Out-of-state wineries can send wine shipments direct to Virginia consumers starting today.
The new state law has two provisions: Out-of-state wineries must buy a $50 license and may ship up to two cases monthly per consumer. These provisions are consistent with the wine industry's “model direct shipping” bill, which has formed the basis for laws in several states.
The bill also lets Virginia's growing wine industry expand. Currently, Virginia wineries legally can ship to consumers in nine states. This law expands that number to 22.
Virginia is the 23rd state to allow for interstate, direct-to-consumer wine shipments from out-of-state wineries.
Meanwhile, a ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals last week confirmed that Texas' ban on interstate direct wine shipments is unconstitutional and that shipments should be open for both interstate and intrastate shipments.
The decision confirms previous rulings that Texas' law is unconstitutional. On July 17, 2002, U.S. District Court Judge Melinda Harmon of Houston ruled in favor of direct shipments, though a stay was immediately issued that expired May 31 of this year.
