A term used specifically in the USA (also known as direct-to-consumer shipment) for the direct shipment of wine to the end consumer. This was not allowed in many states in the past. A landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2005 declared direct shipment to the states of Michigan and New York to be permissible. This allows the notorious three-tier system to be circumvented. This regulation states that no company may act as a supplier, wholesaler (distributor) and retailer at the same time, but that these three parts of the alcohol distribution chain must be separate from each other. However, there are exceptions in many countries. The ruling now allows all states to choose between two options. Either the wineries are allowed to transport wine within and also beyond the state border, or both are prohibited. In the case of a release, consumers can order directly from the winery. For more information on this topic, see also under prohibition of alcohol and prohibition.
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Thorsten Rahn
Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden