A New Jersey “Free the Grapes” Update

Just when you need a good slurp…

February 3, 2012
NEW JERSEY: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR

On January 17, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that, when it goes into effect this May, will make NJ the 39th legal state for winery-to-consumer shipping. Wineries will have the option to ship directly to states that represent 89.5% of wine consumption.

The new law is a step forward for the fourth largest state for wine consumption, but it is not without faults. These onerous regulations will certainly be in the crosshairs of industry representatives, who have quietly fixed overly burdensome regulations in numerous states.

The law includes a “capacity cap” that allows small wineries to ship directly to consumers but bans shipments from mid-sized wineries or wine companies producing more than 250,000 gallons per year. By most estimates, the bill will exclude 90% of U.S. wine production from direct sales to New Jersey wine lovers. Additionally, the bill has a high winery license fee (approximately $968, depending on several factors).

ths update: Free the Grapes.org

A great organization. They helped win the fight for wine shipping here in Florida. I highly encourage you to sign up for their emails ~ you might be astonished at what YOUR state is prohibiting ADULTS from purchasing, thanks to wholesalers protecting their turf.

categories Biz, Nanny State | | datetime February 3, 2012 3:48 pm

2 Responses to “A New Jersey “Free the Grapes” Update”

  1. AliceH says:
    February 3, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Just what is the point of NOT allowing direct shipments of wine to New Jersey and those other 20-odd states’ residents? Cui bono?

  2. aelfheld says:
    February 3, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    In Texas, the state-sanctioned distributors.

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