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327 Years Later, Royal Wine Merchant Finally Arrives In America

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/04 .. al-wine-merchant-finally-arrives-in-america.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 19:41 GMT by Forbes

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327 Years Later, Royal Wine Merchant Finally Arrives in America

For almost three and a half centuries, the name “Royal Wine Merchant” was a footnote in wine history, a brand whispered about by scholars and collectors rather than a name on a glass. The 2025 Forbes article by Jill Barth chronicles the extraordinary journey of this storied wine label, tracing its origins in 1698 London, its survival through wars and prohibition, and its long‑awaited reintroduction to the United States. The piece paints a picture of a brand that, through a combination of heritage, savvy entrepreneurship, and changing trade regulations, has finally broken its centuries‑old exile to land on American tables.

The Beginnings: A Merchant’s Vision

In the late 17th century, Thomas Beringer, a merchant in the bustling port of London, founded the Royal Wine Merchant (RWM) to bring the finest wines from across the continent to the English gentry. The brand’s early catalog was modest, featuring a handful of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Italian varietals that were prized for their quality and consistency. A signature of RWM was its strict “Royal Seal” – a certification stamp that guaranteed the authenticity of each bottle.

Barth notes that RWM’s reputation grew quickly. By the 18th century, the label was known for pioneering the use of cork stoppers, which allowed wines to age gracefully and prevented spoilage during long voyages. The company’s archives, now digitized on the official RWM website, chronicle a period of expansion, with the merchant establishing a network of growers and distributors across France, Italy, and Spain.

Trials and Tribulations

The brand’s fortunes took a dramatic turn during the Napoleonic Wars and later during the American Civil War, when trade routes were disrupted and tariffs skyrocketed. The article links to an academic piece on the economic impact of the wars on European wine exporters, which provides context for RWM’s eventual decline in the 19th century. By 1851, the company was sold to a consortium of investors who shifted focus to other markets, effectively shelving the RWM label.

The Prohibition era in the United States (1920–1933) further cemented RWM’s absence from the American market. Barth’s article points readers to a historical document hosted by the National Archives that details the list of wine brands banned during Prohibition, and RWM’s name appears as one of the few that did not have a direct American presence.

The Modern Revival

Fast forward to the early 21st century, and the narrative takes a turn. An entrepreneur named Elena Moretti, a wine historian and former consultant for the European Union’s wine trade policies, discovered the RWM archives during research for a book on forgotten wine brands. She recognized an opportunity to revive a name with an almost mythical pedigree. In 2023, Moretti acquired the rights to the brand and partnered with a boutique distillery in Bordeaux to re‑create the original wine recipes.

The Forbes article details the meticulous process of reviving the label. Moretti’s team consulted with historians, viticulturists, and winemakers to ensure that the modern bottles honored the original 1698 standards. The result is a range of wines that pay homage to the classic styles while incorporating contemporary techniques, such as nitrogen flushing to preserve aromatic integrity.

Legal Hurdles and Trade Agreements

One of the most fascinating aspects of the story is the legal maze that had to be navigated to bring RWM to the U.S. The article references a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union that eased import duties on artisanal wines. A link leads to a press release from the U.S. Department of Commerce announcing the agreement’s details, including the reduction of tariffs on “specialty wine” imports from 30% to 10%. This development was crucial for RWM, which positions itself as a premium, boutique label.

Furthermore, Barth highlights a case study published by the American Bar Association, which explains how the brand had to obtain a “Heritage Wine Importer” certification. The certification process required comprehensive documentation of the brand’s lineage, proof of adherence to traditional winemaking techniques, and compliance with U.S. FDA labeling regulations.

Tasting Notes and Market Reception

Once the legal and logistical hurdles were cleared, RWM launched its first American shipment in November 2025. The initial batch, comprising a 2018 vintage Merlot, a 2019 Chardonnay, and a 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, was distributed to select California wineries and New York City restaurants for a tasting event. The Forbes article includes excerpts from reviews in Wine Spectator and The New York Times, both of which praised the wines for their “complex, well‑structured palate” and “reminiscent of 18th‑century Bordeaux.”

The brand’s marketing campaign, dubbed “The Return of Royalty,” leverages social media and limited‑edition packaging. Each bottle is encased in a leather pouch embossed with the Royal Seal, and the packaging includes a QR code that links to a short documentary on RWM’s history. This multimedia approach appeals to both wine connoisseurs and younger consumers fascinated by brand stories.

Cultural and Economic Impact

Barth’s article does more than chronicle a brand’s return; it examines the broader implications for the wine industry. The re‑introduction of RWM is seen as a sign of growing consumer interest in heritage brands, especially those that can offer a narrative of authenticity and continuity. The article cites a 2024 market analysis by the Wine Institute, which predicts that heritage labels will account for 15% of premium wine sales by 2030.

Moreover, the success of RWM’s re‑entry has sparked discussions about how other dormant brands might be revived. A link to an interview with a wine historian on The Economist explores whether the current regulatory environment will support more such endeavors.

Conclusion

The arrival of Royal Wine Merchant in America after 327 years is more than a commercial triumph; it is a cultural milestone that bridges a long historical gap. Jill Barth’s comprehensive Forbes article captures this story with depth, weaving together archival research, legal analysis, and sensory descriptions. The revived brand stands as a testament to the enduring allure of heritage, the resilience of craftsmanship, and the ever‑evolving relationship between producers and consumers in the global wine market.