Oklahoma Winery Distribution Bill Goes to Senate

State Bill to Allow Oklahoma Wineries to Distribute Their Own Products

04-15-2008 - A bill aimed at helping small Oklahoma wineries distribute their products won approval Monday from the Oklahoma State House.

The measure calls for Oklahoma voters to decide whether small wineries in the state should be given back the right to distribute their own products to liquor stores and restaurants.

Oklahoma wineries were given that right following a statewide vote in 2000, but a federal judge ruled in 2006 that the law discriminated against out-of-state wineries.

If approved in a statewide referendum, the new measure would allow any winery to distribute up to 10,000 gallons of wine without going through a liquor wholesaler.

The measure now goes to the Oklahoma Senate for a debate and a vote.