New York to Allow Direct Shipping of Wine

New York to Allow Direct Shipping of Wine

A major victory for wine industry direct shipping advocates. New York Gov. George Pataki has included allowing direct shipping of wine to New York in his current budget proposal. New York is the second-largest wine consumption market in the country after California and the third-largest wine producing state after California and Washington.

Under Pataki's proposal, wineries shipping to the state must buy a $125 license, which allows them to send two cases a month to any single state resident who is at least 21 years old and will use it only for personal use. The shipper also must pay New York excise tax of 5 cents a liter and sales tax of up to 8.5 percent. If approved, New York would become the 27th state to allow direct shipping. Full Story