Bill would allow Maryland wineries to ship product to consumers

Maryland (Map, News) - A bill pending in the Maryland General Assembly would allow Maryland residents to buy wine online, direct from producers, and allow in-state wineries to begin offering their wares coast-to-coast.

Current Maryland law prohibits wineries from delivering wine directly to individuals. Most Marylanders can only purchase wine from licensed retailers.

If the bill was enacted and the state offered shipper's licenses to the wineries, the state could generate $90,000 in license fee revenues in fiscal year 2009, according to a fiscal analysis of the bill.

Sales and excise tax revenues could increase as well, depending on the increase in new wine sales.

Thirty-eight states have passed legislation authorizing the direct shipment of wine to consumers, and Maryland residents would be allowed to purchase wine from states with compatible laws.

"It's good for wineries, and it's good from consumers," said Scott Ehlers, of Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws. "It's good for the Maryland economy as a whole."

Thomas Minkin, chairman of the Baltimore County Liquor Board, planned to testify in opposition of the bill, saying allowing direct shipments of wine could fuel underage drinking in Maryland because it's difficult to verify a buyer's age with online sales.

"Towson is a hotbed for underage drinking," Minkin said.

Hugh Sisson, founder of Clipper City Brewing Co., said the legislation could damage the state's "three-tied" system that requires beer, wine and liquor makers to sell products to wholesalers, which then distribute to retailers. Wholesalers are united in opposition of the bill.

"As flawed as the current system is, it's the devil I know," Sisson said. "I don't really want to see anything change."

Fiore Winery, covering 14 acres in Harford County, has hosted visitors from across the country but can't sell online.

"It would definitely be good for business," said Rose Fiore, who has operated the winery with her husband for 21 years. "We get calls from all over the country."

acannarsa@baltimoreexaminer.com

—Staff writer Len Lazarick contributed to this article.

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