Tom's blog

You better buy your holiday bubbles now

If you plan to host a party this holiday season or have something to celebrate, you should buy your favorite champagne now.

Champagne officials are predicting a worldwide shortage of French bubbles toward the end of the year. Part of the reason is that demand for champagne, particularly in the United Kingdom, has bounced back with gusto. Tariffs placed on champagne by former President Trump depressed sales in the United States, which meant more of the product being sold in the UK. But U.S. sales picked up in the spring as consumers were re-emerging from the pandemic. Now, the U.S. in back to stocking up at a time when producers were reducing production in anticipation of a long-term slow down. Yields in 2020 were intentionally lowered by the Committee Champagne.

The shortage will benefit prosecco producers and even sparkling wine producers from the West Coast which face no product shortage.

I suspect that consumers are tired of the pandemic, no matter what its risk, and will find reasons to celebrate this Christmas season. Those with the ability to pay higher prices will indulge in prestigious champagne no matter what the cost. — if they can find it.

Good harvest expected in France

Vigernons in France are rejoicing in the expectation of a bountiful crop of grapes this year.

Despite a foreboding early start of the harvest (Aug. 10 in Burgundy), growers report more than a 6% increase in production. The quality of the grapes look good too.

While this sounds like positive news in a weird year, the fact is that French winemakers are having a difficult time selling what wine they make. U.S. tariffs and the COVID-19 virus combined to stifle sales to a worldwide market. Sales were so bad that many producers turned unsold stock into hand sanitizer.

This year many producers are saying they will limit production to keep prices elevated and to avoid bulk inventory.

For consumers, don’t expect any price breaks despite the over-abundance of French wine. Tariffs will inflate the cost.