One of my favorite questions in the tasting room is why wine is so expensive.

But after I explain how hard it is to grow wine in the United States — Pinot noir in particular — folks have a better sense of perspective and cost. They understand that they are making an investment in an experience, that they are paying for quality, and that they are paying for the hard work associated with the product.

Your investment of time should be protected. You’re making art but you need to sell it. Add to these competing pressures of state and federal laws and regulations and you can be overwhelmed. That’s where I come in. Here are just a few areas of expertise that I can help you with:

Business formation

• Entity choice

• Paperwork

• Renewal

• Assumed business names

• Employer ID Numbers (EIN)

Employment issues

• Employment advice

• Employee handbook drafting and revising

• In-house presentations

• State and federal employment law geared specifically to wineries and vineyards

• Final paychecks

• Wage and hour

• Workers compensation

• Avoiding harassment

General litigation

• State and federal litigation

• Franchise state analysis

• Breach of contract

• Employment disputes

• Temporary restraining orders

State and federal compliance

• COLA Rates: $30 each 

• Licensing including negotiant, wholesaler, import/export, alternating proprietor

• Import/Export

• Direct to consumer shipping

• OLCC online reporting

• TTB wine premises report and excise taxes

Some disclaimers: I represent licensed professionals in Oregon and Washington but I’m not currently licensed in other states. Reading this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between us.