“Emergency suspension” of liquor license

A review of 2012 emergency suspension orders of retailer licenses by New York SLA and the first ever wholesaler suspension by New York In 2012, there were at least 2 things that the State Liquor Authority (SLA) deemed bad enough to issue an emergency suspension order...

5 factors for defining your winery’s brand

One of my practice areas focuses on branding for wineries. A typical New York winery is operated as a labor of love and the owners rarely have industry experience in branding. So, how do you go about defining your winery’s brand? How will it best be marketed to...

How vineyards can work around 2013 tax challenges

With the end of 2013 drawing near, businesses and government agencies are buzzing about the “fiscal cliff” we are facing. The term refers to the financial problem that the US government faces when the terms of the 2011 Budget Control Act go into effect. Among these...

Viticulture and downtown urban vineyards

With new emphasis on locavorism and sustainable living, urban farming is on the rise. Vacant land re-use can include not only urban gardens, but also urban vineyards with micro-appellations. The crop has a clear ROI, making it a potential project for other urban land...