DIRECT SHIPMENT FALLS UNDER SCRUTINY IN INDIANA

If passed, Indiana’s House Bill 1190 will halt all direct wine shipping and limit sales to retailers. However, the law will allow wine-makers to sell bottled wine to consumers at three locations other than their winery, and increase the number of days a year that wineries may participate in a trade show from nine to thirty. As expected, most vintners believe the proposed law is bad for business. Dorothy Gahimer, owner of Terre Vin winery in Rockville, says, “Being able to ship wine inside and outside Indiana will increase our business growth.”

The bill was passed by the House Committee on Public Policy and Veterans Affairs and up for a subsequent review this Thursday afternoon, February 2. The Senate has a bill, SB 0110 allowing shipping and retail sales, pending in the Commerce and Transportation Committee which is where it will likely stay. According to the Herald Journal, “Monday morning is the last day for committee hearings and the bill isn’t on the list yet.”