House Republican Press Release

April 19, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

House approves bill proposed by Rep. Craig Miner to support Connecticut wineries

The House of Representatives voted in favor of H.B. 7142, “An Act Concerning Farm Wineries” during its Wednesday, April 18 session. The bill corrects a law passed by the House last year that had an unintended impact on many Connecticut farm wineries, including local vineyards in Litchfield County. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Craig Miner (R-Litchfield).

“Last year, the legislature inadvertently impacted many Connecticut farm wineries in a negative way,” said Rep. Miner. “In essence, grapes grown on property other than that identified as the permitted farm winery or land adjacent to it would not count toward the Connecticut grown inventory, even if grown on other land in Connecticut.”

“The legislation which passed the House on Wednesday corrects the problem for effected Connecticut farm wineries while working to preserve the relationship between the “Connecticut Grown” industry and the wine industry at large,” added Rep. Miner.

The legislation now awaits action by the state Senate.