SF 3484

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to farm wineries; allowing farm wineries to sell product at farmer's
markets and to manufacture cognacs and brandies; amending Minnesota Statutes
2006, section 340A.315, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 340A.315, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Cognac and brandy permitted. new text end

new text begin Farm wineries licensed under this
section are permitted to manufacture distilled spirits as defined under section 340A.101,
subdivision 9, including brandies and cognacs which may exceed 25 percent alcohol by
volume, made from Minnesota produced or grown grapes, grape juice, other fruit bases, or
honey. The following conditions pertain:
new text end

new text begin (1) no farm winery or firm owning multiple farm wineries may manufacture more
than 5,000 gallons of distilled spirits in a given year, and this 5,000 gallon limit is part of
the 50,000 gallon limit found in section 340A.315, subdivision 2;
new text end

new text begin (2) farm wineries must pay an additional annual fee of $500 to the commissioner
before beginning production of distilled spirits; and
new text end

new text begin (3) farm wineries may not sell or produce distilled spirits for direct sale to
manufacturers licensed under section 340A.301, subdivision 6, paragraph (a).
new text end