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Wine Online: United States
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Wine clubs have been sprouting up in recent years as a result of an increased interest in wine and greater wine consumption. In fact, according to figures from the Wine Institute, sales of wine in the United States went up four percent in 2004. Exports of wine by other countries to the U.S. remain steady since foreign wineries have found the United States to be a lucrative place to do business. For wine lovers and would-be wine drinkers, joining a wine club would bring numerous benefits.
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Until a few years ago, selling wine online was almost impossible. Before the Supreme Court relaxed rules in 2005, there was a strict three tier distribution system in place that prohibited consumers from purchasing wine directly from out-of-state wineries or retailers. Instead, wineries could sell only to state-licensed wholesalers, who could sell only to state-licensed retail stores.
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Consumption of wine in the United States is growing as the baby-boomer generation grows older and Colorado is outpacing the nation on wine consumption, Thilmany said. In 2004, Coloradans consumed an average of 3.66 gallons of wine per capita, almost 20 percent more than the national average of 3.06 gallons per capita. As of March 2005, there were 66 wineries operating in Colorado, the majority in Mesa County.
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Today, approximately 34 states allow consumers to order direct from out-of-state wineries, which opens up the door to ordering online. However, that does not mean its easy. Keeping current and in compliance with regulations in all 50 states, paying permit fees, submitting multiple reports to government agencies, and keeping track of sales taxes creates a logistical nightmare for wineries and online retailers. In addition, some states have imposed capacity caps, which limit the amount of wine that can be shipped to each household. Not to mention coordinating with shippers to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.
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The entire California wine industry should be celebrated, they say, and the state Legislature shouldn't venture down the path of endorsing one product over another. The San Francisco-based Wine Institute, the self-described "voice for California wine," is taking a more cautious approach to Migden's legislation.
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