Imported Wine Prices Jump Up to 12% as U.S. Tariffs Shrink Holiday Selections

Wine shoppers in the United States are facing higher prices and fewer choices this holiday season as new tariffs on imported wine take effect. Retailers and importers across the country report that the cost of bottled wine has climbed, with some shop owners in New York City noting increases between 5% and 12% compared to last year. These price hikes come as a result of several factors, including ongoing tariffs on European wines, inflation, and rising production and shipping costs.

The tariffs, first imposed during the Trump administration, include a 15% duty on many wines from the European Union. Importers say these fees have made it more expensive to bring in bottles from France, Italy, Spain, and other major wine-producing countries. At the same time, demand for wine in the U.S. has been falling. According to data from IWSR, a firm that tracks alcohol sales worldwide, wine consumption in the U.S. dropped by 3% between 2019 and 2024 and is expected to fall another 4% by 2029.

Retailers like McCabes Wine & Spirits in Manhattan are trying to manage these challenges without passing all the extra costs onto customers. Daniel Mesznik, the owner of McCabes, said his store is working hard to keep price increases as low as possible. Still, he acknowledges that shoppers are seeing higher prices on many bottles this year. He also notes that customers seem to understand the situation and are adjusting their expectations.

Importers are feeling the impact even more sharply. Elenteny Imports, a company that supplies wine to thousands of retailers and restaurants nationwide, reports that its wine sales are down 13% compared to last year. The company’s CEO, Alexi Cashen, attributes much of this decline to tariffs, which she describes as a major obstacle for the industry. She also points out that domestic wines have not seen a boost in sales despite the tariffs being intended to help American producers.

With fewer imported wines coming into the country—Elenteny says orders from France are down by half and from Italy by two-thirds—shoppers may notice smaller selections at their local stores. Some retailers are responding by streamlining their offerings and focusing on products that are less affected by tariffs or that offer better value for money.

Changing consumer preferences are also playing a role in the shifting wine market. More Americans are choosing spirits or ready-to-drink cocktails over traditional wine. These alternatives often come in smaller packages and at lower prices than bottled wine. Retailers like McCabes have responded by expanding their selections of tequila and mezcal, which are not subject to current tariffs thanks to trade agreements with Mexico.

The uncertainty surrounding future trade policy is adding another layer of complexity for businesses trying to plan ahead. A pending Supreme Court decision could affect the legality of some tariffs, making it difficult for importers and retailers to make long-term decisions about pricing and inventory.

Mid-priced wines—those costing between $40 and $50 per bottle—are struggling most in today’s market, according to industry experts. Lower-priced bottles continue to sell well, as do high-end premium wines aimed at collectors or special occasions. Retailers say they are buying more strategically than before, sometimes purchasing larger quantities of certain wines when they can get a better deal from wholesalers.

As Thanksgiving approaches, shoppers looking for imported wines may need to be flexible about their choices or be prepared to pay more than they did last year. Store owners recommend shopping early and considering alternatives from less affected regions or different types of beverages altogether if favorite bottles are unavailable or out of budget.