Lawmaker proposes easing restrictions on Oklahoma wine shipments

By The Associated Press

Published: October 24, 2007

"I'm not really a wine guy, but I'm an agriculture guy," said Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon. With 11 vineyards and more than 30 wineries in the state, successful vineyards and wineries would have a positive effect on the state's economy and agriculture industry, Armes said.

"Some of them could probably prosper. The mom-and-pop deals have got to have a chance to grow," Armes said.

Wineries are a major source of tourism in states like California, where tourists sample flavors, stay overnight and work in vineyards.

Currently, Oklahoma law prohibits wineries from shipping wine either within the state or out of the state without going through a wholesaler.

State wines can still be marketed in Oklahoma at special events like state and county fairs. But last year, a federal judge invalidated a law allowing them to sell directly to liquor stores and restaurants.

The law was challenged by liquor wholesalers who said it discriminated against out-of-state wineries who were not allowed to sell directly to liquor stores or restaurants in Oklahoma.

Armes said his proposal would amend state law to allow wineries to ship up to 10,000 gallons of wine either in or out-of-state per year without going through a wholesale distributor.

"We're talking about a lot of wineries that are way under 10,000 gallons a year," Armes said. He said most of the state's wineries produce around 1,000 to 2,000 gallons each year.

"Our smaller wineries basically need help to get off the ground and need an avenue to get their products to the consumers," he said. "We've got to get them where they can move."

The president of the Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma said he is not opposed to the idea.

"That's a legitimate way for some people to pick up those wines," said J.P. Richard, owner of Cache Road Discount Liquor & Wine in Lawton.

"People want to support the wine industry in this state," Richard said. "Most consumers are not going to pay the additional freight. But some of them have to."

Richard said the amount of wine shipped to Oklahomans' homes would be insignificant compared to the volume that goes through the wholesale distribution system.

Armes is leading a legislative study on the state's winemaking industry to expose lawmakers to issues producers face in getting their products into the marketplace.

Members of the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association have said restrictions on shipping are the biggest issue preventing the state's wine industry back becoming a viable producer and supplier of quality wines.

The state has the perfect combination of soil and climate to cultivate the superior vineyards that a good wine requires," Armes said. "Unfortunately, these wineries can't get their products to the marketplace and develop their brand, so it doesn't matter how good the product is because nobody has access to it."

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