NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Maryland wine lovers are encouraged to make their voices heard by attending two public hearings on March 4 in support of wine direct shipping. Committee passage of two new bills could help to replace the state’s archaic ban on wine shipments from licensed wineries directly to Maryland consumers, according to Free the Grapes!, the national coalition of consumers, wineries and retailers. www.freethegrapes.org

House Bill 234 and Senate Bill 248 were introduced on January 28 with 83 delegate sponsors and 32 senate sponsors, respectively. The bills were immediately endorsed by the Maryland Wineries Association, Wine Merchants Association of Maryland, Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws, the Maryland Farm Bureau, Wine Institute and Free the Grapes!

Maryland House Hearing Details:

What: House Bill 234

Who: House Economic Matters Committee

When: Friday, March 4, 2011; 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Location: House Office Building, Room 230, Annapolis, MD 21401-1991

Details: Anyone wishing to testify must sign the witness sheet by 12:45

Bill Information: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/hb0234.htm

Maryland Senate Hearing Details:

What: Senate Bill 248

Who: Senate Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee

When: Friday, March 4, 2011; 1:00 PM Eastern Time

Location: 2 West Miller Senate Building, 11 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401-1991

Details: Anyone wishing to testify must sign the witness register by 12:00 noon

Bill Information: http://mlis.state.md.us/2011rs/billfile/sb0248.htm

Consumers in 37 states and Washington D.C. – but not Maryland – may receive wine shipped by licensed wineries; those states account for 83% of US wine consumption. Maryland gets closer each year to passing legislation working successfully in the majority of states, and the Maryland Comptroller’s report last December was a ringing endorsement for regulated direct shipping. For updates, visit www.freethegrapes.org or www.facebook.com/FreetheGrapes