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American Vintners Association
1200 G Street, NW, Suite 360 ^t Washington, DC 20005 USA ^t Phone: (800) 879-4637 ^t Fax: (202) 347-6341

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2002
Contact: Terri A. Lankford
800/879-4637, ext. 124

Wineries and Consumers Gain New Federal Direct Shipment Rights

“President Bush is to be commended for signing into law on Saturday, November 2, legislation that will permit consumers visiting out-of-state wineries to have shipped back to their homes that quantity of wine they would otherwise be allowed to bring back on their person,” said Amercian Vintners Association (AVA) President David Sloane. “This is a major victory for wineries and consumers, and is a commonsense policy in light of the increased aviation security measures that have been implemented since last September,” said Sloane.

“With the enactment of this provision - included in the Justice Department Appropriations Authorization Act (H.R. 2215) - the Federal Government now joins 24 states in recognizing that the limited interstate shipment of wine to adult consumers expands consumer choice and helps small wineries build demand for their brands.” In order to have wine shipped, the consumer must be physically present at the winery, the winery must verify that the purchaser is of legal age, and the shipping container must clearly indicate that an adult signature is required upon delivery.

Recent airline restrictions, which limit carry-on baggage, have discouraged winery tourists. “By allowing wine purchased at wineries to be shipped home, instead of carried back on the airplane, this provision is a simple and direct remedy to some of the unintended consequences of enhanced FAA security restrictions,” Sloane concluded.

AVA is the national association of American wineries with 650 members in 48 states.

Attachments: Wine shipment provision
List of State Importation Allowances

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<<President Signs Press Release.doc>>
<<HR2215 wine.doc>>
<<States alpha.doc

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