Local wineries are encouraged by a bill Gov. Chris Gregoire signed Thursday that allows a limited number of Washington farmers markets to offer samples of beer and wine available for purchase.
“An imperative part of a local winery is for people to taste,” said Jeremy Brown, owner of the Rusty Grape Winery in Battle Ground.
The measure signed into law establishes a 14-month pilot program for beer and wine tasting at 10 farmers markets throughout the state, beginning Sept. 1. It’s unclear which farmers markets would be tapped to be part of the new pilot program.
Jordan Boldt, executive director of Vancouver Farmers Market, said Thursday that “we’ll make every effort we can” to be among the 10.
Being able to allow customers to taste beer and wine at the Vancouver Farmers Market would strengthen the connection between vendor and patron, Boldt said. “It helps make that purchase decision.”
The state Liquor Control Board will oversee the pilot program and may establish additional requirements to ensure alcohol is not served to minors or customers who are visibly intoxicated.
Samples will be limited to 2 ounces each, and no customer may receive more than 4 ounces. Brown said he’s excited about the bill and that it’s a step in the right direction, but he questioned certain parts of it, including the limits on samples. He said 2-ounce samples are small and that allowing customers to receive only two servings would hamper business for wine vendors.
Under the bill, wineries or microbreweries providing samples must offer food to customers or be located adjacent to a food vendor. The bill’s supporters say it will allow local businesses to promote their products and gain exposure.
Boldt agrees with that assessment of the bill. He said it could help small wineries “trying to get their foot in the door.”
The Vancouver Farmers Market already has a license to sell wine and has applied for a license to sell beer, said Anne Radford, a spokeswoman for the state Liquor Control Board.
She said the Camas Farmers’ Market has applied for licenses to sell both beer and wine.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
