If you have not already contributed to the Virginia Wine Council then I urge you to do so now. We have a funding shortfall for this important service to our industry. The Council promotes our industry and builds relationships with policy makers on legislative and regulatory matters across the Commonwealth.
In 2013 they worked with the General Assembly Session, advocating legislation to promote the growth of the wine industry. This was spurred by discussion and inquiries about the ability of farm wineries to serve mulled wine and sangria to their customers. They put forward legislation to allow this to happen in containers other than the original container. The VWC has also worked with many stakeholders to promote legislation that clarifies the legislative process for contract wine-making. Both these pieces of legislation passed the legislature with an effective date of July 1, 2013. This is good news because it maintains that what is good for the wineries is good for the vineyards. We are very much attached at the hip on these matters.
Unfortunately legislation to address the issue of land use and localities’ ability to impose unreasonable, burdensome ordinances was defeated in committee. All is not yet lost as a group of stakeholders will convene to discuss this pressing issue and participate in conversations to provide recommendations for the 2014 General Assembly Session. The VWC is also turning its attention to the future, focusing on advocating for additional industry resources as well as educating and building strong relationships with candidates for statewide office to continue to promote and protect the Virginia wine industry.
Once again, if you have not already made a contribution then please do so by mail or by visiting www.
Tom Kelly