Just in time for the holiday season, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) has issued a Winery Permit to the new Wine.com location in Houston, Texas. This will enable Texans to purchase and ship wine and wine-related gifts all over the state.
While Wine.com does not produce any wine of its own, the company meets all the requirements to hold a Winery Permit in Texas, including a federal Winemaker's and Blender's Basic Permit issued by the Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
"We're thrilled to be back in Texas, serving our 30,000 Texas customers from our new facility in Houston," said Rich Bergsund, Wine.com CEO. "The TABC has been extremely cooperative and business-friendly, granting us the necessary permits to operate."
Over 200 Winery Permit holders in Texas are authorized to sell and ship wine directly to consumers inside the state. Adults in wet or dry areas can have wine legally shipped to their front door from the holder of a Winery Permit in Texas.
Until a few months ago, Wine.com was shipping wine and other products to Texans without the approval of the Texas regulatory system. However, with the addition of the new Houston location, they have agreed to abide by Texas law and pay the approperiate state taxes.
"Local access, convenience and competition in Texas are ever-growing," TABC Administrator Alan Steen said, "I believe Wine.com's physical presence in Texas will help to ensure that consumer needs can be met through legal channels available in our state."
