Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Nov 15: As American families gear up for Thanksgiving, picking the perfect wine to pair with the holiday feast is proving to be more stressful than roasting the turkey itself. This year, soaring prices, shrinking imports, and shifting consumer tastes are casting a shadow over the once-bustling wine aisles.

Across the United States, wine retailers are grappling with the aftershocks of steep import tariffs, mounting production costs, and a dip in overall demand. According to government data, bottled wine prices have surged nearly 20% over the past 25 years, with an 8% jump in the last decade alone — a rise attributed to climate change, inflation and higher labor and shipping expenses.

In Manhattan, McCabes Wine & Spirits has seen prices climb between 5% and 12% this year. “Tariffs, shipping, manufacturing, labor — it’s the reality,” said owner Daniel Mesznik. His shop, like many others, is walking a tightrope: absorbing some of the additional costs while keeping price tags acceptable to customers.

“We’re doing our best to keep increases to a minimum,” he told CNN. “People understand this is the current reality.”

Importers, however, are hit even harder. Elenteny Imports — which supplies nearly 9,000 retailers and restaurants — reported a 13% drop in wine sales year over year. CEO Alexi Cashen called tariffs the “persecutory issue,” noting that demand has cooled sharply following a brief post-pandemic boom. Year-to-date bookings for imported wines are down nearly 30%, with shipments from France plunging 50% and Italy by 66%.

Even domestic wines, which were expected to benefit from the tariffs, are struggling. “Tequila in beautiful bottles is what customers are gravitating toward,” Mesznik said, noting that wine once made up 70% of his annual sales but will fall to 65% this year as spirits and ready-to-drink cocktails gain popularity.

Industry analysts say the shift has been in motion for years. IWSR, an alcohol insights firm, reported a 3% dip in U.S. wine consumption between 2019 and 2024 and expects an additional 4% slide by 2029. Consumers, particularly younger drinkers, are turning to affordable, innovative, and conveniently packaged beverages.

“Ready-to-drink beverages are growing rapidly,” said IWSR president Marten Lodewijks, explaining that wine’s higher costs and larger bottle sizes are turning away casual drinkers.

Adding to the uncertainty is an upcoming Supreme Court decision on tariff legality, prompting businesses to delay investments and price commitments. Mid-priced wines in the $40–$50 range are hit the hardest, while low-cost bottles and luxury labels continue to perform well — reflecting what analysts describe as a “K-shaped” economy.

With imports dwindling and retailers becoming cautious, shoppers may soon notice slimmer choices on shelves. “Many retailers, distributors, and restaurants have streamlined their wine offerings,” noted Mike Veseth, a leading wine economist. “Consumers may have to search more than usual to find certain brands.”

At McCabes, the strategy is to “order smarter.” Mesznik says he now buys larger quantities from wholesalers offering competitive deals. “For example, a Pinot Noir from Argentina is on sale this month. Normally I’d buy one or three cases — now I’m ordering five or ten.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, one thing is clear: for wine lovers, the holiday toast may come at a steeper price — and after a longer search.