North Dakota is poised to become the 25th state that allows direct shipping of wine to its residents. However, local wholesalers are opposing the change in regulations. While readers of Fermentations know I am a staunch proponent of direct sales and have on occasion laid into wholesalers for their false explanations why direct sales should not be allowed, I must admit I appreciate the wholesalers reaction to this particular bill. They are if nothing else honest. According to Rob Hanson…

Many of us have waited a very long time for the direct shipping issue to come before the Supreme Court. Up to the point in December when the arguments were heard, most of the debate was over the constitutional issues and the effect of baring wineries from shipping direct. Little discussion was given to what would be the outcome of a ruling that found discriminatory anti-shipping laws unconstitutional. The media, in its fashion, has really not investigated this question. Rather,…

She walked into the lion’s den today and came out looking pretty good. Copia in Napa, California played host today to a debate over the direct shipping issue. NPR’s "Justice Talking" show set up shop at Copia and hosted the debate between Kathleen Sullivan of the Stanford Law School and one of the attorneys who argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of the wineries, and Nida Samona, Chairperson of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. There were a number vintners…