Wineries can ship to consumers in previously unavailable states thanks to a new fulfillment service from Wrap-It Transit and New Vine Logistics.
The service, which now covers 33 states, could lead to greater use of direct marketing channels by wineries, said Harry R. Parsley, president of Wrap-It Transit.
According to Parsley, the firms have opened up 19 three-tier states--those in which shipments to consumers must go through wholesalers and retailers.
New Vine Logistics negotiated with each state attorney general and "got what was necessary in place," Parsley added.
Now available are states like Florida, New Jersey, Texas, Massachusetts and Maryland.
"If you visited one of our wineries and wanted to have some wine shipped to you in Florida, you could not do it for four years," Parsley said.
The service, which is supported by the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, will help the many wineries the sell via their Web sites, Parsely continued.
The service is also available in "reciprocal states"--those that have worked out their tax issues with California.
Two states are pending, according to Parsley.
Wrap-It Transit, which represents over 90 California wineries, maintains a 50,000-square foot warehouse in the Napa Valley. New Vine Logistics, formerly known as Wine.com, also offers fulfillment and ordering services.
