Free the Grapes! July 2023 Winery Update


LEGISLATIVE UPDATES As many state legislatures adjourn for 2023, we can provide an update on recent actions and results.    ALASKA: New Permit Law Effective 1/1/24 A reminder that, effective January 1, 2024, the 2022 liquor omnibus bill replaces the “reasonable amount” provision with a permit allowing up to 12 cases annually and no more ... Read more

Fulfillment Houses: Why They’re Important to Winery DTC Shipping


Often misunderstood, Fulfillment Houses play a key role in meeting consumer demand for winery-to-consumer direct shipping. These logistics centers provide both economic and environmental benefits to their clients, wineries. Here is a summary. WHAT A Fulfillment House provides winery direct-to-consumer shipping services to its clients, wineries. FHs do not buy or sell wine; they do ... Read more

Winery DTC Threatened in Oklahoma


Two bills in Oklahoma threaten winery direct shipping to wine lovers in the state. House Bill 2640 and its companion, Senate Bill 796, recommend unnecessary and unworkable reporting requirements on wineries and the common carriers.

Assemblyman Zwicker: Bi-partisan support for New Jersey’s SB2683


On July 9, 2021, New Jersey On Air featured an interview with NJ Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, one of several sponsors of a bill to remove the state’s capacity cap banning winery DTC shipments from producers of 90% of American wine. He pointed out that there is bi-partisan support for the bill. Free the Grapes! is ... Read more

NJ Assemblyman Zwicker: “It isn’t every day that lawmakers can make a policy decision that has only winners.”


New Jersey Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, sponsor of a bill to remove the state’s capacity cap banning winery DTC shipments from producers of 90% of American wine, opined today that his bill is a rare opportunity for a tradeoff-free proposition. Zwicker writes, “A recent report by two expert wine researchers Danny Brager and Dale Stratton, commissioned by Naked ... Read more

Insider NJ: Everyone wins if capacity cap removed in New Jersey


A new study commissioned by Naked Wines shows that New Jersey consumers, the state, local and national wineries, and even local retailers benefit if two winery direct shipping bills pass, and remove the capacity cap that determines which US wineries can, and cannot ship to NJ adult consumers. https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/new-report-everyone-benefits-nj-adopts-free-grapes-legislation/

How the Capacity Cap Hurts New Jersey


Our executive director provides NJ ON AIR reasons why New Jersey should pass two favorable wine direct shipping bills in 2021.

A Retailer’s Opinion: New Jersey’s wine shipping capacity cap hurts consumers


Editor: Former Maryland retailer Paul Cudone opines for bringing legal, regulated direct shipping to New Jersey in this March 11, 2021 Op-Ed in NorthJersey.com. Separated only by 18 miles of the Delaware Turnpike, Maryland and New Jersey are a lot alike. Both think their beaches — and crab cakes — are best. And, since Rutgers ... Read more

WNBC-TV New York: New Jersey Wine Direct Shipping Limits Consumer Choice


November 19 2020 — WNBC-TV New York interviewed Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, a prime sponsor of Assembly Bill 1943. The bill, and its Senate companion, aim to expand wine choices for New Jerseyans and raise additional revenues for the Garden State.

Kentucky Becomes 46th Legal State for Winery DTC Shipping


As reported by Wine Institute, April 8, 2020 Kentucky’s New DTC Shipping Rules Become Law Kentucky’s new law to allow for the direct-to-consumer (DTC) shipping of wine, beer and spirits by producers became law on April 7, 2020. The effective date of the law is yet to be determined, as it will be 90 days ... Read more