The bill proposes the creation of a new "Farm Winery Permit" under the Alcoholic Beverage Code, specifically adding Chapter 17. This permit will be available to holders of winery permits who produce "Texas wine," defined as wine made from at least 75% fermented juice of grapes or other fruit grown in Texas and bottled within the state. The bill allows farm winery permit holders to operate up to five off-site locations for selling Texas wine to consumers for on-premises consumption and to sell unbroken packages of Texas wine for off-premises consumption, with an annual limit of 250,000 gallons.
Additionally, the bill establishes a "Farm Winery Marketing Assistance Fund" within the general revenue fund, which will be funded by legislative appropriations, farm winery permit fees, and other earnings. The Department of Agriculture will utilize this fund to promote and market farm wineries. The bill also outlines the fee structure for the farm winery permit, capping it at $500 annually, and mandates the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation. The act will take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that vote is not achieved.
Statutes affected: Introduced: ()