In this week’s roundup, we introduce Leslie Osborne, VineSpring’s Head of Product, who is an expert in both wine and software, and we take a look at how webinars can help strengthen your reach. It’s been a busy week for compliance news as the 2nd Circuit makes an important ruling in the case between Connecticut and Total Wine, and both Kentucky and Rhode Island make steps towards being the next state to open their borders to DTC shipping.

VineSpring Team Spotlight: Leslie Osborne

With a background in wine and two solid decades of working in software, the VineSpring team felt lucky when Leslie Osborne joined their ranks as Head of Product. We interviewed her to get her advice on how wineries and breweries can use technology to build a successful DTC channel and secure a strong following.

Why Your Business Should Host a Webinar

Think webinars are only put on by large corporations? Think again. The number of online webinars hosted by small businesses, like wineries and breweries, has consistently been growing. Webinars position you as an expert, help you gain customer trust, and allows you to reach a large and an engaged audience.

2nd Circuit Upholds Connecticut Alcohol Pricing Laws Against Total Wine Challenge

There’s no getting around Connecticut’s alcohol pricing laws. The 2nd Circuit ruled in favor of Connecticut as it defended its alcohol pricing laws. The case was brought by Total Wine, who cited the Sherman Act to challenge Connecticut laws on price post, price hold, ban on price discrimination, and minimum retail pricing provisions.

Kentucky Opens Doors to Wineries

State by state, interstate shipping for wine suppliers is opening up. Kentucky is one of the few states that has held out. Nothing is set in stone but with a recent bill passed in the State Senate, Kentucky could be the next DTC state.

Rhode Island Lawmakers to Consider Allowing Direct Wine Shipments

Rhode Island is also taking steps to open its borders to direct wine shipments. A bill to create a “wine direct shipper license” is scheduled to be discussed later this month at the Rhode Island House Committee on Small Business. Garden state consumers have their fingers crossed.