How to Import Wine - An Insider's Guide 3rd edition

by Deborah M. Gray

Drawing on her thirty years' real-world experience as a licensed U.S. alcohol importer and distributor, Deborah M. Gray provides essential tools for the establishment of a progressive US wine importing business. As in her previous editions, she details the critical considerations in branding, packaging, pricing, licensing and regulations, shipping, warehousing, marketing, and more. The book is filled with specific examples of importing triumphs and failures, with particular interest paid to arguably the most important element of business success: acquiring and maintaining effective distribution.

This edition has been extensively revised throughout, in addition to adding over 100 pages. It addresses global challenges in the midst of a pandemic, regulatory changes, the temporary and perhaps permanent alterations in wine buying habits in response to this period, and online sales.

422 pages, Paperback

Published December 4, 2022

About the author

Deborah M. Gray, an Australian native, founded her wine importing company in 1992 with her family’s brand and a collection of iconic, family-owned wineries from around Australia. She has written the first book in print on wine importing and distribution, How To Import Wine - An Insider's Guide, based on her own experience. In December, 2011 her book was recognized as “Best U.S. Professional Wine Book 2011” by Gourmand International. In March, 2012, her book placed second in “Best World Professional Wine Book 2011” in Paris with entries from 63 countries. In addition to Australia, she has lived in England, Spain, New Caledonia and several states in the US. She currently lives in southern California with her husband, two sons and beloved rescue dogs. She consults to the wine industry and teaches part-time at SDSU. Her second wine business book released December, 2015 and a revised 2nd edition How to Import Wine launched in October, 2018.