Wineries in Palisade, Colorado, are weighing in on the new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, which links alcohol consumption to an increased risk of certain cancers. While health concerns are front and center, local wineries are hopeful that the advisory won’t significantly affect their sales or the wine culture that defines their region.
The beginning of 2025 saw the U.S. Surgeon General issue an advisory, cautioning the public about the health risks associated with alcohol, particularly its connection to certain types of cancer. While the advisory raised eyebrows, many in the Palisade wine industry are remaining optimistic about the future.
At Carboy Winery, sales and hospitality director Barbie Graham expressed her thoughts on the matter. According to Graham, wine is about much more than the alcohol content; it’s an experience that people enjoy responsibly.
Local Concerns: Acknowledging Risks, But Focusing on the Experience
“We can obviously acknowledge that there are health risks associated with drinking alcohol,” Graham noted. However, she emphasized that wine should fit into people’s lifestyles without becoming the focus of concern. For her, it’s all about moderation and offering alternatives to guests who may not want to drink alcohol.
- Carboy Winery is keen on providing a variety of experiences, from offering non-alcoholic options to creating a welcoming environment for those who choose not to drink wine at all.
- In response to any potential regulatory changes, Graham confirmed that the winery is prepared to comply with new requirements, including labels on alcoholic products, but doesn’t anticipate any significant impact on sales or operations.
The Bigger Picture: Will the Advisory Affect Local Wine Culture?
While the advisory is certainly a talking point, many wineries in the region remain confident that their established customer base and wine culture will remain intact. The shift in public awareness around alcohol-related health risks is just another hurdle that wineries are used to navigating.
For wineries like Carboy, it’s less about fighting the advisory and more about continuing to offer customers an enjoyable, inclusive experience that goes beyond just drinking wine.
Future Challenges: A Changing Market?
Despite the general optimism, it’s clear that the wine industry is not immune to the changing tides of public health discussions. Some wineries are already discussing how they can adjust their messaging and marketing to align with evolving consumer preferences, especially as more individuals seek out lower-alcohol or non-alcoholic options.
With public health concerns becoming a growing part of the conversation, it’s clear that the industry will need to remain flexible in adapting to new regulations. Still, for now, local wineries like Carboy are confident that the impact of the Surgeon General’s advisory will be minimal on their wine sales.