Welcome to Episode 2621 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with Chloë Syrah Schwartz to break down the Supreme Court ruling and examine what it signals for the future of the U.S. wine trade.
Key Takeaways:
- Why a family-run wine importer took a stand when others didn’t. Victor and Chloe (and by extension V.O.S.) didn’t just join a lawsuit, they became the public face of a challenge that other businesses were hesitant to touch.
- How tariffs disrupt small business operations. The story isn’t abstract, it’s about cash flow, relationships with producers abroad, and survival tactics.
- Unanswered questions and strategic positioning. The larger story is about anticipation, uncertainty, and how a business positions itself after a major but incomplete legal outcome.
More about the guest:
Chloe Syrah Schwartz is the Vice President at V.O.S. Selections, a wine & spirits importer founded by her father, Victor, in 1987. Chloe and Victor were the lead plaintiffs in V.O.S. Selections v Trump, which successfully overturned the “Liberation Day” tariffs at the US Supreme Court.
Connect:
Website: https://vosselections.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vosselections/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-syrah-schwartz/
More about the host:
With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She’s led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries.
As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US.
Connect:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/
Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/
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Until next time, Cin Cin!
What are wine tariffs?
Wine tariffs are government-imposed taxes on imported wine, typically applied as a percentage of the product’s declared customs value. These duties are paid by the importer when the wine enters the country, not by the foreign producer directly. However, the financial burden often travels through the supply chain, affecting distributors, retailers, restaurants, and ultimately consumers. In the U.S. market, even a modest tariff can significantly alter pricing structures because wine businesses often operate on tight margins. Tariffs can be introduced for economic protection, political leverage, or as part of broader trade disputes, making them both a commercial and geopolitical tool.
Who pays import tariffs?
Technically, the importer of record pays the tariff at customs clearance. However, the economic burden does not stay confined to that single entity. Importers may raise wholesale prices, distributors may adjust margins, and retailers may increase shelf prices. In many cases, consumers ultimately absorb part of the cost. For small and mid-sized importers, sudden tariff hikes can create severe cash-flow challenges because duties must be paid before the wine is even sold.
Why do governments impose tariffs?
Governments use tariffs to protect domestic industries, respond to unfair trade practices, or gain negotiating leverage in international disputes. In some cases, tariffs are presented as a way to correct trade imbalances or encourage domestic production. However, they can also serve as political instruments in broader diplomatic conflicts unrelated to the specific goods being taxed. While tariffs may support certain local industries, they often increase costs for importers and consumers and can provoke retaliatory measures from other countries, creating ripple effects across global markets.
