Wine Politics, now in paperback! [giveaway]
My book, Wine Politics: How Governments, Environmentalists, Mobsters and Critics Influence the Wines We Drink, is now available in a new version: paperback! Not as lightweight as the existing Kindle edition and about the same weight as the Korean translation, the paperback is at least lighter–and cheaper!–than the original hardback edition.
Get background information and analysis on important wine topics such as why French wine advertisements aren’t allowed to show women looking sultry, how appellations can strangle originality, and why it’s easier to ship a case of wine from Bordeaux to Berlin than from Napa to New Jersey.
I’m giving away three personally inscribed copies of the new paperback to three people here! To qualify, leave a comment on this post noting the state or country where you live and if you’re happy with the ability (or not) to have wine shipped to you. Fortunately, books can be shipped to all 50 states but we request domestic addresses only for the giveaway; leave your comment by midnight Thursday to qualify for the drawing of three random winners on Friday.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:08 pm ,Tim Eustis wrote:
Aww. I’m in paris France. But my USA mailing address is in ct. And I’d love to ship wine there. And get the book!!!
Be well.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:08 pm ,Goddess of Wine wrote:
I’m fortunate to live in California, where pretty much everything can be shipped to me.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:11 pm ,Myrna Arroyo wrote:
Here in Louisiana, I can get wine shipped, which I am very happy about. I generally prefer to buy locally, but it is nice to be able to have wines shipped that I discover while traveling or that for some reason are not available at my local wine shops.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:15 pm ,Rich Hoffman wrote:
I live in NY and have a house in Columbia County, NY. It is a pleasure to be able to ship wine directly to my residence there.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:16 pm ,Jenna wrote:
I too am glad to live in California, where shipping regulations are looser.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:25 pm ,Gerry wrote:
I live in Wisconsin. I can generally get wine shipped to me. Some wineries aren’t aware of the ability to send to us. But the real problem is the cost of the shipping.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:30 pm ,Paulette Eschrich wrote:
Hi, I live in New Hampshire and some – not all – wineries ship here. Luckily, I do get wines shipped from Saxum in Paso Robles. I also run a monthly Wine Book Club at a local wine store, WineNot Boutique. We read your book last March. I select wines to pair with the book’s theme, so I chose French & CA wines that contrasted commercially mass-produced wines with small family-run winery wines at different price points. We had each flight blind. Can you guess the results?
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:34 pm ,Pinotbabe wrote:
Add another one for California – not an issue for me. However, if I ever decide to move, it will be one.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:34 pm ,Lisa wrote:
I live in Oregon and am happy with the ability to have any wine shipped to my wine-producing state! I would love a book please!
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:35 pm ,Alyssa wrote:
I live in Massachusetts and theoretically small wineries can ship to consumers, but it’s so hard to figure out, and most websites I check out won’t ship to me. It’s too confusing. I definitely *don’t* like it!!
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:37 pm ,Paul Sheridan wrote:
I live in Washington. It could be worse, but it could be a lot better too. All the big California retailers ship here, which is nice. The volume discounts (illegal in WA) and lower taxes often offset the shipping costs. (Are you hearing me Washington legislators? Unintended consequences are the real deal.)
I’m not happy that Wine Library can’t ship here. Apparently wine.com sent letters to the State of Washington turning in a number of retailers for shipping here in violation of laws that can only be followed by setting up a separate distribution center in each of the 50 states. Check out http://bit.ly/btFGAs and join me in my boycott of wine.com.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:42 pm ,David Cerruti wrote:
I live in New York. All the wine I could possibly want is available by shipping.
On November 8th, 2010 at 3:54 pm ,Jackie Duvieilh wrote:
As a Louisiana girl, I appreciate the right to get wine shipped to me. However, as a member of the industry, I do understand the want to regulate this.
On November 8th, 2010 at 4:00 pm ,David B. wrote:
I live in Ohio. They have a license for out of state wineries which allows them to ship to Ohio. The license requires them to collect applicable taxes. I don’t think any of the wineries in distribution have a license, so there may be a size restriction. I also don’t believe this license is available for retailers (out of state wine shops). So I guess I’m partially happy.
Apart from that, Ohio is a “three tier” state. It is a legalized cartel. By law, the wholesaler must mark up 25% and the retailer must mark up by 50%. That makes it clear why they are so generous with their contributions to the politicians. I’m not so happy about this as it makes wine expensive in Ohio.
On November 8th, 2010 at 4:40 pm ,Bradley Bogdan wrote:
I’m here in Boise, Idaho, and I can have all the wine I want shipped to me. It is one of the perks of small, unobtrusive, conservative gov’t. Of course, this is still the same state that owns all liquor stores! That said, I’m still a touch unhappy with things, as most of my favorite places to buy wine ship from the East or Midwest, and shipping to Idaho isn’t cheap!
