Pennsylvania Winery and Hospitality Lawyer » Wine News of Interest

Lawmakers and Winemakers Look To Legalize Virtual Wineries

Judy Young — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:52:01 +0000

Significant changes may be coming to the wine industry beginning with Washington State. Winemakers are looking to legalize virtual wineries which currently have no defined place within the state’s liquor legislation landscape. Like Pennsylvania, Washington State is one of 18 states to retain monopoly on liquor sales. To read more on the Washington’s potential new winery license read here: Will Washington Legalize Virtual Wineries?

Does Your Pennsylvania Winery, Restaurant, Or Hospitality Business Embrace The Millennials?

Judy Young — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:20:59 +0000

Is your winery, restaurant, or hospitality business attracting the new generation of young millennial’s? If so, you’ll not want to miss marketing to this group on their own terms. Just ask them. If you don’t get on this train, it will surely leave the station without you.

Check out this new virtual sommelier aka Enomatic Wine Dispensing System. This high tech sommelier gone wild can be found at the CLO Wine Bar in New York, New York. CLO Bar has the right mix of edge and attitude to attract today’s generation of young drinkers. Its a visionary concept that may appeal to the future urban winery or trendy hot spot for the next budding restauranteur.

So just for today, I have momentarily veered away from a more serious post and have included a link for your viewing pleasure. Just between you and I…this spot has been added to my list of favorite places to visit. Perhaps I’ll see you there!

Will Pennsylvania Wine Consumers Swipe and Blow?

Judy Young — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 21:59:11 +0000

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has recently introduced it’s new vending machines aka “wine kiosks” to the Commonwealth. Customers must swipe their ID, blow into a breathalyzer, and look into a security camera to buy their wine. A State employee then verifies that you are who you say you are and that you are also sober. If you pass the swipe and blow test you are approved to buy wine.

Based on the success of a recent trial run of two test kiosks, the PLCB has just announced it will be adding over 100 kiosks in grocery stores all over the Commonwealth.

A big question still outstanding is whether Pennsylvania produced wines will make it into the wine kiosks for consumer purchase. After all, if its good for Pennsylvanians to “eat local”, then why not “drink local”?

What say you?

This Is How We Get Our Wine Toast On In Pennsylvania!

Judy Young — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:15:58 +0000

If you’re the life of the party and the great “toaster”, you may be interested in joining Pennsylvania Wine Association’s toast competition. If you can write a toast of a 100 words or less, this is a party you surely will not want to miss.

Sixty-two wineries state wide are participating in the Great Pennsylvania Wine Toast. Pennsylvanian’s are setting out to achieve a Guinness World Record for the largest number of people raising a toast on August 14 at various wineries simultaneously. Do get your pen, paper and wine out and join The Great Pennsylvania Wine Toast celebration.

For more information on the competition and how to apply read here: Pennsylvania Wine Association

Pennsylvania Wineries: The Battle For Direct To Consumer Wine Shipping Continues

Judy Young — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:13:26 +0000

Proponents of Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s push for winery direct shipping laws will find this interesting. The lines in the sand are being drawn and the wine wars continue!

H.R. 5034 negatively affecting direct shipping of wine to consumers is gaining steam in Congress. An investigation by Wine Spectator reveals the campaign contributions from wholesalers fueling this battle. For more information read Wine Spectator’s: Support for Direct Shipping Restrictions Builds in Congress.

New Jersey Implements New Tasting Law Effective May 1, 2010

Judy Young — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:52:06 +0000

The State of New Jersey’s Division of Alcohol Bureau Control has recently announced new legislation to take effect on May 1, 2010 that in effect changes its existing law related to wine tastings. The new legislation modifies existing law regarding size, sampling, events and media advertising related to tastings. To learn more on this new statutory ruling read here: NJ Special Ruling Regarding 2010 Statutory Change To Tasting Law.

Does Liberalizing Wine Distribution Laws Yield A Better Outcome?

Judy Young — Wed, 05 May 2010 22:47:54 +0000

While many state activists and legislators are engaged in long-standing legislative dog fights to privatize wine distribution, I found this article to pose an interesting question as to whether or not privatization of the liquor industry will necessarily yield better outcomes. For a different perspective, read after the jump Tyler Colman’s: Will the Recession Liberalize Wine Laws?

The Wine Wars Continue

Judy Young — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:41:55 +0000

Local wineries are fighting back against the proposed federal legislation , H.R. 5034. This legislation is being backed by the National Beer Association. The legislation as proposed gives individual states the power to regulate alcohol sales and distribution. For a good read on this pending legislation, read Chris Rauber’s Wine Wars.

Do You Know About HR 5034?

Judy Young — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:54:53 +0000

Do you know about HR 5034? Learn more on how to “Free The Grapes”.

Are Pennsylvania Lawmakers Ready To Privatize Its Sale of Wine and Spirits?

Judy Young — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:58:30 +0000

Pennsylvania lawmaker Mike Turzai, R-Allegheny, introduced legislation designed to create privitization of the wholesale and retail operations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Turzai said “Government should not be in the business of selling alcohol”. He believes Pennsylvania’s current system results in higher prices and less selection for consumers. For more information read: Turzai Introduces Legislation to Privatize Sale of Wine and Spirits.