DIRECT SHIPPING NOW A REALITY IN NJ
LEGISLATION MAKING NJ THE 39th STATE TO PERMIT DIRECT SHIPPING TAKES EFFECT TODAY
New Jersey wine consumers, the long wait is finally over! Today, you now have the same ability as millions of Americans in 38 other states to have wine shipped directly from wineries to your residences.
“We are pleased to finally put to an end the nearly decade-long debate over direct shipment of wine,” Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa said. “New Jersey residents will now have another convenient way to purchase the excellent wines offered by our many fine Garden State wineries, as well as wineries throughout the country.”
As you know, on January 17, 2012, Governor Chris Christie signed S-3172, legislation which permits direct shipping of wine to NJ residents from small wineries only, defined as those wineries that produce 250,000 gallons or less of wine per year. This historic legislation enables the state’s wine industry to expand and continue to produce award-winning wines, further enhancing New Jersey’s national image as a major wine growing state. The direct shipping legislation also provides NJ wine consumers access to many more wines from NJ and around the nation, which are not available on the shelves of NJ wine retailers. And, the legislation stimulates agri-tourism, preserves farmland, and creates jobs. As provided in the legislation, S-3172 takes effect on the first day of the fourth month after enactment, which is today, Tuesday, May 1st.
“This is truly an historic day that was a long time coming. We can now begin a period that will allow our wineries to reach a broader audience and expose our award-winning wines to consumers throughout the state and country,” said Ollie Tomasello, Chairman of the Garden State Wine Growers Association and owner of Plagido’s Winery in Hammonton.
So when can you actually have wine shipped to your residence?
- Beginning today, any New Jersey winery can ship up to 12 cases per year to any state resident 21 years of age or older.
- Any New Jersey winery, if it chooses to do so, may apply for a direct shipping license in any of the 38 other direct shipping permissible states. License permitting, NJ wineries may also directly ship up to 12 cases per year to an out-of-state resident 21 years of age or older.
- Applications and instructions are now available with the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the Division of Taxation for an out-of-state small winery to directly ship up to 12 cases per year to a NJ resident 21 years of age or older.
Today is a major turning point for NJ’s wineries and consumers, which could never have been accomplished without the efforts of thousands of UnCorkNJ supporters, who let their elected representatives know daily of their commitment to passing the legislation. This was a truly grassroots campaign by NJ wine consumers. UnCorkNJ thanks all of its supporters for their efforts.
Don’t hesitate to email us at uncorknj@gmail.com with any questions or comments you have about direct shipping.
UnCorkNJ will continue to be New Jersey’s source for everything wine. Enjoy!
