Lake Anna Winery and most of the other 100+ wineries in the state face a crisis. We need you to call the General Assembly and register your support for Self-Distribution HB 1288. The phone number is: 800-889-0229.A Federal Judge has ruled that the ability of Virginia Farm Wineries to sell directly to retail outlets (stores and restaurants) is unconstitutional and has ordered that stop. This represents at least 20% of our current sales and is what makes our wines available to stores near you. We can only continue to self-distribute if the General Assembly passes a law opening the state to small, out of state wineries. The Wholesale Lobby is trying to keep us from retaining this right by insisting that we use Virginia wholesalers (distributors) or set up a "phantom" distributorship of our own with its licensing, taxes, insurance, administrative overhead, etc. HB 1288, introduced by the Virginia Wineries Association, will enable us to retain our right to self-distribute by also allowing small out of state wineries to direct-distribute into the Virginia market should they wish. In addition, they can also apply to be sold in Virginia ABC stores, which will enable ABC stores to continue be an outlet for Virginia wine. This will increase the availabity of boutique wines to our consumers as well as ensure our wines remain available in all areas of the state. Please support us by making this call. We need to get a grass roots response to overcome the financial lobbying contributions provided by the wholesalers to influence our legislators.Thank you for your action on our behalf.


Read the bill here.