Vintage Story

Epistemological epiphany:
Life must be lived forwards,
but can only be understood backwards
Mercifully, life may be enjoyed sideways!

VINEYARD JOY

            There is now reason to give August a holiday. At least in Indiana. On August 31, 2007, U.S. District Judge John D. Tinder ruled that several articles in Indiana wine law were unconstitutional, that is in violation of the Commerce Clause, and ruled that enforcement of those articles cease immediately. The Chairman of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) has since appealed--a regrettable decision to expend tax dollars to prop up the state-sanctioned monopoly in Indiana euphemistically called the "three-tier system".  But, for the time-being, Judge Tinder's decision stands.  And for the time being, Hoosier consumers may purchase wine on the Internet, a privilege that is now enjoyed by 85% of Americans.   

            For us consumers, the most significant issues resolved by Judge Tinder include removal of the face-to-face contact to arrange direct shipping from winery to residence or office. The other allows out-of-state wineries to ship directly to Indiana residents if they first obtain a “Sellers’ Permit” from Indiana for a nominal fee.

            Regardless of the appeal, it is a certainty that wholesalers will attempt to author legislation to restore some of their economic protectionist conditions so advantageous to them, and detrimental to consumers.  Thus, VinSense and other wine advocacy groups must act to prevent this and to assure the Court’s rulings remain in place.  We must act promptly.   

            VinSense has already drafted legislation and identified potential sponsors in both political parties in the Indiana General Assembly. The draft is under review by a number of interested parties, and we plan to submit the final draft to the Legislature by the end of October. As part of the preparatory process, VinSense will schedule several meetings in various parts of the state so that members, prospective members, interested parties, and media representatives will be able to attend.  VinSense will do its best to keep consumers informed of our progress.

            To assure that revisions to the current – now invalid – wine law conform to Judge Tinder’s decisions and to the interests of wine consumers, it is essential that all legislators be apprised of consumer interests in the issue of wine purchasing and shipping and that consumers write and call their legislators about this issue.

            Subscribers to Sheer Lunacy are automatically members of VinSense, but we urge all of you to enlist more members (read: voters). Membership is free. The easiest way to join is via the VinSense web site – www.vinsense.org -- where you can also read about opportunities to donate to VinSense to help cover costs of lobbying, maintaining the web site, and furthering the cause. We would like 10,000 voter-members by the end of 2007.      

    Vintage Story is an e-newsletter authored by Ole Olson and published by the Story Inn, and is available free of charge to all who appreciate good wine. Vintage Story is published at each full moon. The author and the Story Inn specifically authorize the republication, reprinting and circulation of any issue Vintage Story so long as due credit is given to the author and to the Story Inn (which holds the copyright).

If any newspaper or website desires to make use of any issue of Vintage Story, we do request that you notify us. Thanks, and here's to your health!