Green wine in Maryland
The Sun's Black Friday edition included a story about a product Marylanders would have difficulty buying: Local wines.
But that could change this year, key lawmakers in Annapolis say they are open to modifying the state's alcohol laws so consumers can receive shipments of wine in the mail. That idea pleases those in the burgeoning locavore movement, as it eases access to Maryland wines.
The owner of Maryland's award-winning Black Ankle vineyard explained that members of his wine club have to drive out to his Mt. Airy farm to pick up cases. For every one customer willing to make the trek, he estimates three or four can't be bothered. Finding his wines on the shelves of the corner liquor store is tough -- they only produce 3,000 bottles are year.
In Virginia, where direct shipping is allowed, one vineyard owner said 30 percent of her business is by mail.
The change also would open Maryland to rare wines from fancy Sonoma vineyards, but Black Ankle's owner Ed Boyce says: Bring on the competition.
This year a bill to legalize direct shipping will be introduced in the House by Del. Jolene Ivey, a Prince George's County Democrat who had some success last year making it easier for local vineyards to sell at farmers markets.
But the state's liquor lobby opposes the idea -- and they tend to get what they want in Maryland -- so consumers shouldn't clear space in their wine racks quite yet.
But that could change this year, key lawmakers in Annapolis say they are open to modifying the state's alcohol laws so consumers can receive shipments of wine in the mail. That idea pleases those in the burgeoning locavore movement, as it eases access to Maryland wines.
The owner of Maryland's award-winning Black Ankle vineyard explained that members of his wine club have to drive out to his Mt. Airy farm to pick up cases. For every one customer willing to make the trek, he estimates three or four can't be bothered. Finding his wines on the shelves of the corner liquor store is tough -- they only produce 3,000 bottles are year.In Virginia, where direct shipping is allowed, one vineyard owner said 30 percent of her business is by mail.
The change also would open Maryland to rare wines from fancy Sonoma vineyards, but Black Ankle's owner Ed Boyce says: Bring on the competition.
This year a bill to legalize direct shipping will be introduced in the House by Del. Jolene Ivey, a Prince George's County Democrat who had some success last year making it easier for local vineyards to sell at farmers markets.
But the state's liquor lobby opposes the idea -- and they tend to get what they want in Maryland -- so consumers shouldn't clear space in their wine racks quite yet.
Comments
Follow up questions-
Why does the liquor monopoly get what they want?
Are the Democrats in bed with the liquor monopoly?
What does the lobby have on Annapolis?
Why no follow up from THE SUN?
Posted by: jay | November 26, 2010 12:59 PM
Maryland's alcoholic beverage laws are antiquated, inconsistent, and prejudicial in the extreme toward supporting the inefficient and expensive distributor network. Distributors should be a matter of convenience for retailers and consumers, but Maryland laws allow them to exercise absolute control over the whole industry in this state. Bruce Bereano probably has compromising photos of most of the state legislature. Nothing else could explain their consistent bowing to his every demand. It's a statewide continuing scandal.
Posted by: Cal Oren | November 26, 2010 1:50 PM
Local vintners should ask why Robert Parker of Parkton, MD-- an international wine expert -- is allowed a special exemption that allows him to receive wines shipped to his house.
Then, they should push for legislation to band these "special exemptions" as a violation of "equal protection under the law", and see what kind of traction they get that way.
And yes, the antiquated distribution system in this state can best be described as a government-enabled oligopoly.
Posted by: Gunpowder Chronicle | November 26, 2010 5:27 PM
As the owner of a wine club that operates primarily via direct shipping, I can attest to the tremendous lasting effect of the Prohibition, as seen in the outright ban or severe limitations on shipping alcohol to so many of the US states.
"[G]overnment-enabled oligopoly" sounds about right.
Paul Kalemkiarian
President, Wine of the Month Club
http://www.wineofthemonthclub.com
Posted by: Paul Kalemkiarian | February 2, 2011 6:19 PM
As the owner of a wine club that operates primarily via direct shipping, I can attest to the tremendous lasting effect of the Prohibition, as seen in the outright ban or severe limitations on shipping alcohol to so many of the US states.
"[G]overnment-enabled oligopoly" sounds about right.
Paul Kalemkiarian
President, Wine of the Month Club
Posted by: Paul Kalemkiarian | February 3, 2011 11:19 AM