Virginia Legislature OKs imports

[Rail Paul]

According to an article in the Washington Post, the Virginia legislature has OK'd two bills which would allow the direct import of up to two cases (24 bottles) of wine a month from out of state wineries, if Virginia wines may be shipped to those states. Wine enthusiasts are pleased by the votes, which passed both houses with substantial margins.

The bills, which differ slightly, will be reconciled before being sent to the Governor.

Post article

[sara]

Great news! Anyone else interested in writing to the gov on this one?

[vengroff]

Does anyone know how if this law has any provisions for giving restaurants better access to out of state sources?

At Maestro last week, the sommelier told me that because of Virginia state law, he has essentially no access to the world's secondary markets for wine. He can only get what the licensed in-state distributers offer. For example, there are some lovely 1990 Barolos for sale in major wine markets elsewhere in the country, but he can't get them shipped in.