Re: German Wines in Florida

Betreff: Re: German Wines in Florida

Datum: 2004-05-06 10:19:41
Absender:  BLVDDAD@aol.com

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In many states, even supermarkets and local pharmacies have licenses to sell
beer and wine, but in general what you say is true. However, there is a fight
going on in the courts right now on behalf of American wineries and others
who want to sell via the internet to secure their legal right to do so. The
experience of America with prohibition led to what some feel is very
anti-consumer legislation on the books of the several States, who contend that there is a
need to set up monopolies to control the distribution of alcoholic beverages
to prevent their abuse. These laws are now being challenged in the Federal
court system and will soon be before the Supreme Court of the United States.

In a message dated 5/6/2004 3:07:46 AM Eastern Standard Time,
boscastle@t-online.de writes:
Hello,

I've just seen your query. I don't think I can help you but, in brief, I am
an Englishman who has lived here in Germany for the past 21 years. I'm
currently finishing work on a website and plan to launch an export business
Wines from Germany selling local Württemberg wines around the end of the
month. (Württemberg is one of the 13 wine areas of Germany. Rheinhessen is
another. All wines are of a similar character, what is important is the
GRAPE and the classification grading, Kabinet, Spätlese and so on. We will
explain all this on our website).

At this stage what would interest me to know is your advice on this point.
Europeans, Australians etc. can buy their wine from internet sources but I
understand US residents can't as you are only allowed to buy wine from a
licenced wine or liquor store. I am told that applies to all states. I
find this astonishing and would be grateful if you would be kind enough to
let me know if this is true.

Thanks for your help. David Williams (from soon-to-be Wines from Germany!)