‘Simplicity’
courtesy of ‘Rukasu1’

Maryland oenophiles rejoice! Now you don’t even have to leave your house or put on clothes to get your chardonnay or pinot noir. The Maryland legislatures passedHouse Bill 1175, which allows direct shipment of wine to consumers in Maryland. Maryland wine drinkers can now have up to 18 cases a year shipped directly to their doorsteps, starting July 1st. The measure was largely uncontroversial, having passed the State Senate 47-0 on Friday and the House 135-1 on March 25th.

The measure puts Maryland close on par with the District and Virginia, both of which allow direct shipments of all types of liquor, as well as about 3 dozen other states. Although, as Fedward discussed last week, DC is extremely open when it comes to importing such libations. Critics employed the “think of the children” defense, but faced stiff resistance from both consumer groups and vineyards.

Importers of alcohol for personal use are required to pay duty rates and taxes on their shipment. Duty rates vary based on the percentage of alcohol in each liter of the imported beverage. Duty on beer and wine is generally low. You can expect to pay $1 or $2 per liter to import beer and wine. Wine brokers serve as the intermediary between buyers and sellers handling the product sourcing from overseas. Most commonly, wine brokers work as independent sales agents in the wholesale tier. Wine brokers take samples to potential customers, let them taste the product, and submit orders to the seller.

A wine distribution company does not need a lot of startup capital and will provide you with a high-profit margin for your investment. This is why many people consider starting this type of business. However, if you which to be successful with your wine distribution company, you need to know the steps you should take to correctly start it up.

Addison Huber

Addison is a fourth generation Washingtonian, actually born and raised within city limits of DC. He currently resides in Arlington and works in DC as a government lackey. Addison can be reached at addison (at) welovedc.com