Wednesday, January 03, 2007

VIRGINIA WINERIES PUT UP A FIGHT

Virginia wineries and wholesalers are gearing up for round two in the fight over self-distribution.

The State’s wineries are giving it another try in their battle to win direct shipping by introducing a new bill submitted earlier this week by Del. Christopher Saxman, and Sen. John Watkins. The bill would allow wineries to self-distribute up to 3,000 cases a year to retail and restaurant venues.

Last year the state legislature voted to require all wineries to sell their products through distributors.