Tariffs and Higher Costs Push Up Wine Prices In US
Government data shows bottled wine prices have climbed nearly 20% over the past 25 years and 8% over the past decade, driven by inflation, rising production costs and climate change, reported CNN.
At McCabes Wine & Spirits in Manhattan, prices are up between 5% and 12% this year, as per the report. Owner Daniel Mesznik said, “it’s the reality of the tariffs, shipping, manufacturing and labor,” as quoted by CNN.
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Wine Retailers Struggle to Absorb Tariff Increases
Retailers are trying to absorb as much of the pressure as they can. The Trump administration’s tariffs, including a 15% tariff on European Union imports, have raised upfront costs, leaving wine shops walking a fine line between staying competitive and covering their expenses, as per the report.
Mesznik told CNN that, “We’re doing our best to keep those increases to a minimum for our guests,” adding, “But, I think folks understand that this is the current reality and they’re receptive to it and they’re understanding of it,” as quoted in the report.
Importers are feeling even more strain. Elenteny Imports, which works with 9,000 retailers and restaurants, says wine sales are down 13% year over year, reported CNN.
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US Wine Consumption Continues to Decline
Wine consumption in the US has slipped 3% from 2019 to 2024 and is expected to drop another 4% between 2024 and 2029, according to alcohol data insights firm IWSR, reported CNN.
Drinkers Shift to Spirits and Ready-to-Drink Beverages
Marten Lodewijks, IWSR’s president, said that, “For casual drinking occasions, wine has often been the choice for drinkers who prefer not to drink beer. But wine can be expensive and only comes in larger bottles,” adding, “We’ve seen wine volumes consistently decline year after year, while ready-to-drink beverages, which are less expensive, come in convenient sizes and packs, and benefit from continual flavor innovations, are growing rapidly,” as quoted in the report.
Imported Wine Orders Drop Nearly 30% for 2025
Data from Elenteny shows 2025 is shaping up to be another difficult year, with imported wine orders down nearly 30% so far, as per the CNN report.
CEO Alexi Cashen says demand has cooled since the “post-pandemic frothiness,” but tariffs remain a major obstacle, as per the report. She also said that even domestic wines, which Trump intended to help, aren’t performing any better, according to CNN.
Tequila Sales Surge as Tariffs Exempt Agave Spirits
At McCabes Wine & Spirits, the shift is evident. After reopening from a 16-month renovation, Mesznik has expanded his tequila selection by 40% and moved the bottles to the front of the store, as per the report. Tequila and mezcal are exempt from tariffs under a 2018 free trade agreement Trump signed with Mexico, reported CNN.
Wine once made up about 70% of his annual sales but is expected to fall to 65% this year as agave spirits grow, as per the report.
Shrinking Imports Lead to Smaller Wine Selections
With imported wine orders dropping sharply, including a 50% decline from France and 66% from Italy, shoppers may soon notice fewer choices at their local shops, as reported by CNN.
Wine Economist Mike Veseth pointed out that many businesses have already streamlined their selections as overall alcohol demand falls. Veseth told CNN that, “Many retailers, distributors, and restaurants have streamlined their wine offerings in response to the falling overall demand for alcoholic beverages, including wine,” adding, “Consumers might have to search more than usual to find a particular brand,” as quoted in the report.
Tariff Legal Uncertainty Adds Pressure to Wine Industry
Veseth added that uncertainty surrounding an upcoming Supreme Court decision on the legality of tariffs is discouraging the industry from making big investments or pricing decisions, as per the CNN report.
Mid-priced bottles in the $40 to $50 range are struggling the most, according to Cashen, while lower-priced and premium wines continue to sell, highlighting a growing split in the market, as per the report.
FAQs
Why are wine prices going up this Thanksgiving?
Prices are rising because of tariffs, higher shipping costs, inflation and increased production costs, according to the report.
How much have wine prices increased recently?
Government data shows bottled wine prices have climbed nearly 20% over 25 years and 8% over the past decade.
