In this episode of French Insider, Swiss-American winemaker Jean Hoefliger joins host Karl Buhler to discuss the latest trends, challenges and global shifts shaping the U.S. wine market. They explore everything from champagne's continued popularity and Napa's reputation to French investment influences and the evolving business models behind American wineries.

Discussion Topics

• Status of the U.S. wine market today

• How the industry is still feeling the aftershocks of COVID-19, from production to sales channels

• U.S. wine's standing in the global market

• Napa Valley's unique place in the U.S. and international wine markets

• Winery valuation and current trends in bottle sales

• Why champagne continues to trend and remain so desirable among American consumers

• What's drawing French investors and wine houses to the U.S. market, and the impact they are having on production, branding and vineyard practices

• Recent collaborations between French investors and American winemakers, and what both sides are learning from each other

• The biggest challenges and opportunities that wineries, importers and investors face in the coming years

• Will new drinking habits persist, or could the industry reinvent itself again

About Karl Buhler

As an associate with the Corporate and Securities Practice Group and French Desk in Sheppard Mullin's New York Office, Karl Buhler focuses on domestic and cross-border transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and complex commercial agreements in industries such as technology, communications, life sciences, energy, defense and aerospace. In particular, he advises foreign companies with the installation and development of their operations in the United States.

About Jean Hoefliger

Born in Switzerland, Jean Hoefliger worked in vineyards and wineries throughout the world before landing in Napa Valley in 2001. After working for 15 years as a winemaker, he switched to consulting, and today has consulted with over 25 brands spanning the globe—from California, Oregon and Washington to Italy, Switzerland, and Australia.

Contact Information

Jean Hoefliger

Karl Buhler

Additional Resources

JH Wine Consulting

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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.

In this episode of French Insider, Melissa Hughes, a senior associate in Sheppard Mullin's Labor and Employment Practice Group and member of the French Desk, joins us to explore the use of AI for automated decision-making throughout the employment life cycle, including the associated risks and how they can be mitigated.

What we discussed in this episode:

• How does AI interact with the workplace?

• From an employment perspective, where does AI carry the most risk?

• Why is the use of AI in employment decisions particularly concerning?

• How can employers mitigate the risks associated with AI tools?

• What should employers consider when selecting an AI tool?

• Does the U.S. have any AI regulations comparable to the E.U.'s AI Act?

• What U.S. trends should employers be aware of?

• What advice would you give companies as they roll out AI tools or increase the use of AI to do business?

Disclaimer: This episode was recorded prior to the signing of Executive Order 14365, "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence." As a result, some discussions may not reflect the policies or guidance established by this order.

About Melissa Hughes

As a senior associate in the Labor and Employment Practice Group in Sheppard Mullin's San Francisco office, Mellissa Hughes defends and counsels employers in a range of disputes, involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, failure to accommodate, wrongful termination, wage and hour claims, PAGA actions, and class actions. She also has traditional labor law experience, including arbitration, unfair labor practice proceedings, and litigation under the National Labor Relations Act.

Melissa represents employers of all sizes in state and federal courts, administrative proceedings, and every phase of litigation, from pre-suit strategy through post-trial motions. She also serves as a trusted advisor on day-to-day workplace issues, including disability accommodations, leaves of absence, performance management, workplace investigations, and compliance with California's complex wage and hour laws.

As a member of Sheppard Mullin's French Desk, Melissa advises French companies and groups operating in or expanding to the U.S. on a full range of employment and personnel matters in both French and English.

About Inès Briand

Inès Briand is an associate in Sheppard Mullin's Corporate Practice Group and French Desk Team in the firm's Brussels office, where her practice primarily focuses on domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisition transactions (with special emphasis on operations involving French companies). She also has significant experience in general corporate matters and compliance for foreign companies settled in the United States.

As a member of the firm's French Desk, Inès has advised companies and private equity funds in both the United States and Europe on mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, and general corporate matters, including the expansion of French companies in the United States.

Contact Information

Mellissa Hughes

Inès Briand

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every week.

If you enjoyed this episode, please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and

Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon Music, or Spotify. It helps other listeners find this show.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.