New Labeling Requirements?

The Alcohol and Tobacco Trade Tax Bureau (TTB) has been mulling over an issue for a few years now that could have significant impact on the wine industry. The proposal is driven by a number of consumer groups and would require nutritional labels on alcohol beverages, including, of course -- wine. This proposal has been in public comment period since spring of 2005 and will more than likely come to resolution soon, and my gut is telling me that the decision will be on the side of nutritional labels.

I don't know about you, but I don't really care how many calories are in a glass / bottle / magnum of wine. It wouldn't bother me if it were on the label either, but a number of smaller wineries have objections to the proposal due to the impact on their business. Not only would it require a redesign of labels, but at a cost of $250 per release for testing, it could be costly for wineries with small production and distribution.

Keep your eye on this one, and if you are a geek like me and want more information on the proposed changes, check out www.regulations.gov, Docket ID: TTB-2007-0062.