Updated May 2021

Dear Louisiana Wine Lovers:

House Bill 393 passed the House and was scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary B Committee on May 25, 2021. Unfortunately, there was not enough committee support for the bill and so it was pulled from consideration.

While this is certainly disappointing, we are hopeful a similar bill will be introduced again soon. 

As background, Louisiana state law bans winery-to-consumer shipments of wines that are available in any retailer or restaurant in the state. If you live in Baton Rouge and the only retailer in Louisiana carrying your favorite winery’s Chardonnay is in New Orleans, you must drive to New Orleans to purchase that wine – the winery cannot ship it to you. 

Of the 47 states that allow winery-to-consumer shipments (as of summer 2022) only Indiana, Wyoming and Louisiana ban a winery from selling to consumers any wines that are sold by an in-state wholesaler. House Bill 393, sponsored by Representative Joseph Orgeron, would have made more wines available to you, not limit your purchases to a few retail outlets, and would expand your ability to receive periodic wine club shipments.

We believe that you should have the freedom to determine which wines you can enjoy and how you purchase them. For more background you can read our press release here on HB 393.

Together with you, we hope to expand wine availability in the Pelican State.

Thanks to all of you who wrote your state legislators in support of winery direct shipping and consumer choice!

Free the Grapes!