The South fights again for Equality... Between Wine and Beer Manufacturers

Currently in Montgomery County, Alabama a wine manufacturer can terminate its sales to wholesale distributors with out notice. Montgomery is in the process of passing a bill to prevent this sort of termination, labeling it improper and unfair. This wine sales bill sets forth similar procedures that beer manufacturers already follow in terms of sales termination notice.

If the bill passes, the Montgomery county wine distributors will be taking steps forward not only in protecting themselves, but also in gaining traction for just and equal treatment. Go to the link below to read this great article from Kala Kachmar at the Montgomery Advertiser. Learn how significantly the manufacturers actions impact the lower tier retailer and consumer.

Bill would give wine, beer distributors same protection

Tennessee Moves Toward Less Restriction on Wine and Alcohol Sale Regulations

Can you go to the grocery store down the street and grab a bottle of wine? Most of you will answer yes. And most would not think twice about whether the grocery store would carry wine or not. It has almost  become a mindless decision. However, Tennesseans do not yet enjoy that luxury. Currently grocery store are generally not permitted to sell wine. There is however, a movement in the Tennessee legislature that could lessen the restrictions for wine sales. And much more... for better or worse. 

The KnoxNews published this informative article,  addressing the specifics of these current Tennessee restrictions and future possibilities for change. Check it out!

Tennessee Senate approves wine in grocery store bill; next stop is House Committee 

FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2012 file photo, a sign in a Kroger supermarket in Nashville, Tenn., urges shoppers to sign up for a group urging lawmakers to change state law that limits wine sales to liquor stores. State lawmakers on Tuesday, Jan, 21, 2014 reconvened the 108th Tennessee General Assembly in a legislative session that is expected to feature debates over creating a school voucher program and whether to allow supermarkets to sell wine. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig, file)

The Best TRUE Texas Grape Wines

The Texas Monthly provided a nice article on the hot, true Texas grape wines. If you're not trying these top ten whites and reds, you're not experiencing true Texas terrain. Whether you live in Texas, or know of a time you will be passing through, spend a minute to read this enjoyable article on the must taste Texas wines, and the gorgeous wineries producing them.

This article is not directly correlated with the law, but I loved it and decided it was worth the slight wander. Enjoy!    

Best Texas Wines of 2013

Georgia Senate Considers New Wine Tasting Policy

The Peach State's wineries, enthusiasts, and general consumers alike have promising changes on the horizon. The Georgia Senate Study Committee on Brew Pubs and Alcohol Tastings are generating  two bills. These could allow wineries more rights, increase the maximum alcohol content percentage allowed per volume, increase the tax revenue for the state while decreasing the final price for sale- and, of course, restrict regulations against wine tastings. 

The Forsyth News writer Jennifer Sami has written an amazing article today addressing Georgia's potential alcohol changes. It is worth the short five minutes!

http://www.forsythnews.com/section/2/article/22510/ 

North American Wineries on an Upward Trend

North Georgia Wine Country

According to the Wine Industry News Headlines, Wines & Vines, there is an upward trend of wineries emerging within the past four years- and no, they are not all in California. Taking a turn from the early 21st century trends of wine demand and production, North Americans seem to be bouncing back from the recession with a respectable investment.

As you read this article, consider how the law may impact this growing industry and those associated with it- not only the new, budding wineries, but also those more established. Consider possible issues such as endangered species protection; possible increase in water usage, discharge, and waste; additional construction, trademark protection, interstate commerce, taxation, and consumption. With the amount and attention of wineries and vineyards increasing, it seems there will likely also be an increased demand for awareness and consideration.

North American Winery Total Passes 8,000, written by the Wines & Vines staff is a great, short, must read. It is well worth the simple five minutes.

http://www.winesandvines.com/template.cfm?section=news&content=111242

Welcome!

Hello All!

I am so enthused to be launching The Legal Vine. My intention with this blog is to explore and unravel some current legal events, issues and interests within the wonderful community of wine, vineyards, wineries and all else pertaining to the art.

The Legal Vine is an attempt to better centralize legal concerns and news that may impact or interest the wine community.

I welcome community input, interest, support and involvement!