On November 8th, 2010 at 4:44 pm ,SB7 wrote:
I live in Maryland, and no, I am not at all satisfied.
On November 8th, 2010 at 4:51 pm ,John wrote:
I live in VA and have been happy about getting wine shipped. If they do not ship to VA, I have a friend in DC who will accept the shipment.
On November 8th, 2010 at 4:51 pm ,George R Perry wrote:
there are a lot of things about Virginia’s alcohol laws that annoy me, but my ability to receive wine shipments isn’t one of them.
On November 8th, 2010 at 5:02 pm ,Christina wrote:
I live in OH, and although we can fortunately have wine shipped here, it would be great if our distributors carried a wider variety of imports and wines from niche US wineries. Would love the book! 🙂
On November 8th, 2010 at 5:05 pm ,Mark wrote:
I live in New York and it’s so easy to ship (or otherwise acquire wine) that my cellar is full to bursting…
On November 8th, 2010 at 5:11 pm ,Paul wrote:
I live in Baltimore, MD.
I am not at all satisfied, as I can not have wine shipped to my house – not to protect the children, but to protect the distributors.
On November 8th, 2010 at 5:17 pm ,jeff wrote:
As a California resident, I feel like the domestic shipping conditions are good. International shipping less so.
On November 8th, 2010 at 5:35 pm ,Warren wrote:
I know this is an Americo centric site but there are people who live outside the USA. Some of them even drink wine and some even read blogs including Dr Vino’s blog.
So, here is the system in Australia. I live in Queensland and I can buy wine from a local retailer, or from a retailer in another state either in person, by phone or online. I can also buy wine direct from a producer/winery/estate if they have the facilities. This works well when small wineries are concerned but less so when it the big giant producers. They dont bother with small users like me.
So, all in all it works pretty well.
On November 8th, 2010 at 5:48 pm ,Tobias wrote:
I live in Norway and am content that I can have any Vinmonopolet item (some 14,000) sent to a nearby outlet for me to pick up. What they do not have, they claim I can private import, but of course it will be more costly.
I suppose for a fee I can have them courier my package to my door, but by then the cost has been hiked high by our excise duty, and I ought to save money by walking to sooner afford another bottle.
On November 8th, 2010 at 6:06 pm ,Jarrod H. wrote:
Dr. Vee-
Colorado is one of the states that has no problem with direct shipping, which is nice – I suppose. Honestly I’ve never purchased from a winery and had them ship it. The only experience that I’ve had with shipping wine is through Gary Vee at Wine Library. That guy could sell salt to slugs…
The vineyards that I buy directly from are in the West Elks AVA, a stunningly beautiful 2 hour drive from here, so I get in the car and make a day of it. Nonetheless, after reading your book, I do feel bad for the folks that can’t have wine shipped to them – and equally bad for those whose wine is shipped poorly.
You try any Colorado wine lately?
On November 8th, 2010 at 6:57 pm ,Rita wrote:
I am so fortunate to live in CALIFORNIA where I can have any wine I want shipped to me. Unfortunately my daughter lives in Tennessee and I have to take wine with me on the plane when I visit. Ridiculous!
On November 8th, 2010 at 7:14 pm ,Robin C wrote:
I live in New Mexico and I haven’t had a problem with wine being shipped to me. I’ve also been very curious about your book.
On November 8th, 2010 at 7:17 pm ,Kim wrote:
I live in MINNESOTA and I love being able to have wine shipped to me from California. I have been buying quite a bit that way lately (hat tip to Cameron Hughes!). A great way to get some wines that just would not normally make it here. I hope we don’t lose that ability with new legislation. I have been stocking up just in case.
On November 8th, 2010 at 7:28 pm ,Laurie wrote:
I’m currently living in Virginia and if you could see the crazy amounts of wine we have had shipped here in the past month (after some intense wine country travel), you would be reassured that wine shipping to Virginia is hardly a problem.
On the other hand, Iam excited to be planning a move to PA next year, the only thing that gives me pause are the deeply archaic wine laws.
On November 8th, 2010 at 8:14 pm ,Nicole D. wrote:
I live in NY, and luckily we can have wine shipped. But, we also have some great Finger Lakes wineries right in the state!
On November 8th, 2010 at 8:54 pm ,Matt Garza wrote:
Houston, Texas. I enjoy the local Specs store ever changing selection and have no problem with wine being shipped to me. Getting a big heavy box at the office gets people wondering…
On November 8th, 2010 at 9:08 pm ,Mike S H wrote:
Washington DC. Very happy with the ability to have wine shipped to me.
On November 8th, 2010 at 9:25 pm ,Tim Finley wrote:
Live in Alabama Not impossible to receive shipments but not easy Surprise it’s politics!
