The United States is suddenly looking less bubbly for European wines. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened a 200 per cent tariff on European wine, Champagne and spirits if the European Union goes forward with a planned 50 per cent tariff on American whiskey. Wine sellers and importers said a tariff of that size would essentially shut down the European wine business in the US. I don't think customers are prepared to pay two to three times more for their favorite wine or Champagne, Ronnie Sanders, the CEO of Vine Street Imports in Mt. Laurel Township, New Jersey, said.