Vineyard Diary

March Hare: Have some wine.
Alice: I don't see any wine.
March Hare: There isn't any.
Alice: Then it wasn't very civil of you to offer it.

After having to turn down yet another customer asking to have wine shipped in to a prohibited state, I'm wondering, is there is anything out there more bizarre and unnecessary than the world of wine shipping regulations? To me it's a mix of surreal nonsense that restricts wineries and frustrates consumers. And to make matters worse, it's in a constant state of flux.

Since the end of Prohibition, each state has developed its own system to regulate alcohol. The evolution of each system is quite unique, having been influenced by local politics and business interests, resulting in a diverse crop of laws governing direct to consumer shipments. Some states are very open (and cheers to them!), others require that wineries obtain (often for a fee) a permit, others restrict volume, while a few consider the shipment of wine a felony.

Take shipping to DC for instance: I can ship one quart, that's about a bottle and a half, of wine to a customer each month. In Alabama, consumers must obtain written approval from the Alabama Beverage Control Board and have the shipment consigned, with freight charges prepaid, directly to an ABC store. Ohio does not limit volume, but requires that customers file an Ohio Excise and Use Tax Filing along with the required payment of tax for every shipment. Pennsylvania is a no go zone. Montana is just flat out confusing. I could go on...

This disjointed string of odd laws angers consumers, restricts the growth of small wineries, bogs down the administration of large wineries, and takes its toll on the carriers.

If like me you've had enough of the nonsense, you can contact your state legislature through Free The Grapes.

And let me know--what is the strangest and most frustrating experience you've had shipping wine to your state?

Dad deserves to be pampered on Father's Day, so this year, show your appreciation for everything he does with a special bottle of his favorite red wine!

To celebrate Dad's special day, we're offering a 10% discount on wine purchased through our website. So jump online, pick out his favorite wines and enter coupon code BESTDAD at checkout to receive your discount. Order now to receive your wines by Father's Day.

And which wine would Dad prefer?

• If he's into bold spicy flavors and loves BBQ, ribs, burgers and chilli, go for our 2003 Zinfandel.


• If he loves Italian dishes, decant a bottle of our flavorful 2003 Merlot.


• If he has refined tastes, and likes to explore new varietals, a bottle of our Best of Class 2004 Petit Verdot is an absolute must.

And if you're on a budget, be sure to take advantage of our 2007 Specials:

6 Bottles for $60

Our half price special this year is the perfect summer BBQ wine. Pick up six bottles (a half-case) of our 2002 Merlot for just $60 - that's a 50% discount from the usual retail price!

Notes:
Well balanced, with aromas of black cherry and raspberry. Bold flavors of black cherries and strawberries with undertones of chocolate, vanilla and a hint of eucalyptus in the finish.

Awards:
Bronze Medal - LA County Fair Wines of the World Competition, 2006
Bronze Medal - Central Coast Wine Competition, 2006
Bronze Medal - Lone Star International Wine Competition, 2005
Bronze Medal - Indy International Wine Competition, 2005

Escafeld Trilogy

This pack contains our Double Gold Medal and Best of Class winning 2004 Petit Verdot; our robust, chocolatey 2003 Zinfandel; along with our sumptuous and food friendly 2003 Merlot.

These three bottles come to you at just $44.85, that's a 25% discount!

So here's to dads everywhere! And to my dad--you're the best!

Elsbeth

Monterey County voters had their say yesterday, voting no on Measure A, which was also known as the Community General Plan Initiative, a "slow growth" plan developed by LandWatch Monterey County.

If passed, Measure A could have restricted agricultural businesses and development, it could also block construction of facilities for wine growers, restricting winery development by requiring an expensive countywide election when a farmer or rancher needs to make a change to his or her property.