ABC Regulation Feedback, Fundraising 2012, and Upcoming Events

Virginia Wine Council Newsletter - September 26, 2011

In This Issue

ABC Regulations

VWC Fundraising Notices

News & Upcoming Events

Support the Efforts of the Virginia Wine Council

Click Here for Printable Donation Information

Katie K. Frazier
Director
Virginia Wine Council
9 South 12th Street
Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
KFrazier@alliancegroupltd.com

804.648.6299 x5835

Ben Rowe
Assistant Director

Virginia Wine Council
9 South 12th Street
Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
Ben@alliancegroupltd.com

804.648.6299 x5834

ABC Revising Regulations:
We Need to Hear from You!

Message from Virginia Wine Council Chairman, Philip Carter Strother:

"The Virginia ABC is the state agency empowered with comprehensive regulatory control over the Virginia Wine Industry. The decisions made relating to regulatory provisions of the ABC can potentially have a direct impact on every aspect of a farm winery operation - from initial licensing to onsite tastings and retail to festivals and events to distribution and retail sales, and much more.

I urge you to join me in providing feedback and direction to our Director, Katie Frazier, on the current ABC Regulations and what changes you think should be made to assist the wine industry. Time is of the essence as ABC is requiring VWC to provide initial feedback by 10/17, so please respond promptly."

Your Feedback Is Needed (by 10/7/11)

We understand that this is an incredibly busy time for all of you, but your feedback on the current ABC Regulations is critically needed.
Respond via email to with your answers to these three short questions:

What provisions of ABC Regulations Should be Changed?
What provisions of ABC Regulations Must be Maintained?
What provisions of ABC Regulations Are Confusing?

Thank you for your time and efforts- we look forward to hearing back from you by October 7!

VWC Annual Fundraising Notice In Your Mail!

As the 2012 General Assembly session rapidly approaches, we are beginning efforts to raise the appropriate funds to continue the operations of the VWC. Last year, financial support came from more wineries, vineyards, and associations than ever before, ranging from several hundred to several thousand dollars in support. We appreciate your contributions and are excited about the outstanding results.

Our successful representation on your behalf cannot continue without support from individual wineries, vineyards, and associations throughout the Commonwealth. Whether large or small, your donation will help ensure our expenses are borne fairly across the industry. We welcome your financial support and encourage you to make a contribution to the VWC this year. Please view our printable VWC Donation Card or use our secure link to Donate Online.

In the coming weeks, we'll provide more information about our past successes and potential issues for 2012- and beyond. And, if you have proposals for the VWC to consider as we draft our 2012 Legislative Agenda in the coming months, please let us know!

News & Upcoming Virginia Wine Events

Virginia Weighs Changes In Alcohol Ad Laws

Last week, the Washington Examiner published an article about about ABC's current restrictions on advertising of alcohol, particularly via email or social media. This is just one example of issues we'll be dealing with when ABC re-writes their regulations beginning 10/17.

Virginia Winery Distribution Company Board
The next meeting of the VWDC Board is scheduled for September 28, 2011 in Richmond.

Upcoming Event- October VA Wine Month KickOff
October 5, 2011, Richmond
If you are attending the October VA Wine Month Kickoff Reception, please join the VWC in welcoming several members of the General Assembly and McDonnell Administration who have accepted the VWC's invitation to attend as well.

Upcoming Event- Agribusiness Council Town Hall Meeting
October 17, 2011, Meadow Event Park- Doswell
One last opportunity to meet with Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore and special guest, Lt. Governor Bill Bolling in an agribusiness-industry Town Hall Meeting. Register here.