Iowa Public Television


Lawmakers Considering Alcohol Tasting at Farmers Markets

posted on March 11, 2011

(Washington D.C., Associated Press) Washington lawmakers are considering a bill to allow beer and wine tasting at farmers markets.

The state is one of several where small wineries, craft brewers and distillers have been chipping away at laws restricting sampling and sales as they grab more of the market. Several states now allow limited wine tastings at grocery stores, and a few, such as Iowa and Virginia, permit them at farmers markets. Michigan also is considering a bill this year to allow tastings at farmers markets.

Opponents worry allowing tastings at such public places will foster drinking and make it easier for minors to get alcohol.

But farmers such as Wade Bennett say wine sales provide an important source of income, and it's hard to get people to buy if they can't taste first.

Tags: agriculture beer markets news wine