Supreme Court Voids Ban on Interstate Wine Sales

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Byline: Scott Maben The Register-Guard

Oregon wineries are toasting the U.S. Supreme Court for striking down laws in two states that prevent their residents from ordering wine directly from out-of-state vineyards.

In a 5-4 decision Monday, the court said laws in New York and Michigan are discriminatory and anti-competitive because they allow shipments from in-state wineries but not those from anywhere else.

In all, 24 states bar interstate shipments. They require outside wineries to sell through licensed wholesalers within the state.

The ruling is a victory for wine-growing regions such as Oregon, the country's fourth-largest producer with more …