Just returned from the Mosel Region

[Thomas]

By the time wine gets from there to here, your two cents has gone up considerably. First, one must pay the European broker who arranges label approvals in the U.S. and shipment to the docks for export; then, one must pay the shipping freight; then, one must pay the licensed importer who brings the wine into the U.S.; then, one must pay the customs duties; then, one must pay the excise taxes; then, one must pay the state-government mandated U.S. warehousing from customs; then, one must pay the state-mandated distributor; then, one must pay the trucking company to get the wine to your favorite retailer or restaurant; then, one must pay the retailer or restaurant for their services; and then, there is the sales tax.


[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 07-08-2002).]