Earlier this year, West Virginia passed legislation making the entire state “wet” for off-premises sales of spirits and wine, subject to certain requirements. The localities that may receive direct wine shipments are expanded as a result of this change. As of July 1, 2020, all locations in West Virginia, other than Brandonville in Preston County and the […]
State-by-State COVID-19 Guidance for ABC Licensees
To assist with winery sales and business operations, Wine Institute’s State Relations Team has compiled a listing of guidance for State ABC licensees in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The new resource page is updated continuously as new information is released and changes impacting the sale and regulation of wine are implemented. Many of the […]
Tasting Samples for Virtual Winery Experiences Approved by TTB
In an effort to help stimulate DTC wine sales, Wine Institute requested that TTB and California ABC provide clear guidance on whether small containers of wine may be shipped to winery customers by common carriers for virtual tastings. During Shelter-in-Place orders, this would replace the traditional tasting room experience where visitors sample small quantities of […]
States Enforce DTC Rules
The continued growth of the direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales channel means that states will continue to make DTC shipping laws a priority for enforcement in 2020. An increasing number of states are investigating DTC shipments and conducting compliance checks on direct shipper permit holders and common carriers. Wineries that ship directly to consumers outside of California […]
WV DTC Rules Update
Wine Institute has received new guidance from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA) that will make it easier for members shipping wine into WV to comply with the law. WV statute has always mandated the inclusion of Blood Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Charts in each shipment of wine to a West Virginia […]
West Virginia Direct Shipping Permits Available
The West Virginia Direct Shipper Application, instructions and tax forms are now available on the Wine Institute website. Effective June 8, 2007 wineries are required to have a Direct Shipper’s License to ship wine to a resident of West Virginia. Wineries must complete the Direct Wine Shipper Application and pay a license fee of $150 […]
West Virginia ABC Letter Clarification
There has been some confusion over the supplier-distributor agreements referenced in the May 3, 2007 letter to Licensees from Marilyn Smith, Director of the West Virginia Wine & Spirits Administrations. The following clarification has been made with the West Virginia ABC during conversations with WI staff: 1) Members who currently have written agreements that provide […]