Last spring some New York State wineries and wine shops were in an uproar over a proposed bill that would allow grocery stores to sell wine. It generated so much controversy that ultimately the bill was unsuccessful.

This past week I learned that a revision of this bill has been suggested that will allow grocery stores to sell wine and allow liquor stores to sell some items including decanters, snacks, gift bags and wine accessories.

For more information, read this article by State Senator Liz Krueger on “The Empire Page.”  Also, be sure to read the comments posted.

Lots of questions need to be discussed about this legislation! Will these changes be enough to garner the support of liquor and wine stores? Will more wineries lean towards supporting this legislation? Can the smaller wineries compete with grocery stores that can import inexpensive wines? Should we support the small wineries by keeping wine out of the grocery stores? Should other countries be allowed to export their wines into the US at a cost less than what it costs for US wineries to produce a bottle of wine?

While there are valid points on both sides of the issues, what is best for the American consumer – you and me?

Cheers, Kathy