Eastern Market may have something new to offer later this year: wine tastings.

On Tuesday the Michigan Senate passed legislation allowing Michigan wineries to offer tastings of their products at the state's nearly 300 farmers markets. And Eastern Market is ready to pour.

"We have been in preliminary discussions," said Dan Carmody, president of Detroit-based Eastern Market Corp. "We would welcome the chance to prudently showcase Michigan agricultural products that are fermented beverages."

Offering tastings and selling bottles – not glasses – of wine gives wine producers a chance to expand their customer base.

"There are 7,000 wineries in the United States, and the top 100 wineries sell 90 percent of the wine," said Don Coe, the managing partner of Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. "That leaves 6,900 wineries trying to find a market and consumers for their wines. This is another market access point, particularly for a remote winery."

But it won't be an access point for Coe. The bill limits the winemakers who can participate to those producing 5,000 gallons of wine or less in a year. Black Star Farms produces more than 30,000 gallons.

About 60 of the 101 wineries in the state that use predominantly Michigan grapes are small scale enough to qualify.

"Although I thank the Legislature for passing a bill, I'm disappointed that it sets such a low limit," said Coe, who also sits on the Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development. He said it disenfranchises many wineries in the state. "This is a good step for small Michigan wineries. It's just unfortunate that the Michigan Legislature didn't open it up to all Michigan wineries."

The legislation is now in the House Regulatory Reform Committee and must still pass the state House and be signed by the governor.

Linda Jones, executive director of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, said she thinks the bill will succeed.

"The timing was right for a bill of this kind," she said. "Farmers markets are a growing trend, as is people's engagement with their food, and it makes sense to extend the ability to enjoy local foods to wines."

And while Jones, whose group is a part of the Department of Agriculture, understands concerns over limiting wineries, she sees it as an opportunity for small vineyards.

"Any provision to help new wineries build their brands when they are first staring out is valuable," she said. "A lot of wineries will rapidly outgrow the limit, but it's a good start."