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The question is about the ability to sell the wines made by Michigan Wineries. I used to work at one of the larger wine producers in Michigan, (approx 15,000 cases per year) and a product line of 22 different wines. Our distributor in down state Michigan (75% of the state population) would only stock 4 of the 22 wine labels. What should the consumer do to get the other non stocked wines? How does this help anybody but the beer and wine wholesalers? The new law, as it is written will force wineries to BUY BACK their own wine from the wholesalers in order to provide tastings in their own tasting rooms! By the way, the quality of the wines (from Michigan anyway) have improved tremendously over the past several years. Look at the recent results of this years San Francisco international wine Competition. A Double Gold medal for a Michigan Winery. Different climates = different wines. Nothern Michigan produces world class Rieslings, Pinot gris, and other Alsatian Varietals. Expand your closed mind and taste other non-California wines. You could, if the Wholesalers in the USA would carry these wines, or if you could buy them directly form the winery itself.

It's real simple, pure greed by the distributors. The legislature is in bed with them. They are out to protect their three-tier system so they get a cut from every bottle.

I despise them - and our gutless politicians that fall for their excuses. This is a good example of where term limits have failed. I have no doubt that Jenny Grandstand who already oversees one of the worst state economies will sign the legislation because these companies will dump a lot more into her campaign than the wineries.

That rant over, the distributors do provide a valuable service to restaurants, grocery stores, bars, and so forth. But they don't sell to the consumer - and that's the rub.

The quality of wine produced in non-California states is improving all over the country. Texas wines have come a long way in the last 5 years. Texas wines are winning awards in blind tastings with California and French wines. Check out Flat Creek's Super Texan. McPherson's Sangiovese, Spicewood's Chardonnay, San Martino's Zinfindel, Becker's Viognier, Llano Estacado's Viviano for starters. Cheers!