Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/264184
W i n e s & V i n e s M A R C H 2 0 1 4 73 WineEastNews States Open to Wine Shipping in 2013 Montana, Arkansas join list accepting direct-to-consumer shipments from out-of-state wineries H elena, Mont.—Arkansas and Montana joined the list of states open to direct shipments of wine in 2013, Steve Gross, director of state relations for the Wine Institute, said at the Direct to Consumer (DtC) Wine Symposium. Montana law transitioned to allow DtC wine shipments during 2013, Gross said. Registered wineries must get a $50 endorsement to ship wine into the state, and wineries already participating in the three-tier system are considered "registered." Montana consumers are allowed to receive 18 cases of wine per year, and wineries must inform the state if they are using a fulfillment house. While "Montana opened with a good bill," Gross said, "Arkansas opened with a bill that is going to be somewhat of a challenge." The wine-shipping law in Arkansas became effective Aug. 16, 2013, but the state did not supply Wine Institute with an application for DtC shipping until January. Gross said this application comes with a $25 permit fee and appears to be straightforward, although wineries will be required to get applications notarized. Arkansas residents must be visiting the winery at the time of purchase (they cannot order from home), and wine can only be shipped to residences (no businesses). With Arkansas and Montana now open to DtC wine sales, "The 41 legal states for winery-to-consumer shipping account for 90% of U.S. wine consumption," said Jeremy Benson, executive director of Free the Grapes. After two years of being closed to fulfillment houses, North Dakota is once again open to DtC wine sales utilizing these third-party providers, "but they have unique requirements for carriers," Gross said. FedEx is not delivering wine in North Dakota; UPS is. Wine Institute partnered with Free the Grapes in 2013 to enlist the help of former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe to get through to consumers and the Massachusetts state legislature. (Bledsoe co-owns Walla Walla, Wash.-based Doubleback Winery with a friend.) "He was the best spokesman we could have ever asked for. He knew his subject. He was able to convey it quickly and eloquently," Gross said. A legislative hearing about DtC wine shipment was held Nov. 12, and committee votes will follow this spring in Boston, Mass. Going into 2014, Gross said he is most encouraged about passing such legislation in South Dakota. "I think we have the best chance," he said of the state. —Kate Lavin Learn more: Search keywords "DtC Wine Symposium." winesandvines.com Waterloo_Nov10.qxp 8/26/10 11:36 AM Page 1