it) and Argentine malbec, He also recommends Sonoma's Hannah Winery and Vineyard, and those are nice wines. They're a bit pricey for the Wine Curmudgeon, starting at about $20, but they deliver value.
• Expect to see wine distribution issues take center stage in state legislatures across the country this year. On one side are consumers, Internet-based retailers, some traditional retailers, and some wineries. They want to lift shipping restrictions that prevent consumers from buying wine on-line and directly from wineries. On the other are distributors, some state alcohol regulators, and some retailers, who like the current system the way it is. Big money is being spent in this fight, according to the Specialty Wine Retailers Association, a trade group for Internet wine sellers. It reports that distributors and their allies contributed $50 million between 2000 and 2006 to legislators, candidates, and the like. We have an especially cantankerous situation in Texas, where the retailers and distributors faced off last year and more than $7 million was spent in contributions.
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What they neglect to mention is how much money the big companies gather for charities as well.
I know the company I work for (my day job), Glazers, doesn't talk about that, it is not their style. But it surpasses political giving, which by the way is not illegal.
Southern Wine and Spirits, the largest in the country also contributes and raises millions for worthy causes.
Just a little balance here that often doesn't get reported by sides that have an agenda.
There is strong emphasis, in the corporate culture in which I work, to give back to the community. Where in the scheme of things, does one see the large internet retailers giving back to the local community or economy?
Respectfully submitted.
Posted by: Alfonso | January 09, 2008 at 08:48 AM