The bill amends Section 3-6-1.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 3-6 entitled "Manufacturing and Wholesale Licenses" to encourage the development of domestic vineyards by issuing farmer-winery licenses. The bill outlines the conditions under which a winegrower may operate, including the production limits for the first three years and in the event of crop failure. It also specifies the conditions for importing fruit, flowers, herbs, and vegetables for wine production and prohibits the importation of unfermented juice, wine, or alcohol.

Significant changes include allowing winegrowers to sell wine or winery products at retail off the winery premises at any time and at up to five separate locations, provided they obtain a license from the municipality where each location is situated. The bill also details the various ways a winegrower may sell wine, including wholesale to various license holders, at retail by the bottle or glass for consumption on or off the winery premises, and at retail to consumers for off-premises consumption in Rhode Island under certain conditions. Additionally, the bill requires winegrowers to pay a license fee based on the estimated amount of wine to be produced and to report the actual amount produced annually, with provisions for reimbursement or additional payment depending on the actual production. The act would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5974: 3-6-1.1