H.B. No. 5397 amends the Alcoholic Beverage Code to allow holders of out-of-state winery direct shipper's permits to conduct wine sampling or tasting events at various locations, such as civic or wine festivals and farmers' markets. The bill introduces new provisions that permit these permit holders to sell and deliver wine to consumers in Texas, dispense free wine for consumption at events, and collect entrance fees. Additionally, it specifies that the wine sampled must be produced or bottled by the permit holder, and that sample portions cannot exceed one ounce.

The bill also outlines that individuals receiving samples cannot remove them from the event premises and allows for the transportation of wine to the event by the permit holder or their agents. The financial responsibility for the wine provided at these events lies with the permit holder. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is authorized to adopt rules to implement these new provisions. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Alcoholic Beverage Code 54.01 (Alcoholic Beverage Code 54)