As with anything in business or politics, you can follow the money and it tells the story. The constant struggle for control/sales of alcohol in the many USA states is very evident. Family wineries are generally small operators and victims to the big alcohol lobby money and a controlling 3-tier distribution system. Slim profit margins for family wineries can't sustain the profit restrictions imposed by a 3-tier system .

I recall a years long struggle (that failed) in Alabama to free small family wineries from the debilitating but profitable-for-distributors 3-tier system. Liquor lobby money won out each legislative session. Unfortunately Greed and corruption are permanent elements of the regulatory and governance landscape.

To protect your wine choices, I urge wine lovers to support your favorite family-owned wineries whenever you can. The burden of wine shipping costs aside, lets hope direct-to-consumer shipping permissions continue to increase on a state by state basis. The impact on the 3-tier distribution system is minimal. Remember if you see a bottle of wine on a retail shelf – chances are it came to you via a restrictive distribution network that does not favor small family wineries.

I read the summary of the report and can't disagree with what was there…we do need tobe careful of those powerful forces who are trying to shape our world…but like most huge creators they react like dinasours…and like dinasours they don't react well to environmental changes…lets hope they stay that way and lets hope the recent trends I am seeing continue!

Keep up the great work

I read the summary of the report and can't disagree with what was there…we do need tobe careful of those powerful forces who are trying to shape our world…but like most huge creators they react like dinasours…and like dinasours they don't react well to environmental changes…lets hope they stay that way and lets hope the recent trends I am seeing continue!

Keep up the great work