OHIO SENATE PASSES DIRECT SHIPPING BILL

The Ohio senate unanimously passed HB 199 this week which, as you would expect, has wineries split. Created as an amendment to the 2008-09 budget bill, the proposal currently allows in-state and out-of-state wineries that produce less than 150,000 gallons of wine a year to ship directly to Ohio residents and retailers.

Wineries are only allowed to ship up to 24 cases of wine per year to customers, however, which could create some controversy along with the 150,000 gallon cap.

According to commentary made in regards to a Dayton Daily News story, some Ohio vintners feel they were left out of the legislative process altogether while others feel good about the bill. As with just about every other direct shipping legislation, the industry is split. We’ll keep you posted on any updates.