One of the issues brewing as the Maryland State Legislature prepares to return to session after the holidays is a bill that would permit wineries to ship wine directly to consumers. Maryland is one of a few states that doesn't permit direct shipping. As a result Marylanders have to go to a retailer who has bought the wine from a wholesaler to pick up their favorite blend of grapes.
While I have given up drinking long ago, I do support the right of each individual who chooses to buy directly from the vine yard. The appropriate taxes could still be assessed. While some of the markup would be reduced because "grapes" would not have to move through extra sets of hands.
The Maryland Legislature should free the grapes to be consumed directly by persons who seek to buy directly from the winery.
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