Alcohol law expert Kristen Techel, a white woman with long brown hair with bangs and wearing a green patterned dress, stands in front of a stainless steel tank at Broc Cellars winery

Meet Kristen Techel

Alcohol Law Expert & Chief Problem Solver

Serving wineries, distillers, breweries, importers, retailers, e-commerce companies & other innovative models in the alcohol beverage industry

Alcohol law expert Kristen Techel, a white woman with long brown hair with bangs and wearing a pink shirt, leans against a wooden bar at Broc Cellars winery holding a small spirits glass with amaro

Benefit from a lifetime of experience in the alcohol beverage industry

Born and raised in Napa, I grew up surrounded by the wine industry. My dad’s best friend owned a small winery, and my brother and I worked on the bottling line as kids, specializing in wrinkly foils, crooked labels, and trying to control the music in the winery so we could listen to Bel Biv DeVoe instead of Steely Dan.

After attending UCLA for undergraduate and Berkeley for law school, I found my way back to the alcohol industry as an attorney, first working at a well-known law firm specializing in alcohol beverage law, then starting and growing my own well-known law firm specializing in alcohol beverage law. In 2020, I left that firm and launched Drink Law as a solo alcohol law specialist practice.

Over the past 20 years, I've helped some of the largest wine, spirits, beer, retail and e-commerce brands manage the complexities of alcohol law.

I’ve worked with start-ups, multi-generational family businesses, conglomerates, publicly traded companies, investment funds — and even started a wine business myself. In 20 years of being devoted to a full-time alcoholic beverage law practice, I’ve seen it all, and I can help you strategize the best approach for your business. You’ll get smart, practical business solutions backed by a lifetime of experience in the alcohol beverage industry.

What You Can Expect from Drink Law

  • Solutions-Oriented & Practical

    I help you develop practical strategies to protect your business and reduce risk within a complicated regulatory framework. I'll educate you on where the risks are so you can decide what's best for your business.

  • Approachable & Smart

    When you work with me, you'll get a lawyer who knows what she's doing. You'll get honest advice, practical solutions, and a collaborative approach. I don't put up with jerks and hacks in my work – and neither should you!

  • Intentional & Responsive

    I'm intentional about who I take on as clients, allowing me to be all-in and responsive to your needs. I'll provide you with the alcohol law guidance you need to quickly make the right decisions for your business.

  • Strong Relationships with Regulators

    As an alcohol law specialist for more than 20 years, I've worked closely with alcohol regulators & agencies across the United States. I'm also a past member of the Executive Committee of the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA). I know who to call when there is a complicated problem, and the regulators know that clients working with me are earnest about compliance.

  • Industry Insider

    I grew up in the wine industry in Napa and maintain deep industry connections, including Tendu, my side hustle in California-grown glou glou. Tendu has been featured several times in the New York Times, including being named one of the best wines under $20.

Need help navigating alcohol beverage law?

I can help you protect & minimize risk in your business with practical strategies and smart legal advice.