Bill HR 5034 should be something every wine drinker in the USA knows about already.  But, for us wine 101ers, I’m here to help.  

Simply put, bill HR 5034 will limit direct wine shipping to the consumer from wineries.  The complications are not so simple.  Small wineries rely on dealing directly with consumers so loss of jobs (Do we really need any more of this?) will occur when small wineries are forced out. 

Sound familiar?  If you’re a regular reader of this blog you know that I have been meticulously preparing you for just this thing…via the Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws (MBBWL) press releases that we run.  (Reading over theirs will explain the whys – who is behind this kind of legislature – and the what fors – who is making money on this.)

We currently have 37 states with direct wine shipping, and were hopeful to have Maryland as our 38th.  Now we’re looking at climbing into their boat instead of getting them out.  I have a sinking feeling about this!

So here’s what to do.  For more info I like the ease of the Facebook page.  And, when you’re ready just to click on a letter to send to your congressman the Free the Grapes site has it all.  

I just sent mine and I just got an e-mail confirmation of its receipt to:

Your fax message was sent to:

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Representative Howard P. McKeon (R-CA 25th)