On November 8th, 2010 at 10:22 pm ,Charley wrote:
I am in Houston and I love to get wine by mail (when it is not 100 degrees outside)
On November 9th, 2010 at 8:02 am ,Jeff wrote:
Here in Dallas, Texas, it has been very difficult to have wine shipped to us since new legislation passed earlier this year. Most online wine stores will no longer ship to Texas. This prevents us from buying cases of our favorite wines that are simply not available anywhere locally.
On November 9th, 2010 at 8:05 am ,Andrew wrote:
Free stuff good! I’m in London, UK, but have a Maryland postal address as well ;-). Spoilt for choice over here with a dynamic, competitive, and wide-ranging market for wine, so always happy to help out. Also a member of the world’s greatest co-op, The Wine Society.
On November 9th, 2010 at 8:15 am ,Marcel wrote:
I live in Massachusetts, i have been very frustrated with the legislation in this state. The current laws on the books prohibit small wineries from shipping to us here. There is legislation sitting in limbo at the state house to over turn the current laws here which have been ruled unconstitutional. I am tired of state legislators favoring big business (In this case distributors who do not even carry portfolios of small vineyards) instead of representing their constituents.
On November 9th, 2010 at 8:32 am ,Kathy Kopecky wrote:
I live in MN, and they just recently, in the last few years, allowed shipping. i would hate to lose that ability!!
On November 9th, 2010 at 9:19 am ,Aaron Toomey wrote:
I live in NY and am very happy with direct to consumer shipping.
On November 9th, 2010 at 9:32 am ,Marco Romano wrote:
I also reside in NY and am pleased with the direct shipping available here.
On November 9th, 2010 at 10:24 am ,Megan Murphy wrote:
I am fortunate to live in New York City, where wine is shipped to without a problem & I’m usually able to find the wine I’m looking for at a local retail store. Can’t wait to read Wine Politics! I have a long trip coming up & it will make for a great plane ride.
On November 9th, 2010 at 10:53 am ,Michael wrote:
I live in Massachusetts which means I am very UNHAPPY about the status of wine shipment from out of state. (Luckily my parents live in CT, so I have a clumsy work around.)
On November 9th, 2010 at 11:43 am ,Anamarie wrote:
Live in Virginia and happy that we can have wine shipped here. Though my in-laws live in Rhode Island and are VERY bummed when we visit wineries in VA that they cannot get wine shipped to them. Though I once might have heard that if you put a few magazines in a box that also happens to have wine in it, that counts as “printed materials”. 😉
On November 9th, 2010 at 1:14 pm ,Mike Holland wrote:
I’m in California where getting the wine is easy and gettingthe grapes to make my own is just as easy!
On November 9th, 2010 at 1:59 pm ,Kim wrote:
I’m lucky to live in CA – I can’t imagine not being able to get the wine I want!
On November 9th, 2010 at 3:21 pm ,ISC wrote:
Tyler’s book is fascinating reading. I am always amazed at the many hidden facts about the industry that so many people do not know. Kudo’s to Tyler for sharing this information. More people need to understand and know about it.
ISC
On November 9th, 2010 at 3:44 pm ,Robert Franke wrote:
I’m of two minds about this. As a wine-lover antagonistic to the mass-market,I love the idea of having access to a great breadth and depth of wine. I also resent the mindless vestiges of post-prohibition.
Yet, I am also cognizant of the profound economic and social contribution a healthy and vibrant local retail community delivers to its community. I have seen the damage done by mass-marketers and big-box retailers–both in negative influence on the local economy and, ultimately, in the reduction of selection.
If I boost a burgeoning internet retail environment, and really that’s what this is all about, I’m doing little better than supporting mass-marketing and giving myself over to mindless consumerism. Like all big boxes, real or virtual, there is the initial promise of choice, but eventually large-scale marketing and focused profits win the day. In the short-term, I’ll get that unique bottle I’m looking for at a great price, but ultimately I’m contributing to empty store fronts on Main Street and a nation of clerks and order-processors.
On November 9th, 2010 at 6:35 pm ,Laurie wrote:
Robert,
I absolutely agree with your point of view. I think one of the most underrated and most valuable assets to the wine community is the small local retailer with a thoughtfully chosen inventory. And big box internet retailers can harm small local retailers, but there are other reasons to have wine shipped.
All of the wine I have shipped to me is either directly from a winery where I have had the pleasure of tasting the wine onsite, or from small retailers I have had the pleasure of discovering while traveling. Not all shipped wine is from mass retailers.
On November 9th, 2010 at 7:43 pm ,Emily wrote:
I live in Wisconsin and am happy that shipping is allowed, but haven’t taken advantage of it. I guess I’m just happy with my local wine shop 🙂
On November 9th, 2010 at 8:06 pm ,Steve wrote:
I’m in PA, and I can’t stand the liquor laws here. Which include the not having any wine shipped here. Really the only thing I can’t stand about about the state.
