Wine shipping became legal July 1, and the prospect of delivering bottles to Maryland homes has prompted at least 30 wineries to sign up for permits.
The number of interested wineries has nearly tripled since last week, when we reported that just 11 had filled out the necessary paperwork. Wine fans predict dozens more will begin shipping by the end of the year.
Comptroller Peter Franchot’s office said nearly two dozen of the wineries — many of them in-state — have been granted shipping permits. The rest are awaiting approval, which takes about 7-10 business days. (See jump for list of applicants as of Thursday.)
This morning, Franchot heads to Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County to promote Maryland’s new law. Until today, it was a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to have delivered at home. Franchot plans to be among the first to take advantage of wine shipping.
Wineries must submit an application, pay $200 per year to the state and post a $1,000 bond to ship to residences in Maryland.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/local/politics/2011/07/wine_shipping_legal_today_enti.html
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