As you may know, Delaware is one of only three states that continue to ban all winery-to-consumer direct shipping. The other two are Mississippi and Utah. A new bill, House Bill 262, would allow American wineries licensed by Delaware to ship a limited amount of wine directly to your Delaware based home or office.
And we just received an update that HB 262 will have a hearing on April 30!
Now we need local consumer support.
ACTION:
- Write Your State Legislators: Take two minutes to visit our website and personalize a message, and it will be sent automatically to your legislators considering the bill.
Use this link. - Forward This Message to Your Friends and Colleagues: Legislators really do listen to consumers and we need wine lovers to speak up.
- Volunteer to Testify: Email fedup@freethegrapes.org if you would like to volunteer to testify at the bill's hearing on April 30.
Background
For years we have been encouraging passage of winery direct shipping in Delaware, to no avail. House Bill 262 has common safety provisions, such as adult signatures on shipments and labeling requirements, which have proven successful in other states. We believe you should have the freedom to determine which wines you want to buy and how to purchase them. According to the 2023 Silicon Valley Bank Report, in 2022 the DTC channel comprised at least 60% of the total wine sales for the wineries whose production is under 30,000 cases. This group represents ~90% of the wine industry, and there are many instances where direct to consumer shipments may be the only way for Delaware wine lovers to enjoy these wines, as they are not always available at retail. HB 262 provides the best framework for allowing regulated DTC shipments into the state and support greater freedom of choice for consumers.
Together with you, we hope to expand wine availability in "The First State". Again, here's the link to our website to write to your legislator today!
https://freethegrapes.org/alert/winery-delaware/
Thank you - Free the Grapes!
