The latest victories in the wine industry’s ongoing efforts to dismantle unconstitutional state laws barring the direct shipment of wine to consumers have come in four unlikely places: Kansas, Tennessee, Maine and Texas. All have previously enforced highly restrictive regulations prohibiting interstate commerce in wine.
In Kansas, a new law took effect July 1, 2009 allowing state residents to purchase up to 12 cases of wine annually with a government-issued permit which we have already obtained. In Maine, a just-approved law similarly opens the state up for direct shipping.
Tennessee is the biggest surprise, as it has long been militantly opposed to any form of direct shipping. However, a law taking effect July 1, 2009 stipulates that state residents can purchase up to three cases of wine annually for direct shipment, with a per month limit of one case. As in Kansas and most other states, wineries shipping direct to consumers in Tennessee require a state-issued shipping license. We are hearing from many Tennessee wine lovers eager to order our wines now that we have acquired our permit.
In Texas, revisions to the state’s direct shipping regulations have increased the amount of wine residents can order at one time. Previously, the limit was 15 bottles in a rolling 30 day period, but now, Texas residents can purchase up to three cases within a calendar month, with an annual limit of 15 cases.
Since the wine industry began contesting direct shipping bans less than a dozen years ago, the number of states allowing some form of direct-to-consumer wine shipping has increased from 17 to 37, representing 83% of wine consumption in the U.S.
Next on the agenda are three Eastern states that have stubbornly remained direct shipping holdouts: Maryland, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Change is in the wind in all three, however, and we can now can foresee the day when Cakebread Cellars will be able to ship wine legally to any adult in the United States, making good on our country’s promise of freedom of choice for all.
Last spring, Cakebread Cellars launched a new initiative that already has become a hit in cyberspace: monthly videos starring Cakebread Cellars Resident Chef Brian Streeter preparing delicious dishes paired with Cakebread Cellars wines. In the four to-five minute segments, shot in our Culinary Center, Brian demonstrates how to prepare a dish while Cakebread Cellars Winemaker Julianne Laks describes the wine she and Brian have selected to accompany it.
To date, five segments have been produced: Lamb Burgers with Gorgonzola paired with Rubáiyat; Olive-Oil Fried Egg with Grilled Asparagus and Prosciutto Chips paired with Sauvignon Blanc; Beggars’ Purses paired with Sauvignon Blanc (You have to watch to discover what Beggars’ Purses are!); Summer Bush Beans with Red Soffritto paired with Anderson Valley Pinot Noir; and Bruschetta with Gourmet Mushrooms and Bellwether Farms Sheep’s Milk Ricotta paired with Anderson Valley Chardonnay. The Recipe of the Month videos are available for viewing on:
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Our website at http://www.cakebread.com/recipes |
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On Facebook by clicking the “Video” tab at the top of the Cakebread Cellars page.
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On YouTube search for Cakebread Cellars Videos. |
