WISCONSIN SENATE VOTES TO END DIRECT-TO-RETAIL SHIPMENTS

The Wisconsin wine industry is up in arms after the state senate passed a budget amendment last week that would halt direct wine sales to retailers. Wineries would have to follow stricter guidelines when shipping directly to consumers under the proposal, which includes a $1,000 permit and extensive paperwork. The shipper must also ensure recipients are of legal drinking age and not drunk when the order arrives.

Current state law technically bans direct shipments from Wisconsin wineries to consumers although it is not enforced. Right now, the only states that can legally send wine are California and Oregon under reciprocal agreements.

A similar proposal will have to pass the assembly and obtain a signature by the governor before becoming a law.