Brief Description: Allowing limited marketing of bottled wine at farmers markets.

Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Schoesler, Hunt, Chandler, Sullivan, Rockefeller, Eickmeyer, Grant, Hudgins, Cody, Veloria, Anderson, Berkey, Campbell, Wallace, McDermott, McDonald and Ruderman.

Hearing Date: 2/6/03

Staff: Matt Cooper (786-7106).

Background:

Washington is the second largest wine producer in the nation. There are more than 250 licensed wineries and 28,000 acres of vineyards in the state.

Licensed domestic wineries may wholesale and retail their own wines. Retail sales may be conducted at a winery and at up to two off-site locations approved by the Liquor Control Board (Board).

Summary of Bill:

Licensed wineries may obtain an endorsement to sell bottled wines at qualified farmers markets. This endorsement would not allow wine tasting or on-premises consumption of wine at a farmers market. The annual cost of the endorsement is $75.

Before selling wine at a qualified farmers market, the winery must notify the Board monthly with the date, time, and locations of markets at which wine may be sold. The winery may not store wine at a farmers market beyond the market hours.

Wines sold at farmers markets must be made entirely from grapes grown in Washington appellations or from other products grown in Washington. Certain Washington appellations cross over into Oregon.

A farmers market must be qualified by the Board before any winery may sell bottled wine at the market. To apply for approval, a market must provide information about stall locations and the market manager. Before approval, the Board must notify local jurisdictions of the application.

To be approved by the Board, a farmers market must be conducted by Washington farmers selling their own produce or products. These standards are the same as the membership requirements for the Washington Farmers Market Association.

Rules Authority: The bill contains provisions addressing the rule-making powers of the Board.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.