Wine in farmers markets

Wines & Vines, June, 2003

* Washington State wines can be sold in local farmers markets, following the signing of a bill last month by Governor Gary Locke. The law, which bans wine tasting at the markets, will take effect July 27. Certain restrictions were put in place to prevent wine-only markets from being established, and the markets must obtain a permit from the state Liquor Control Board.

The law limits farmers market wines to those produced by licensed wineries in the state and made entirely from Washington-grown grapes or other agricultural products. Individual farmers market associations will be given latitude to set limits on the amounts to be sold. The bill was approved in the Washington House by a vote of 95-to-0 and in the Senate by a 45-to-1 vote.