Consumer's View

Robert Dwyer blogs about wine at http://wellesleywinepress.com where he’s been helping consumers enjoy wine more while spending less money since 2008. He’s completed WSET Intermediate coursework and has trained as a mixologist. You can connect with him on Twitter: @RobertDwyer.

Massachusetts ABCC: Alcohol and Groupons Don’t Mix

“I am hopeful that the long-established, clear, bright lines of the boundaries of legality have not vanished in the rear-view mirror of entrepreneurism driven by unbridled and imprudent, if not reckless, enthusiasm,” wrote Massachusetts ABCC General Counsel William Kelley to Groupon in February 2011 according to The Boston Globe.
At issue are deals offered by group [...]

2011 Promises to be a Year of Change in the Massachusetts Wine Market

New Englanders will tell you: If you don’t like the weather wait a few hours - it will change. This winter might be the exception to the rule (it’s been relentlessly cold for months it seems) but the Massachusetts wine market bears similarities to the weather. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out [...]

Massachusetts Alcohol Sales Tax Repealed But How Will it Affect Purchase Patterns Long-Term?

The two bottles of wine I bought on December 30th, 2010 hopefully be the last alcoholic beverage purchase I’ll ever make in Massachusetts subject to sales tax. A bottle of sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve was understandably time sensitive, but the other bottle – a highly recommended 2009 Beaujolais - won’t be opened for [...]

How Savvy Retailers Craft Tales to Sell More Wine

I was ready to respond to the offer before I even finished reading the E-mail. I couldn’t even tell whether it was a red or white wine being offered, but I knew I wanted it. The retailer’s story of pizzas in France, mosquitoes and olive pits was enough to make me believe that if I [...]

Where’s My Stuff? Why Constant Clarity on Order Status is a Valuable Commodity

It’s been almost a month now since I placed the order. It seemed to go off without a hitch and the e-commerce retailer inspired confidence they could ship to Massachusetts by partnering with a local retailer for fulfillment. I received a confirmation E-mail shortly after placing the order, and thennothing. The two bottles of premium [...]

Massachusetts Question 1: Sales Tax on Alcoholic Beverages:

Why Deciding How to Vote is Harder Than You’d Think
History tells us Massachusetts voters are willing to support tax increases, especially when they’re convinced it’s for a good cause. Need to build a new high school in your town? Chances are the tax increase will find support because folks in Massachusetts think highly of public [...]