Bill in Congress could limit direct wine shipments

By SHANNON DININNY Associated Press Writer

LOWDEN, Wash. (AP) - Wineries nationwide are worried a bill before Congress could roll back gains they've made in shipping wine directly to consumers.

The bill would reinforce states' rights to regulate alcohol sales and make it harder to sue to overturn state alcohol laws.

Wholesale distributors proposed the bill, saying it will keep wine from minors, limit alcohol consumption and ensure states control sales.

But wineries and wine drinkers say it could prevent consumers from buying wine from wineries and having it shipped to their homes.

A grass-roots group supporting the wine industry set up a website to fight the bill. More than 12,000 people have gone to the site - freethegrapes.org - and sent letters to Congress opposing the bill.