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TxBrew · 02-28-2012, 06:55 PM

For those who have opened or plan to open a winery, before you did anything did you obtain the permits or did you lease/buy the space and then go down that path?

grapeman · 02-28-2012, 10:31 PM

This depends on the location and circumstances, every state and locale is slightly different. The common thing is the TTB Basic Permit. You will need that no questions asked. Download their packet and try to fill it out one of the first things. However, be sure the locality will permit a winery first. It does no good to get the TTB permit if you're in a dry town- and it happens a lot. If you don't own the land yet and a winery isn't allowed, change locations to one where it is allowed. Then once you have a local OK, go the TTB route. Once that is in you can apply to your state. Some states are easy and some are harder.

There are different classes of wineries and you would probably do well to begin with a Farm Winery classification. Bonding requirements are lower, as are permit fees. There is a limit of under 150,000 gallons per year. Chances are you will be under that. The downside is you may be limited as to the source of your grapes or juice. For instance in NY, we can only use grapes grown in NY. I can buy grapes from 500 miles away near Buffalo, but can't use grapes grown 30 miles away in Vermont.

Wade E · 02-28-2012, 11:14 PM

Thats very interesting about the grapes Rich. I know there is a local winery here in Ct. that git busted as theye are allowed to use a certain % of grapes from somewhere else and they got nailed using way over that in Caliu grapes! The funny thing is their wi ne still sukked!

wvbrewer · 03-07-2012, 03:35 PM

I would guess that is a law they passed to help support the local economy. Which is not really too bad a thing.

**Midwest Vintner** · 03-07-2012, 03:39 PM

Grapeman is right. Don't forget zoning. That can be an issue. With our bonded winery, we can get fruit from anywhere, but we pay more for the license as indicated.

ldmack3 · 09-14-2012, 09:20 PM

In Texas you can use wine from anywhere unless you are in a dry area. Then you must a certain %, I think 85% of grapes grown in Texas
Hummm. Texas grapes?
Is that like Lone Star Beer?

**hvac36** · 01-27-2013, 01:09 PM

Going to bring this thread back to life.
Grapeman you said something about a Dry Town, well I live in a Dry town and under Prohidition Law you can open a Winery. The Law does not apply, as here is PA I can open a winery with no issue as it only applies to Malts and Grains not to Fermenting. Yes I have checked with PLCB and my township have the green light to go ahead with plans down the road. So before you give up on an area based on Dry Town check out the law in your area first..