After nearly thirty years of unsuccessful efforts, Delaware lawmakers have taken a significant step toward permitting direct wine shipments to consumers. The latest version of the bill, introduced by State Representative Mike Smith (R-Pike Creek), cleared its first legislative hurdle in committee, moving closer to becoming law.
Rep. Smith characterized the bill as the “easiest” and most practical iteration yet, aimed at finally allowing Delaware residents to receive cases of wine directly at home. He highlighted Delaware’s position as one of the last states to implement such legislation, noting that states like Mississippi recently passed similar measures.
The proposed law would authorize licensed wine producers, whether based in Delaware or out-of-state, to ship wine directly to adult consumers via common carriers. It imposes limits on shipments, capping deliveries to each household at three nine-liter cases per year and restricting total shipments by any single shipper to 1,800 nine-liter cases annually.
In addition to shipment caps, the bill mandates that carriers undergo training on responsible delivery practices and require signatures from recipients aged 21 or older at the time of delivery.
Despite broad support, concerns remain among enforcement officials. Lieutenant Mike Loiseau of the Delaware Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement expressed apprehension about the bill’s potential to increase underage access to alcohol. He warned that shifting enforcement away from physical stores toward online platforms and third-party carriers complicates real-time oversight and may lead to insufficient age verification.
The National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR) criticized the bill for being overly restrictive, arguing it unfairly excludes retailers from the direct shipping framework. NAWR Executive Director Tom Wark described the legislation as “one of the most exclusionary and anti-consumer wine shipping bills in decades,” contending that limiting shipments to wineries only benefits unions and wholesalers at the expense of consumer choice.
Rep. Smith acknowledged the criticism but emphasized the importance of reaching a starting point. “We have to begin somewhere,” he said, underscoring his efforts to strike a balance among competing interests and expressing hope that future legislative adjustments could expand the bill’s scope.
Following amendments to incorporate recommendations from the Alcoholic Beverage Commissioner, the bill was released from committee with bipartisan support and is now set for consideration by the full House.
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