Tom Wark, executive director of the National Association of Wine Retailers (Winefreedom.org), wine PR guru, and author of Fermentation Wine Blog  gives a fascinating look at the history of US wine law, current inane laws (unconstitutional) on interstate wine shipping, and the ripple effects for wine producers, importers, and drinkers.

*Note: This issue is not a democrat v republican issue, so if you fear this will be a partisan conversation, both sides are restricting consumer rights and there is no discussion of party politics in the show. 

Even if you are not an American listener, the history and politics of the world's biggest market (by volume) and the restrictive environment in which wine is sold will shock and amaze you. 

Here are some of the issues we tackle in the conversation:

1.The issues with retailers shipping between states and why consumers and retailers and hamstrung by regulation   2. The historical background -- from the 1700s to today on how the US became so protectionist about alcohol. Nerdy details include..

• Why the current laws violate the spirit of the Articles of Confederation and then the Constitution of the United States
• The Pre- and Post- Prohibition eras, Constitutional Amendments and a violation of the Commerce Clause of the US Constitution
• Granholm v. Heald, a 2005 case that should have resolved this and why it didn't  
• Implications for consumers, retailers, small producers, and importers, and why we need to use our voices to stop the politics

3. A discussion of "the money" and why the Wholesalers rule our choice in every state.   4. The New York Times article by Eric Asimov and why New York and New Jersey retailers may soon be suffering.    5. What's next? What can we do to promote free trade and help the mission here? The essential mission American consumers have and the importance of signing up for Winefreedom.org and getting our voices heard!   And finally, an invitation from Tom  -- if you know any state legislators in the US, contact him! Get the back catalog on Patreon!

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