Understanding the Issues of Control in Grape Contracts
7/28/2008 Articles
Understanding the Issues of Control in Grape Contracts
North Bay Business Journal
Executive Legal & Accounting Guide
Wine Law
Understanding the Issue of Control in Grape Contracts
Designing agreements that protect the rights of growers and buyers
Grape contracts used to be made on a handshake and the reputation of the parties involved. If reduced to writing, they were often limited to one-page letters setting forth the varietal, vineyard source, term and price per ton. As the wine industry continues to mature, growers and buyers are increasingly turning to detailed contracts containing multi-page exhibits on "Viticultural Practices" or "Quality Standards."