LOUISIANA WINERIES PUSHING FOR NEW LEGISLATURE

After passing legislation last year that requires Louisiana wineries to use a wholesaler, the House is faced with two new bills that readdress direct shipping. Theadvocate.com notes that although “most of the state’s native wineries are thriving, nearly nine months after losing the right to sell their wines directly to grocery stores and eateries. However, owners are concerned about the forced reliance on wholesalers.” HB 71 by Rep. Tom McVea would allow any winemaker to sell their wines direct, while HB 1009 by Rep. Joe Toomy wants the state to allow direct shipping by wineries that produce less than 2,000 cases a year. As it turns out, almost all native wineries in Louisiana fit under that category. Many winery owners in the article expressed uncertainty about their future but also acknowledged the fact that wholesalers are currently distributing their product.