Bill > SB2038

This bill creates a new farm winery permit in Texas that allows wine producers to expand their sales and marketing opportunities. Under the new permit, a winery can operate up to five off-site locations where they can sell Texas wine (defined as wine that is at least 75% fermented from grapes or fruit grown in Texas and bottled in the state) for on-site consumption. Permit holders can also sell Texas wine in unbroken packages at these locations and at their winery, with an annual sales cap of 250,000 gallons. The permit will cost no more than $500 annually, with half of the fee going to the general revenue fund and half going to a new Farm Winery Marketing Assistance Fund. This new dedicated fund can only be used by the Department of Agriculture to promote and market farm wineries, and it will be supported by permit fees, legislative appropriations, interest earnings, and potential gifts or grants. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be responsible for adopting rules to implement these changes, and the bill will take effect either immediately with a two-thirds vote in the legislature or on September 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2038