I am pondering what eat and drink local means to people at least to those who are interested in the local movement. Does it mean buying directly from the farm or winery? Does it mean food produced within 100 miles or 250 miles of your home or restaurant? Or does it mean buying from anywhere in your county or state?

To my knowledge there is no federal legislation regarding the word “local.” And no I don’t think we need another law to decipher for “we the people” what local means. On the other hand I believe that it is prudent for people who are purchasing “local” items to ask where it was grown or produced.

Wine drinkers don’t have that problem. The TTB already strictly mandates what labels on wine bottle need to have on them as well as not have on them. No wine is allowed to be sold without a label on the bottle. The consumer can look at the label and garner more than enough information to make an informed purchase. Of course by purchasing wine in a winery tasting room this takes care of the issue. With very few exceptions winery tasting rooms sell only their specific wines.

Enjoy local food and local wine to discover what your area of the country offers! For updates about local wine, visit the DrinkLocalWine website.

Cheers! Kathy