DIRECT DELIVERY BILL EXPECTED TO PASS IN MARYLAND

A Maryland winery bill is expected to pass through the House sometime this week allowing small wineries to sell directly to restaurants and retailers, according to local newspapers. A similar proposal was passed in the Senate several weeks ago, and will permit wineries that produce less than 27,500 gallons a year to sell directly to retailers and restaurants. The bill was drafted in reaction to a ruling by Comptroller William Donald Schaefer that required wineries to use wholesalers as a way to prevent underage drinking.