3/06/2006

New Oklahoma Wine Shipping Legislation Debate

OGGWMA Press Release
March 5th, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact: Gary Butler (info@oklahomawines.org)
918-256-3000

Free the GrapesOklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association (OGGWMA) make headway with legislative efforts to FREE THE GRAPES!

HJR 1055 and HB 2918 authored by Rep. Danny Morgan will allow consumers to order wines and have them shipped by both in-state and out-of-state wineries. Gary Butler, President of OGGWMA said:
This legislation when passed would be a model for other states. We are resisting efforts from liquor wholesalers to modify these bills with un-necessary bureaucracy and red tape. This issue is a consumer issue, as well as a winery one.

Consumers want to have choices in the wines they purchase and the current three-tier system in Oklahoma limits the wine selection in retail stores to wineries who produce large volumes of wine. Most small farm based wineries do not produce at a volume that attracts the wholesalers so consumers have access to less than 17% of the wines produced by America’s 3500 wineries. -- Gary Butler, President Oklahoma Grape Growers & Wine Makers Association info@oklahomawines.org


The Oklahoma grape and wine industry has grown from three wineries in 2000 to more than 35 today and is the fastest growing agricultural industry in the state with hundreds of vineyards planted and more on the way.

Now is the time for wine consumers of Oklahoma to rise up and join us to FREE THE GRAPES by contacting their legislators using http://www.freethegrapes.com/, and keeping informed of the latest developments by visiting oklahomawines.org -- Gary Butler, President Oklahoma Grape Growers & Wine Makers Association info@oklahomawines.org

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