Thus, if these things hold true, why isn’t it on the store shelves? In 1919, Congress passed Volstead Act which went into effect as the 18th Amendment on January 17, 1920, which banned the manufacturing, sale and transportation of intoxicating liquors. Then, after America saw the worst crimes in our history with a diminished view of public laws and the executive branch (present day excluded).
On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was passed, ending Prohibition. On March, 22, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt legalized the sale of wine and beer and said, “What America needs now, is a drink.” But did the 21st Amendment actually do what it says it does? The answer is no. Still today, no one can ship wine across a state wine, even as a gift. People are violating laws and don’t know it. Many states are still Control States and do not allow direct-to-consumer wine sales. To find out if your state allows direct-to-consumer- wine sales visit www.wineinstitute.org. If you disagree with what is happening in your state with regards to wine laws, visit www.freethegrapes.org and you can see the current petitions in the various states and who to send your correspondence to. There was a reference in the 21st Amendment to the 10th Amendment allowing for states to limit federal power. I’m all for this. It actually allows for California, New Mexico, Texas and Florida to do something about our border crisis, when we have an ineffectual president that doesn’t abide by our Constitutional laws. However, the word “morals” is included in the 10th Amendment. That word is government overreach. There is a separation between church and state for a reason. Government has no place to dictate what we do in our own homes and families. That word should be stricken from the 10th Amendment. But that one word allows for states to say that alcohol distribution should be controlled by the State. That one word, “morals” allows for Control States and Distribution to protect a handful of wholesalers. The Republic National Distribution Company in many places decides what is on 95% of our store shelves. Cabernet Franc didn’t make the cut. So how do you know if Cabernet Franc could be, in a warm climate with desirable hanging time, your new favorite wine. It could be your go to at the grocery store. It could be the best wine. But the word “best” is subjective. Wine is art and choosing art to consumer is outside the parameters of government authority as it falls under freedom of expression. Therefore, no one, not a government nor distributor should make the decision for you.
Further, in the SCOTUS decision in Tennessee Wine and Spirits Retailers Association V. Thomas, voted 7-2 that, “states cannot discriminate against out-of-state economic interests”. States may only regulate if health and safety is the goal.
We have a multitude of wines at the grocery store and wine shops because America is a great melting pot from wines and grapes from all over the world. How do you know which one is best? You taste them until you figure it out for yourself. Life is a journey. No one should tell you what you should drink. It’s a way to explore without leaving your home. I hold these truths to be self-evident, that all wine grapes are created equal. Please judge the wine by their content (and character) and not by their label or the points given to them by those distributing and contracted to do so.
