Legislation Effective On July 1, 2008 Furthers Efforts To "Free The Grapes" In Georgia

June 18, 2008 - PRLog -- On Tuesday, July 1, 2008, a new law will go into effect in the State of Georgia that will open wine shipping restrictions and allow Georgia's growing number of wineries to ship to Georgia consumers. The law, passed in mid-May by an overwhelming majority in both the House and Senate, clears the way for wine lovers age 21 or older to order up to 12 cases of wine annually via the Internet or by telephone and have it shipped directly to their home or office (as long as someone 21 or older signs to receive the package).

Previously, in order to purchase many Georgia wines, consumers had to visit the winery and order the product in person. The new “order from your home” ability applies to purchases from Georgia wineries and also to wineries in other states.  

Georgia wineries make significant contributions to the local economies with job creation, tax base additions, preservation of farmlands and acting as tourist attractions for Georgians and non-Georgians alike. According to Bill Stack, co-owner of Rabun County's Tiger Mountain Vineyards and co-author of the legislation, the passing of this law removes a major handicap previously imposed on the Georgia winegrowing community. "In the past several years, the number of Georgia farm wineries has increased from two or three to more than 20. This landmark legislation opens the way for Georgia's growing wine industry to sell its wines to people who can’t find them in their local stores. We are pleased to see this kind of progress in our state," he says.

Steve Gibson, the current president of the Winegrowers Association of Georgia reiterates that the Georgia consumer is the real winner with this legislation because now they have access to wines that they didn't have before. "There are consumers in the southern part of Georgia who are three, four and five hours from North Georgia wine country. Previously, they had no way to purchase wines from these wineries without coming up and getting it themselves."

Gibson further explains: "This legislation really levels the playing field for in-state and out-of-state wineries and it particularly benefits the smaller, start-up wineries that may not have a wholesaler. These small wineries will now be able to reach more people through wine clubs and direct shipping and it gives them the chance to actively participate in the marketplace."

Many Georgia wineries will offer special events and tastings during the upcoming summer and fall months. Winery visitors can now purchase wine to be shipped to them after July 1 and they can telephone for more when they run out! For a complete listing of events and wineries, please visit www.georgiawine.com.

A list of contacts (including lobbyists, members of the Winegrower's Association and Representatives from the Georgia House and Senate) is available for reference. Photography and Georgia Wine Highway maps are available to accompany publication.

The Georgia Winegrowers Association
7025 S. Main St.
P.O. Box 808  
Helen, GA  30545  
706-878-WINE
www.GeorgiaWine.com

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