Have you ever wondered how wine grapes are grown in what seems like difficult climates like South America, Germany, South Africa, and Canada? The answer lies in mitigating factors such as choice of grape, proximity to bodies of water, currents, winds, altitude, aspect, mountain ranges, and even types of soils.

This year, instead of donning one’s newly acquired dress or suit, new shoes, and matching accessories—perhaps including a proper bonnet—those who celebrate Easter will not head to church to gather and worship, but instead will be at home with only their immediate family, or even alone. These are times of safety first, stay in place, and quiet contemplation.

In October of 2019, the United States imposed a 25% tariff on some European still (non-sparkling) wines. Importers, wholesalers and retailers have had to adjust pricing in order to keep bringing these wines to your national retailers and local store shelves so the effect on you as a consumer may have been small or not noticeable at all. Shortly, the US Trade Representative (USTR) is considering imposition of a 100% (on top of that 25% tariff from October) tariff on European wines (including still and sparkling), olive oils, cheeses, Scotch and Irish whiskies.

Mosel, Germany, has long been known for producing top-quality Rieslings with complex flavors and bracing acidity, due to the cool climate.