Blog
Effective January 2026, California is fully opening its doors to direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of distilled spirits. Until recently, only distillers located within California were permitted to ship spirits directly to residents. This policy originated after the widespread shutdowns in 2020, which prompted temporary measures to support local businesses. The law allowing in-state direct-to-consumer shipping was […]
On October 3, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1246 into law, making California the latest—and largest—state to enable consumers to receive direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments of distilled spirits beverages. This landmark legislation marks a major advancement for California DtC spirits shipping, opening new opportunities for producers and consumers alike and reshaping the landscape of California alcohol […]
The U.S. wine industry has spent decades building a thriving direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping channel that’s now worth nearly $4 billion annually. Spirits, on the other hand, are still stuck at the starting line. The 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report, co-published by Sovos ShipCompliant and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), reveals just how wide the […]
The direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping channel has seen a continuation of the trajectory tracked in the January release of the Sovos ShipCompliant/WineBusiness Analytics Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report, with the channel experiencing a dip in volume and value. This year’s review of the DtC market at the mid-year digs into those numbers, trends by average bottle […]
On August 15, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer signed HB 187, a bill that establishes direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping privileges in the state. While the addition of another state to the DtC wine shipping map is usually a cause for celebration at Sovos ShipCompliant, there are many reasons to take exception to this bill. Examining the […]
Direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping has evolved significantly over the past two decades, from a niche service to a cornerstone of many wineries’ sales strategies. In 2025, two long-restricted states, Arkansas and Mississippi, passed new DtC wine shipping laws that significantly expand access for consumers and open new markets for producers. The changes outlined in HB […]
As wine lovers raise a glass to celebrate National White Wine Day on August 4, we’re taking a look at how white wines—particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc—have performed in the direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping channel over the past three years. While the DtC market has faced economic pressure and shifting consumer behavior, these two white varietals […]
The “Shutdown Fairness Act,” signed in November 2025 to end the government shutdown, included a provision banning the sale of most hemp-based THC products. Going forward, under federal law, hemp-derived products cannot have a THC content greater than 0.4 mg. It is expected that this action will severely diminish–if not outright eliminate–much of the existing […]
For 20 years, the Sovos ShipCompliant Wine Summit has been about gathering winery professionals with the authorities and leaders who make the industry move. At this year’s Wine Summit, attendees heard directly from the regulators, attorneys and brand leaders shaping the future of the wine industry. As economic pressures, shifting consumer preferences and more tasting […]
Effective July 1, 2025, all direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments of wine into Maine must comply with the state’s beverage container redemption program, better known as a “bottle bill.” While wine bottles sold in Maine retail stores have long been subject to these provisions, the state is extending the program to include DtC shipments from out-of-state […]
With the signature of Governor Sarah Huckabee-Sanders, Arkansas is set to enact House Bill 1476—ushering in long-awaited reforms to its direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping laws. Until now, Arkansas only allowed DtC wine shipments when the consumer was physically present at the winery’s premises at the time of purchase, severely limiting the ability of Arkansas consumers […]
From groceries to clothing, consumers expect convenience—and that includes how they purchase alcohol. While direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping is widely available for wine, beer lags far behind, with legal shipping allowed in only 11 states and Washington, D.C. On National Beer Day, there’s no better time to highlight why beer trails behind in DtC access and […]
Believe it or not, there’s more to life than beer. There’s wine, spirits, cider, kombucha, hard seltzers—even non-alcoholic products. But just because a brewery has mastered beer does not mean it’s ready to begin making and selling other types of alcoholic beverages. When a brewery moves to expand its offerings and enter new markets, new […]
Craft beer drinkers want more choices. Brewers want more opportunities. And yet, legal barriers still stand in the way of direct-to-consumer (DtC) beer shipping. The 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Beer Shipping Report, produced by Sovos ShipCompliant in partnership with the Brewers Association, reveals how consumer demand, regulatory restrictions and potential revenue opportunities continue to shape the DtC […]
The 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report offers more than just data—it provides valuable insights into the trends shaping the industry and the factors driving change. To delve deeper into these findings, industry experts Andrew Adams from WineBusiness Analytics and Alex Koral from Sovos ShipCompliant joined forces in a recent webinar, unpacking the key takeaways. Their […]
In a shockingly quick turn of events, the Mississippi governor has signed a bill that will enable the direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping of wine, making it the 48th state to grant its residents greater access to the national wine market. The bill, SB 2145, is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, which should mean […]
In the fall of 2024, New York became the latest state to open its doors to direct-to-consumer (DtC) spirits shipping, marking a significant milestone for the industry. As one of the most populous states with a thriving market for craft and high-end spirits, the shift was expected to create substantial new opportunities for distilleries nationwide. […]