Retail Shipping Laws Regarding Wine

The ability to ship retail market wine across state lines varies by states.

Many parts of the country produce wines. Conflicting laws across the United States make it impossible for many citizens to order bottles from wineries outside of their state. Most states require that wine from another state must be sold through a distributor.

History

The end of Prohibition, which banned almost every sale of alcohol, gave each state the power regulate alcohol sales and consumption within its borders. Many states banned the shipment of alcohol on the retail or personal level. Wholesale shipments to retailers, however, are permitted.

Protection of Minors

One reason given for the laws blocking the retail shipment of wine is the protection of minors. Critics say minors could order wine on the Internet from a shop in a different state and have it delivered to their homes.

Legal Controversy

People who want retail wine shipments to be legal claim laws that forbid them are unconstitutional. They claim that the commerce clause of the Constitution should permit regulated retail shipping of wine across state lines.

References

• Specialty Wine Retailers Association: Wine Without Borders
• Wine Intro: U.S. Wine Shipping Laws