Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/369547
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m S e p t - O c t 2 014 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 9 7 E x p e c t t o h e a r t h i s p h r a s e around more dining tables in the Northwest, now that a new wine growler law is on the books in Washington state, and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is reconsidering what is required of entities that fill and sell wine growlers in Oregon. In March, the TTB notified state and federal officials that it had issues with a 2013 law passed by the Oregon Legislature, which allowed the sales of wine in refill- able containers – aka growlers – at restaurants and retail outlets. TTB ruled that filling wine growlers was an activity that could only be carried out by a business with a taxpaid bottling house permit, and growler sales would be subject to label, for wine growlers is glass, closed with either corks, screwcaps or Grolsch-style flip-tops. There are also some ceramic and stainless steel growlers. Sizes vary, and in Oregon wine growlers can legally hold as much as 2 gallons. But many outlets are offering smaller vessels that are 500 mL to 1 L in volume, in consid- eration of wine's perishability in an open container. Generally speak- ing, a consumer using a growler can expect to save about 25% off the price of wine sold in traditional 750 mL bottles. GOING GREEN Growlers have for years been a staple of the craft brewing indus- try. With more wineries distributing their wines in kegs and restaurants offering wines on tap, the use of growlers became a natural next step. And natural – as in "green" – is the operative word, especially in the Pacific Northwest, where growler use is generally seen as good and proper behavior for pro- tectors of the environment. "That sustainability side is a prime motivator for a lot of people, especially in urban areas and espe- cially in green states," said Harry Peterson-Nedry, founder and wine- maker at Chehalem Winery in Willa- mette Valley and a proponent of the Oregon wine growler law. Even with well-established recy- cling laws in Oregon, a large per- centage of wine bottles was ending license and record-keeping regu- lations that apply to wine bottling operations. Oregon's Congressional delega- tion sent a protest letter to the TTB in April, arguing that the ruling would create an unnecessary burden on retailers and limit Oregon wine sales. The TTB reconsidered, and in May it suspended the ruling pending the solicitation of industry comments and a review of the regulations. On June 12, sales of wine growl- ers became legal in Washington, although currently the vessels can only be sold in wineries' on-site and satellite tasting rooms. "Now it's really open for any state that wants to do it," said Paul Beveridge, a Seattle winemaker and wine lawyer who supported Washington's wine growler law. "For years we were told it was ille- gal (to sell wine in growlers) under federal law, and when Oregon pushed the feds, it turned out, no, it's not really illegal." GROWLER GROWTH With regulatory road blocks clearing, the wine growler industry is really beginning to take off. Rather than simply mimicking the packaging of beer growlers, wineries and retailers are veering in a different direction. Many outlets prefer to stick with the same shape of container as a wine bottle, while others seek a more refined and elegant cousin to the traditional jug. The most common material used + After ruling that the fillers of wine growlers in Oregon would be subject to oner- ous taxpaid bottling house regulations, the TTB is reconsidering its stance. + A new wine growler law in Washington state is inspir- ing wineries to venture into kegging and on-tap sales. + Eco-friendliness and sub- stantial cost savings to win- eries and consumers are winning keg and growler fans. + Design opportunities are abundant for creating elegant, table-ready wine growlers. AT A GLANCE Please pass the growler ... #GX-20913: 64 oz Amber Growler 72 pcs: $3.36 144 pcs: $2.82 288 pcs: $2.55 504 pcs: $2.43 1008 pcs: $2.37 Offer applies to single color orders allowing for our standard three week lead time. Prices include a one color, non metallic imprint. Prices do not include applicable screen charges or shipping. Expires 11/21/14. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. All orders subject to the availability of ware. (804) 462-5800 twww.ARTonProducts.com t sales@artonproducts.com #A1168: 64 oz Clear Growler 72 pcs: $2.80 144 pcs: $2.26 288 pcs: $1.99 504 pcs: $1.87 1008 pcs: $1.81 Advantages of using growlers for your favorite beverage: t7FSTBUJMF XJOFCFFSDJEFSNPSF t$PMMFDUBCMF t3FöMMBCMF LFFQUIFNDPNJOHCBDL tSustainable 5IFgreen alternative to EJTQPTBCMFQBDLBHJOH Send your customer home with the freshest beverage possible! Mention promo code AWGW1411!