License to sell?

I'm in the process of doing that now. I would check with your county zoning regs, to see if a small winery operation is permitted use, then check your state requirements, and finally fill out the paperwork for the TTB.

Sounds easy, I'm been invested two years of time and $10,000.00 so far.

Good Luck.

Contact the ACB/ABC for your state

You have to comply with both state and federal regulations- which generally involve a bonded premise which is not your home.

I believe this document from LA covers what you need to know-

You would most likely be considered a "manufacturer" and a "dealer". IANAL.

Manufacturers = 1000$ in state permit fee There's also the microbrew permit....

and then taxes...

Good luck. Keep good notes it might make a great story :)

Brad wrote:

When you look at the licencing requirements look for a special license pertaining to farms. Some states have small production farm licenses that allow them only sell from the farm but reduces the complexity and cost of getting the license.

Also this may require you have to hook up with a farmer if you don't own a working farm yourself.

Andy

Thanks... The researce begins... but right off the top it sounds like it's going to be a lot more then I am willing or able to throw at it. I was talking about starting a REAL small operation. I just want to be legal.

I'll let y'all know what happens.

Brad

Here's a thought Brad. If you have friends that like your wine ask them if they would like to make wine with you. I've done this and I believe it's legal. I grow grapes and make wine as a hobby. I sell excess grapes to other home winemakers. If a friend wants to make wine I sell them the grapes, yeast, oak and other ingredients that are involved and a little expertise. They help with all steps. Finally they bottle and attach their labels. We are talking about 5 to 6 gallon volumes. They get 25 to 30 bottles of wine. I get a little income to offset my expenses. It's fun for everyone involved.

Bill Frazier Olathe, Kansas USA

i agree with bill. we' ve got a little consortium going with a revolving cast of characters. (actually it's closer to a famiglia w/ capos, soldiers & crews.) minimum buy-in is a 5 cases of grapes commitment. "soldiers" get assessed a yearly fee to cover my costs for sani, smallwares, chemistry, etc. "capos" kick back some vig for capitol expenditures: a new barrel, carboys, "scola bottiglia" and the like. lables, bottles and corks are ones own responsibilty. i can see the allure of selling some of your product, but $10K for the privilege?... we'd rather have some laughs & socialize than make this a serious thing... just MHO. regards, bobdrob

You'll need at least 2 $1,500 bonds.

A facility that is totally separate from any other area, or if at home an area that can be locked off and prevent members of your family and friends from entering.

Check with your local zoning laws, many states prohibit wineries from operating in a home.

You'll need a Fed license before you can get your state.

Register with the state health department, because you'll be a food provider. License fee for your state unknown.

Register with the Fed Dept of Homeland Security to comply with the bioterrism act and start the paperwork trail for chain of command.

You'll need a glass supplier, you can't recycle bottles if you're licensed.

and on and on....

From a guy who went from amateur to commercial I have to warn you... Make sure this is REALLY what you want to do. It isn't easy and really changes your hobby. there is a LOT of paperwork that you'll have to file every month, or every 2 weeks in the case of the Feds.

Dave

Dave, Thanks for the information and the input. It obviously seems to be WAY more then I wanted to get into. The suggestion I was given in an earlier thread about forming a group that contributed to the wine makeing process in various ways is probably more up my alley. Ijust thought it would've been "cool" to be able to have some of my wine sold at local store. But ... you nailed it on it changing your hobby. It just wouldn't be fun anymore.

Thanks,