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Industry News and Important Resources

The American wine distribution system is in constant flux. Bookmark this page to find the latest news affecting those involved in purchasing, selling or simply consuming wine.

Industry News

Texas wine distribution lawsuit becomes vintage fight over consumer rights

A Dallas case to determine whether Texans can cut out the middleman and buy wine directly from out-of-state stores pits consumers' rights against the state and wholesalers that would suffer a loss of business.
Dallas Morning News, March 14, 2009

Wine Doesn’t Innovate

One thing the wine industry can't be accused of is innovation. In fact, it's fair to say that the wine industry trails most others when it comes to adapting to change and new ways of thinking.
FERMENTATION: The Daily Wine Blog, March 12, 2009

Who’s Standing Between You and Your Wine

Imagine this: You go on vacation and are captivated by the obscure wines made in a remote corner of Europe. Back in Portland, you ask your wine merchant if he has any of these wines in stock. He gets online and tracks one label down -- in New York. Too bad, he tells you. It just isn't for sale in Oregon. Why?
The Oregonian, March 10, 2009

A Mandated Monopoly

When Prohibition ended in 1933, states had two choices – control liquor sales themselves, or hand it to private businesses. Eighteen states and two Maryland counties adopted state control of liquor. “None of those states have ever given it back,” said Jim “Dyke” Nally, the director of the Idaho State Liquor Dispensary.
The University of Idaho Argonaut, March 5, 2009

Washington Wine Consumers Could Get More Choices and Lower Prices, Maybe

Washington state wine lovers could soon have access to a wider range of wines at potentially lower prices, if the state legislature can agree on sweeping reforms to the state's archaic wine and beer laws.
The Wine Spectator, Feb. 27, 2009

Judge: Massachusetts Wine Shipping Laws Unconstitutional

Call it the Boston Wine Party. A law banning the direct shipment of wine to consumers in Massachusetts has been defeated. According to a press release from FreeTheGrapes.com.
The Bostonist, Nov. 20, 2008

Will Kansas Allow Consumer Direct Shipment?

A bill has been introduced to the Kansas state Senate’s Federal and State Affairs committee that could finally bring Kansas into the family of states allowing direct shipment of wine to resident consumers.
REthink Wine Blog, Feb. 19, 2008

Direct To Trade is About Control

In determining your Sales and Marketing strategy, there are many reasons to take a fresh look at the Direct-to-Trade channel. Regardless of your goals, your size, your current distribution or your brand’s standing, winery sales and marketing managers should always strive to exercise more control over how, where and to whom their wines are sold.
REthink Wine Blog, Nov. 13, 2008

Self Distribution For Wineries

Before May 2005, when the U.S. Supreme Court published its decision on Granholm v. Heald, both New York and Michigan allowed in-state wineries to ship wine directly to consumers, but prohibited out-of-state wineries from doing so. The Supreme Court ruled that such a prohibition violated the 21st Amendment.
Practical Winery & Vineyard Magazine, June 2008

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