‘Tariffs hurt small businesses’: Birmingham wine bar braces for price hikes as tariffs take effect

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - At Golden Age Wine in Birmingham, a glass of wine might soon come with a higher price tag—thanks to a new wave of tariffs now taking effect.

Business owners across the country are preparing for the impact, but wine bars like Golden Age are especially vulnerable. That’s because most of their bottles are imported—and the new tariffs are hitting foreign wines hard.

Golden Age co-owner Brandon Loper says there had been talk of a 200% increase on some goods. While the final rates came in lower at 10% for most imports and 20% for wines from Europe—the ripple effects could still be felt on the shelves.

Loper estimates that a bottle that currently costs $27 could soon jump to $34 or even $35.

He believes these new tariffs will hurt small businesses more than the countries they’re aimed at.

“I think ultimately, these tariffs hurt small businesses like us. They’re not necessarily hurting the EU. They’re hurting us locally and they’re hurting our consumers because the prices are going to go up. We’re going to try to shoulder, and be creative and do what we can, but it’s really hurting small businesses, our employees, and our customers,” he said.

Golden Age operates two locations—one in Birmingham and another in Mountain Brook—with 15 employees between them. Loper says they’re committed to keeping all staff members on board as they navigate the economic changes ahead.

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