Comments on: Better know a wine law: Maryland!

By: David Davidson

David Davidson — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:21:43 +0000

Being retired, my wife and I decided to travel, by car, accross the country visiting family. At every stop we were able to purchase fine wine and carried some to the next stop. Upon reaching CA, and finding their great wines, we purchased several cases to have them shipped back home. However, knowing Maryland’s backward, stupid laws, I shipped them to a friend in the surrounding area. When I told the wineries why I had to do this, they laughed and were thankful they did not live here.

By: caligirl

caligirl — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:24:47 +0000

I forgot to ask…so, since you can’t order online are there any stores that are highly recommended to purchase Rombauer, Frank Family Vineywards, and other fine wines? I guess my concern isn’t so much being able to purchase online as it is finding wines above the caliber that would be served in the Marriot, Applebees, and Olive Garden. Thanks. Too bad about the ordering though…Turely wines are only sold online so there are alot of MD residents missing out on some very nice wines.

By: caligirl

caligirl — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:19:06 +0000

How sad…I am considering a move from Southern California to Rockville. I was horrified when I learned that you cannot have wine shipped to your door. SoCal has fine wine available (boutique wines) at our local grocery stores.

Regardless of the politics this law just makes Maryland seem, well, backwards. I almost fell out of the chair to learn that in racically conserative Virgina …of course, you can order on line in there. Perfect.

By: Maryland wine shipping rides a wave of support–and pessimism | Dr Vino's wine blog

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:07:49 +0000

[...] rare moment in the legislative sun for the subject of wine direct shipping in the Maryland, where, as we discussed, is a felony to ship wine. Consumers and wine industry experts gave testimony before a committee. Tom Wark, executive [...]

By: Tom M

Tom M — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:45:14 +0000

Great comments!

Adam Borden did a terrific job getting the grassroots growing. If the bill ever passes, every winery in CA ought to send him a bottle. This guy has been amazing; he’s been everywhere. They all know him in Annapolis now. It’s been a pleasure to work with him the past year.

Bob Parker- He deserves praise for stepping up to the plate. He did not testify, but he did send a letter to the Governor supporting the cause and probably did more behind the scenes. He knows what goes on in MD. Maybe next year he’ll testify. He’s got good reasons to stay away from this.

Senator Joan Carter Conway- (D), she has been called out on this everywhere. This is not totally a RED/BLUE issue. A majority of both parties sponsor it. It is true that the BLUE team leadership are a large part of the reason it fails. However, the “REDS” are just as complicit. In the House it is the Republicans- Warren Miller, Stiffler, Impallaria, James King, who earn equal credit for sinking this in the subcommittee which prevents it from moving to a full house vote. The irony for me is that the DEMS have stepped up for what is IMO, more of a libertarian issue.

We need people to write, act and organize. I am suggesting a boycott of those MD Districts, such as Conway’s and Warren Miller for buying wine. Let those business know that consumers can vote with money too. “Don’t buy in District 9″. (9A – a slice of Howard County) Plenty of other places to buy wine, including DC/VA/PA/DEL.

Blog links to the Washington Post, and Baltimore Sun Op-Eds below
http://maryland-politics.blogspot.com/2010/03/marylands-twenty-first-century.html

Many thanks to all those who showed up in Annapolis to let them hear directly the issues.

Please find me on Facebook and other places, if you are ready to step up to this challenge. tmcquighan at gmail.com

By: Dr. Vino

Dr. Vino — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:17:48 +0000

All,

Even after Friday’s hearing, the Baltimore Sun is pessimistic on the chances of wine law reform this year; also, Borden has resigned http://bit.ly/byH081
Let Del. Dereck E. Davis, head of the House Economic Matters Committee, know your feelings!

Tom,

We previously discussed Parker’s critic exemption here: http://bit.ly/aauI98

By: tom merle

tom merle — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:56:07 +0000

It’s just so wonderfully ironic that the state that Robert Parker calls home is so protectionist. But as I understand it the legislature did pass some sort of law years ago that allows Mr. Parker to get his samples, so no need for him to insert himself in the debate on behalf of the sort of people who keep him rich and happy.

By: Walt

Walt — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:37:28 +0000

Dems and the media complain vociferously when the lone voices of Bunning (R) and Shelby (R) block US Senate actions for “misguided principles.” Where is this outrage when Conway (D) does the same for campaign contributions.

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 07:30:49 +0000

Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws is really trying to bring attention to this issue. I can’t wait for the day when I can have wine shipped to my house! It’s a shame Maryland is missing out on the potential revenue from wine shipping licenses and taxes from this great source. When they change this law, I’m ordering a case of something REALLY expensive!

By: The Daily Grapevine – Wine News | WineFoot.com

The Daily Grapevine – Wine News | WineFoot.com — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:15:21 +0000

[...] Better know a wine law: Maryland! (Dr. Vino, by Tyler Coleman) [...]

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:57:32 +0000

Thanks for inserting the link – I didn’t want to step on any toes.

Trying to be optimistic, gonnna open an Xtant tonight hoping someday I can have more shipped to my house.

By: Josh

Josh — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:38:20 +0000

Come on MD. Give us a slight hope that not all politicians are corrupty corrupter-sons!

By: Chuck Antonio

Chuck Antonio — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:26:27 +0000

We lived in MD for 7 years and fortunately were able to find very good wines stores in Annapolis close to our home near Solomon’s Island. However, we also have a cabin near Yosemite, which is close to wineries in Paso Robles, the Sierra Foothills and other central coast areas. We were not able to join wine clubs or have wine shipped from the wineries without using “alternative means,” such as shipping to friends in neighboring states or via our luggage. People will find a way but why should they? Hopefully Paul’s optimism, like mine, will be repaid, and not our pessimism.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:08:26 +0000

I am a resident of Maryland and covered Mrs. Conway’s blocking of the bill and the reasons for her position (having to do primarily with where she gets her campaign contributions and what her husband does for a living) on my blog here, if anyone cares to read it.

I will be shocked if this passes. I tend to be an optimist, but when it comes to the Maryland Legislature, money talks… and the only people really against this bill (the liquor distributors) happen to be big political contributors. The folks in Annapolis know this isn’t the kind of issue that gets them booted out of office, and they know they can publicly support the bill without ever needing to actually vote on it. So they’ll talk a good game, but no one will stand up to Conway to move the bill through.

The MBBWL are doing a heck of a job bringing attention to the issue, and I sure hope I’m wrong in my pessimism. It’s insane to think I can’t order a legal product and have it shipped to my house.

By: Christian G.E. Schiller

Christian G.E. Schiller — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:42:04 +0000

America really has an antiquated system of wine distribution.

http://www.schiller-wine.blogspot.com/2010/01/americas-antiquated-system-of-wine.html