Tasting sized pours
Shipping wine to Florida has been classified as a felony (yes, really). But that is about to change. On Thursday, the second largest wine market in the country opened up for wine shipments directly from wineries. As Florida cracks open, the biggest wine distributor, Southern Wine and Spirits, announced their entry into Mississippi, another protected market since the state prohibits direct shipping. (Thanks, Jon)
Arizona might be the next state to open up.
Constellation Brands, the biggest wine producer with brands such as Woodbridge and Almaden, has issued stock options amounting to 2% of shares outstanding–and simultaneously announced a share buyback of $100 million. Cui bono?
Diageo’s profits were up 21% in the last quarter as beer sales growth outstripped wine in North America–while the Irish are drinking less Guinness.
To sell more French wine, maybe shops need to play more accordion music?
