Alumni ‘Wine Is Not Fungible’: How an Alum’s Firm Made Global Headlines Stories You May Like Hecho en México: Alum Brings Authentic Flavors to Home Kitchens Like a Fine Vintage, Iconic Wines Class Is Aging Splendidly Institute of Politics and Global Affairs Wrestles with Today’s Thorniest Issues The small, family company founded by Victor Schwartz ’80 became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against import tariffs—and won By Beth Saulnier Like generations of Cornell seniors, Victor Schwartz ’80 took Intro to Wines during his final semester on the Hill. But when he was sitting in a packed lecture hall on Friday mornings—learning about grapes, vintages, and terroir from legendary professor Vance Christian ’61, MS ’65—he could never have suspected that 45 years later, he’d become the global face of a key court case impacting the U.S. wine import industry. Schwartz’s small, family-run firm, VOS Selections, was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that the Liberty Justice Center filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade in mid-April 2025, challenging the sweeping import tariffs instituted by the Trump Administration. In late May, a three-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs—deciding that the tariffs had exceeded the scope of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, under which the administration had instituted them. A three-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs—deciding that the tariffs had exceeded the scope of the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. And while a federal appeals court temporarily halted the ruling two days later—and the legal process is ongoing, potentially all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court—the news instantly thrust Schwartz and his company into the international spotlight. For Schwartz—an Arts & Sciences econ major who’s married to a fellow Cornellian, Cushla Naegele ’80—the media attention has been dizzying and unrelenting. He has fielded interview requests from just about every major U.S. newspaper and broadcaster, plus reporters from France, Italy, and beyond. But just days after the ruling, Schwartz was gracious enough to make time for a few questions from Cornellians. The following has been condensed from that conversation. Could you explain why tariffs—which are intended to spur domestic industry by raising the costs of imported goods—are so challenging in the realm of wine? Wine is not fungible. You can move a chip factory to Michigan, but you can’t make Champagne in the Napa Valley. Wines—especially the kind we’re interested in—are so specific to place, to culture, to the people there; it’s all tied in. That’s what makes wine interesting. Otherwise, you’d have one red, one rosé, and one white, and they’d all come out of a tap. What’s so wonderful about wine is the difference. Could you tell us about your business? Ours is a small, family company—we’re about 20 people—that we started 39 years ago; first my mom worked with me, and now my 30-year-old daughter. We import from five continents. We sell wines, spirits, sakes, and alcohol-free products to a lot of lovely restaurants and shops in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Our suppliers are also small, family operations. That’s why this particular issue is so important to me. Why were you willing not only to participate in this lawsuit, but become the lead plaintiff? There was really no option. I mean, we’re all sitting around complaining about people not stepping up, and here was an opportunity to do something—to put my money where my mouth is. I knew there were risks involved, but I felt I had to do it. Stories You May Like Hecho en México: Alum Brings Authentic Flavors to Home Kitchens Like a Fine Vintage, Iconic Wines Class Is Aging Splendidly Here was an opportunity to do something—to put my money where my mouth is. I knew there were risks involved, but I felt I had to do it. What has your life been like since the ruling was announced? Lord, it’s just been crazy. It’s been a non-stop feeding frenzy on the part of the media. The level of interest is amazing. When the decision came down, we had press and people from all over the world contacting us, voicing their strong support, calling me all kinds of wonderful things. Of course, there were also some very nasty reactions—but that’s not a surprise. Why do you think it has struck such a chord? People have found this very meaningful. It’s about running a small business in America today, and it’s about the government behaving properly and doing the things it’s supposed to do according to our Constitution. In a vineyard with his then-toddler daughter, Chloë, with whom he now runs the business. I think a lot of people feel empowered and energized by seeing that somebody spoke up, and it actually worked. We won a very important case in federal court—decisively, unanimously, by a three-judge panel. Has there been a high point for you so far? Thursday [May 29] was such an intense day, and the media person for the Liberty Justice Center said, “you’re on NPR at one o’clock.” I said, “Great.” I didn’t know who the interviewer was going to be—and it turned out to be Mary Louise Kelly, who is my absolute favorite journalist. That was just a joy. Lastly, since wine is at the center of this case—what do you love about it? So many things, but I’d really start with the people. Wine comes from the highest level of agriculture; to grow wine grapes, you’re always pushing the limit of your terroir. So you have to really believe in what you’re doing. These are incredible craftspeople who have incredible palates, and they’re very tied into their cultures—especially in Europe, because wine there comes from such a long, old culture. I could go on and on, but the short answer is: it’s humanity meeting nature. I think that’s the best way to put it. (All photos provided.) Published June 4, 2025 Comments Jordan Lambert, Class of 1979 4 Jun, 2025 Many of Victor’s brothers in Alpha Delta Phi are proud and delighted with his stance defending small businesses and artisans! Reply Brian O'Connor, Class of 2016 5 Jun, 2025 This is a powerful reminder that small businesses can play a major role in shaping policy. Schwartz saw an overreach and took action. Not just for his company, but for an entire industry. His leadership in challenging the tariffs shows what real advocacy looks like. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. 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