House committee hears testimony on H.647 to loosen pour limits and grant wineries license parity

A Vermont House committee on Jan. 28 heard testimony on H.647, a bill that would increase permitted pour amounts in fourth-class tasting-room establishments and allow vinous manufacturers to hold a second first-class license, proponents said.

Proponents told the House Government Operations & Military Affairs committee the change would give small, often rural wineries more flexibility to host tastings, educational events and food-pairing dinners, and would help convert occasional visitors into returning customers. "The council supports this, as do I, because it will give small producers in Vermont the flexibility to responsibly showcase Vermont-grown wine in the way that works for individual wineries through tastings, education, [and] food-forward events," said David Keck, owner of Stella 14 Wines and legislative…