As promised, I have some thoughts on the self-distribution legislation proposed by Delegate Chris Saxman and Senator John Walkins. This article by Bethany Fuller in The News and Advance seems to be the most comprehensive.

The gist of the bill, as described (NOTE: I have not seen the text of the bill yet) is that ANY winery that distributes less than 3,000 cases annually in the state of Virginia will be allowed to operate without a distributor. Wineries that produce less than 3,000 cases can still use a distributor if they choose, and most out of state wineries probably will.

The average Virginia winery produces 2,500 cases a year.

This is similar to a bill that was tabled last year, but it seems to have more support this time around. What makes this different than Virginia's old system is that it applies equally to all wineries, thus avoiding the Constitutional problems that plagued the old bill.

I am trying to get my hands on the full text of the legislation, I will post it as soon as it is available.

In the meantime, if you live in Virginia, contact your state representatives and tell them you support this bill!