Most sellers and buyers are interested in cutting out the middle man and pocketing the savings.
So really, the only one to benefit from a bill that would put an end to direct shipping of wine to consumers is said middle man.
A bill was just sent to committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, HR 5034, that would end the direct shipping of wine between states, regardless of state laws.
As a bonus, it would wreak havoc on lawsuits challenging the existing restrictions that some states put on wine shipments.
It's a national bill, but the impact would be felt in the Mid-Columbia.
The Tri-City region alone is home to 160 wineries. Statewide, the industry directly employs 14,000 people and adds $3 billion to the state's economy.
According to the Washington Wine Commission, Washington wines can be found in all 50 states and 40 countries around the world.
We are the nation's second largest wine producer, we're ranked among the world's top wine regions and are home to the world's best wine, according to Wine Spectator magazine.
To read the complete editorial, visit The Tri-City Herald.