On November 9th, 2010 at 8:34 pm ,Charlotte King wrote:
I live in CA, where some of the best Wine is made, and Loved your book! I’m so excited it’s in paperback! Second printing, congrats!
On November 10th, 2010 at 5:09 am ,Michiel wrote:
I live in WV and have no clue as to ease of shipping wine, as I’ve never tried.
On November 10th, 2010 at 6:16 am ,Robbie C. wrote:
Hi there. I live in Weinan, China and have for a few years. China is not a very good place to live if you like wine. Where I live There is very little foreign wine available (Beringer Cabernet is the only US wine, lol)
There are only a couple retailers which will ship to my town (I just ordered some wine from Shanghai) The really bad news is…even if you live in a city which has good wine for sale you will pay 100-200% over retail prices we pay in the USA! Crazy huh?!
Anyway, I’d like to read your book and you could ship it to my mom’s address in Ohio.
On November 10th, 2010 at 10:21 am ,Mary Cressler wrote:
I just moved to CT from OR. In OR it was very easy to get wine sipped to me. I’ve only been in CT two months now, and have had only a few shipments so far but with ease… only time will tell.
On November 10th, 2010 at 4:36 pm ,Vermont Wine Media » Reading Between The Wine Books wrote:
[…] book is a couple of years out in the market (just released to paperback), and has been well reviewed, and yet I am surprised when I bring it up in discussions with […]
On November 10th, 2010 at 4:43 pm ,Jonathan F wrote:
I manage six boutique wineries in California and nothing hurts more than when a customer wants to join our club and we have to tell them that interstate trade law won’t allow it. It’s a lose-lose on the consumer and business side. As a History graduate, it’s nice to see quality books from the UC Press. I would love a copy…
On November 10th, 2010 at 4:51 pm ,Todd Trzaskos wrote:
Dr. Vino’s book is a must read, and a great holiday gift for any amateur or professional wino, err…oenophile in your life. It was on my summer reading list, and we just covered it in one of our recent wine book review posts.
http://www.vtwinemedia.com/vt_wine_press/?p=976
Here in Vermont we have it pretty good…even for such a small state we rank pretty high in terms of “fine” wine sales and wine sales in general, so lots producers ship here, as well as do a number of retailers. That said, I always try to buy something locally through one of our distributors. They all do a very good job of providing quality wines here. In VT, none of the distributors I’ve spoken to has a problem with interstate shipping, in fact one of them was able to get a serious winery as a client by starting a relationship with them as a mailing list customer.
On November 10th, 2010 at 8:44 pm ,Weston wrote:
Live in Brtish Columbia Canada, Can’t ship wine across the board its Illegal. If I do go to the states only allowed two bottles duty free [then after that its 117%Tax to max of 12$ a bottle]
On November 10th, 2010 at 9:08 pm ,J-PA wrote:
I live in Pennsylvania and I laughed out loud when I read that the request was to comment about shipping wine to me. I won’t even purchase wine in this state as the Johnstown Flood Tax along with the sales tax add an unnecessary 24% to every bottle. Thankfully my brother in North Carolina is willing to receive shipments for me. It provides extra incentive to visit my nephews…..
On November 11th, 2010 at 2:20 pm ,Lisa Khajavi wrote:
I look forward to reading Wine Politics, as the topic hits my funny bone for many reasons. We have just returned from 6 years in Costa Rica where wine selection was pretty limited and prices very high. Anything imported was taxed very heavily. Now that we are back in the US, we are thrilled with our selection compared to Costa Rica, however we chose to live in probably one of the most restrictive states in the US–Utah! Not happy at all with HR 5034 either. We love the outdoors and the snow–but to replenish special wines not available here we plan to travel to visit friends and family in California and drive the wine back!
On November 12th, 2010 at 9:01 pm ,Dr. Vino wrote:
Thanks so much for the interest! Using random.org, which I use for all my random number generation, I generated numbers that correspond to the following commenters: Jenna, Pinotbabe, and Laurie! Come on down! Drop me a line with your details via the contact page. Or I’ll send you a note now too.
I thought the comments turned out to be quite interesting–my condolences to you who love wine but have that enthusiasm strangled by red tape and/or laws. Don’t forget to keep an eye on legislation in the next Congress that may imperil more state laws on shipping.
Thanks for all the kind words about the book!
Paulette – that’s great that you read the book with your book club. Do share the results of your tasting!
On November 13th, 2010 at 12:11 am ,Michael LeFever wrote:
I live in Maryland.
I’m terribly unsatisfied. We cannot send or receive bottles by mail.
On November 16th, 2010 at 12:43 am ,Anthony wrote:
This is a very nice and interesting book…hope to get a copy of this soon.