Miramant bill would allow wine tastings at farmers’ markets

AUGUSTA — A bill by Sen. Dave Miramant, D-Camden, would allow wine tastings at farmers’ markets.

The bill – LD 1293, “An Act to Allow Wine Tastings at Farmers’ Markets” – received a public hearing before the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee on Tuesday.

While wine tastings are allowed on and off the premise of local manufacturers, they cannot be held at farmers’ markets under current law. Miramant’s bill would extend the option for wine tastings to farmers’ markets, provided the serving of wine is not more than two ounces at a time and the consumer is not charged a fee for the sample.

“We have several wineries in Knox County that participate in farmers’ markets. Unlike other vendors they are not allowed to offer a sample of their product — a disservice to the wineries and customers alike,” said Sen. Miramant. “This bill makes a common sense fix that lets consumers to try the wine before buying it, allowing the buyer to leave with exactly what they came for.”

Miramant put the bill in at the request of his constituents Elmer and Holly Savage, who own Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery in Union. The bill earned the support of the Maine Farm Bureau.

LD 1293 faces further action in the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee and votes in the House and Senate.

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