I am very concerned about the federal legislation (HB 5034) regarding the shipping of alcohol between states that is currently under consideration by the US Congress. I’ve been reading the news from a variety of sources and talking with winery owners and winemakers. Many have not heard about House Bill 5034 and some even think it has quietly gone away. Please don’t make that mistake!

The bill has the potential of not affecting only wineries and winemakers but consumers like you who may belong to out-of state-wine clubs or perhaps just may want to have wine shipped to your home from a winery you may have visited while on vacation. If the time comes that you can’t order wine from out of state to your home, look and see if this bill is the reason. Unfortunately by then it will be too late.

The last I heard is that the bill is expected to go to the Judiciary Committee for consideration in June.

To keep updated about the progress of the bill, visit the Free the Grapes website. To make a difference write to your representative in Congress and tell them what you think! Congress needs to hear from you BEFORE it’s too late!

Please forward this information on to anyone who may be interested, wine lovers as well as anyone who enjoys beer and spirits.

Together we stand….

Cheers! Kathy