Using Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel as an appropriate setting, Gov. Matt Meyer today signed legislation, House Substitute 2 for House Bill 187 (as amended), which allows wine producers to ship their products directly to Delawareans.
Until today, Delaware was one of only two states in the nation that prohibited the practice.
Various proposals to legalize direct home wine shipping in Delaware have been introduced in the General Assembly for over 30 years, according to former State Rep. Deborah Hudson, a longtime proponent of the concept during her tenure in the legislature (1994 to 2018).
The new law, which takes effect in one year, contains provisions similar to those found in other jurisdictions. It requires licensing of participating wineries, caps the quantity of wine a homeowner can receive annually, and bars the resale of shipped products. It also requires the payment of all applicable retail taxes, dictates that shipments be made in prominently labeled boxes, and stipulates that those receiving such shipments must be at least 21 years old, provide proof of age, and sign for the delivery.
One limiting caveat of the law bars home delivery by any wine producer represented in Delaware by a licensed importer/wholesaler. These products will still need to be ordered through the state’s traditional three-tier system of producers, distributors, and retailers.
“This bill is the result of a years-long commitment to offering direct shipment to Delawareans, who have been more than patient while they waited for the legislature to come through for them,” said Rep. Mike Smith (R-Pike Creek Valley), the measure’s prime sponsor. “It’s the result of a collaborative effort between all stakeholders. And, at the end of the day, Delaware is finally ‘delivering’ – literally and figuratively – on a consumer-friendly initiative that will benefit many.”
The new law will expire, or “sunset,” in five years unless it is reauthorized. It also mandates a study on the impact on retail sales. That report is due June 1, 2028.
“Having the bill signing ceremony at Harvest Ridge Winery – located in my district – could not have been more fitting,” said the bill’s co-prime sponsor, House Minority Whip Jeffrey Spiegelman (Townsend, Smyrna, Clayton, Kenton). “Until today, Harvest Ridge, on the border between Maryland and Delaware, could ship to homes in Maryland but could not send their wine to someone living in nearby Wilmington, Newark, or Middletown. This is a good day for our wineries.”
