AFTER ILLEGALLY SELLING LIQUOR WITHOUT A LICENSE, TRAVELING VINEYARD FINDS A LOOPHOLE

Several weeks ago WSD reported that Minnesota law-enforcers were cracking down on illegal wine tasting parties hosted by a Massachusetts company called The Traveling Vineyard. The company – the marketing arm of Geerlings and Wade – is accused of selling liquor in Minnesota without a license. Advertised as “wine adventures in your home,” The Traveling Vineyard delivers wine to residents for wine tasting parties in many states, not just Minnesota.

The company will now do business under Minnesota’s new direct shipping law that allows wineries to ship two cases a year to consumers.

"The adjustments in our business model permit us to continue sharing our passion for wine with Minnesotans who might enjoy our products," said Gordon Romer, CEO of Geerlings & Wade and The Traveling Vineyard.

However, Marlene Kjelsberg, with the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division of the state Department of Public Safety, wouldn’t comment to local papers on whether The Traveling Vineyard's plan complies with state law.