The Virginia Wine Council has announced a fundraising campaign to continue their efforts in 2012. The details can be found in the VWC newsletter dated 11/22/2011. To read the newsletter Click here. Please consider making a donation to the VWC as they have proven vital to protecting the interests of the wine industry as our legislative watchdog in Richmond. Many thanks if you have already contributed.
The newsletter contains two time sensitive issues of note as follows:
Proposed Establishment of a Middleburg Viticultural Area
TTB has proposed to establish an approximately 198-square mile “Middleburg Virginia” viticultural area in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. TTB has opened a public comment period on this proposed addition to its regulations. TTB must receive written comments submitted online or to the address below, on or before January 9, 2012:
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
Attn: Director, Regulations and Rulings Division
P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044-4412
VWDC Update
It has been a great year to date in wine sales through the Virginia Winery Distribution Company (VWDC). Total dollars in sales have grown from $167,000 in March of this year to more than $256,000 in October. In March, total cases sold were 1,347, and in October that number was 4,909.
With growing sales comes growing attention from Virginia’s regulatory bodies; VWDC is asking all licensees to provide a copy of your TTB amendment, a photo of your licensed space, and updated agent list before December 15th. Please note that depending on the date of your initial licensing, you may also be asked to provide additional records to complete your winery’s file at the VWDC office. These files are kept for your benefit as an on-site reference in the event of an ABC audit. For questions please contact Ben Rowe or call 804.648.6299 ext. 5834.