Chiara Shannon Spotlights Impact of New European Wine Tariffs on Industry
- Chiara Rose Shannon
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
Mindful Wine's Chiara Shannon returns to Spectrum News 1
On August 16, 2025, Spectrum News 1 - SoCal aired a segment on the newly enacted 15% tariff on European wine imports—effective August 1—that could ripple through both imported and domestic wine markets.
How Tariffs Impact the U.S. Wine Market
In the segment, Chiara explains that the U.S. wine market’s federally mandated three-tier distribution system means tariffs don’t stop at imports—they affect the entire industry.
When tariffs raise landed costs, American importers pass them to distributors.
Distributors then increase wholesale prices for retailers and restaurants.
To avoid steep hikes on popular imports like Champagne, Burgundy, or Bordeaux, distributors spread the increases across their entire portfolio—including domestic wines.
Ultimately, these costs flow down to consumers, making the impact industry-wide.
The Ripple Effect on Domestic Producers
Although California produces an impressive $73 billion in wine annually—the largest output of any U.S. state—the damage won’t be confined to imports.
Chiara noted in a June Spectrum News 1 appearance that domestic wineries also feel the strain as the cost of imported essentials like barrels, corks, and glass continues to rise. These pressures are especially tough on small, family-run wineries and independent businesses already operating on razor-thin margins.
Mindful Wine’s Perspective
As founder of Mindful Wine, Chiara draws on 20 years of experience as a WSET Diploma-certified sommelier, Global Wine Executive MBA, and mindful wine advocate. Her appearance highlights Mindful Wine’s role in advancing thoughtful conversations about pricing transparency, industry sustainability, and mindful consumption.
✨ At Mindful Wine, we believe informed choices create a more sustainable, intentional wine culture. If you’d like to explore how to navigate the industry shifts affecting your wine business — or personal wine journey — let's connect.
📅 Book a consultation call with Chiara here and take the next step.
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