Fiore Winery, covering 14 acres in Harford County, has hosted visitors from across the country.
“If you saw my guestbook, you?d be asking how all these people found us,” said Rose Fiore, who has operated the winery with her husband for 21 years. “We?ve had people visit from all over.”
The problem is, when the winery welcomes out-of-state guests, it?s the only chance the visitors have to purchase any of Fiore?s flavors. Current Maryland law prohibits wineries from delivering wine directly to individuals. Currently, Marylanders can only purchase wine from wholesalers.
A bill pending in the General Assembly would authorize the direct sale of wine from a winery to Maryland residents and residents of other states with compatible laws. Testimony on the bill was scheduled to be held in Annapolis on Friday.
“It would definitely be good for business,” Fiore said. “We get calls from all over the country.”
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.
Marylanders would also 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.”
Staff writer Len Lazarick contributed to this article.
