This presentation on wine and vineyard law was given to the National Business Institute (NBI) last fall. Below is an except from the presentation’s materials found here. The entire lecture from the day-long educational conference can be ordered from NBI here.
Under federal law, each type of winery has its own set of documents that must be submitted to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (“TTB”) for a permit to operate a winery. A Custom Crush Winery is an establishment that makes wine that is ordered by clients, who then resell it. In this situation, the “producer” is the one that must qualify as a fully bonded winery. This facility crushes, ferments and bottles. The “client” is essentially a wholesaler and the one that provides the grapes for crushing. Some new wineries like this option because the proprietor can still have a tasting room, but can focus on building the brand and marketing. The client takes the finished product and goes and sells it themselves.
The documents requires to be filed with the TTB to become a custom crush winery are:
1) Application for Basic Permit;
2) Signing Authority or Power of Attorney;
3) Personnel Questionnaires for Owners/Officers/Directors; and
4) Other supporting documentation.
Rincker Law is excited to help Custom Crush Wineries with permits at the state and federal level.