Rachel’s wine journeys
@reziembawine.bsky.social
Wine economist. dip WSET Trade disputes, climate adjustment, shifting demand. This is the wine spirits commentary of Rachel Ziemba, @reziemba.bsky.social economist and political risk expert.
Next up: a delayed trip report from Greece with many summer appropriate wines, hey, they are appropriate most times of the year!
August 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Next up: a delayed trip report from Greece with many summer appropriate wines, hey, they are appropriate most times of the year!
Beer exports are also down, including to Canada but more modestly and not way out of line, but liquor sales remain significantly stable, falling only modestly after some record exports in February (front-loading?? Tho value not unprecedented.)
August 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Beer exports are also down, including to Canada but more modestly and not way out of line, but liquor sales remain significantly stable, falling only modestly after some record exports in February (front-loading?? Tho value not unprecedented.)
Its a non-binding MOU so lots of questions ahead including on taxation inconsistencies, but its a step. So far DTC sales mostly w/in provinces or w provinces that dont have much alcohol production.
Tho DTC shipping is an issue between provinces especially w temp swings
Tho DTC shipping is an issue between provinces especially w temp swings
July 9, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Its a non-binding MOU so lots of questions ahead including on taxation inconsistencies, but its a step. So far DTC sales mostly w/in provinces or w provinces that dont have much alcohol production.
Tho DTC shipping is an issue between provinces especially w temp swings
Tho DTC shipping is an issue between provinces especially w temp swings
Fascinating look at the difference between roots of dryfarmed vs irrigated. Dry farmed looks more stable. Photo part of work done across california.
June 19, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Fascinating look at the difference between roots of dryfarmed vs irrigated. Dry farmed looks more stable. Photo part of work done across california.
Also good simulations from Kym Anderson on wine/spirits trade under various scenarios. None of them good outcomes given trade uncertainty, but the more countries targeted the less trade redirection (relative benefits to less tariffed countries). Big q around impact of tariffs on consumption
May 15, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Also good simulations from Kym Anderson on wine/spirits trade under various scenarios. None of them good outcomes given trade uncertainty, but the more countries targeted the less trade redirection (relative benefits to less tariffed countries). Big q around impact of tariffs on consumption
China big q too. Demand (volume and value up) in 2024 for first year since 2017. Is this just a stabilization (returns to 2021 levels approx) or bigger sign? Australia (tariffs finally removed and Chile big relative winners).
May 15, 2025 at 10:45 AM
China big q too. Demand (volume and value up) in 2024 for first year since 2017. Is this just a stabilization (returns to 2021 levels approx) or bigger sign? Australia (tariffs finally removed and Chile big relative winners).
US demand plunged in 23 after demand boom in covid recovery period when US consumers bought more and wine ecosystem held on to more supplies for a few years (worries of supply chain shortage and maybe some recorrection post the Trump 1.0 EU tariffs). Tariffs a big risk plus demand shifts.
May 15, 2025 at 10:40 AM
US demand plunged in 23 after demand boom in covid recovery period when US consumers bought more and wine ecosystem held on to more supplies for a few years (worries of supply chain shortage and maybe some recorrection post the Trump 1.0 EU tariffs). Tariffs a big risk plus demand shifts.
Wandile makes the good point that SA wine exports face higher tariffs in Chinese markets than competitors like Australia. The challenge is that Chinese wine consumption/imports have fallen dramatically in last decade post anti-corruption crackdown.
May 9, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Wandile makes the good point that SA wine exports face higher tariffs in Chinese markets than competitors like Australia. The challenge is that Chinese wine consumption/imports have fallen dramatically in last decade post anti-corruption crackdown.
The challenge is that the tariffs arent good for anyone, its just about who is worst off. US producers import bottles, equipment etc. tho all the demand drop for shipping might help moving bottles around the country
April 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
The challenge is that the tariffs arent good for anyone, its just about who is worst off. US producers import bottles, equipment etc. tho all the demand drop for shipping might help moving bottles around the country