Two weeks ago, Red White and Food unveiled an economic impact study showing that wine in food stores could generate thousands of new jobs (net) and millions in state revenue. You can read all about it at www.uncorknewjobs.com.

The response from our opponents was a predictable denial.

It turns out the same is true in New York, another state contemplating wine sales in food store.

Here’s the economic impact study from New Yorkers for Economic Growth and Open Markets.

What did they find? That allowing sales in NY could generate 7,500 jobs and hundreds of millions in state revenue.

That’s not a coincidence.

Chas Sisk of The Tennessean wrote about an article about the potentially shifting winds in Legislative Plaza.

“I hope it does get to a vote this year, and I appointed the State & Local Government Committee hoping it comes to a vote,” [Lt. Gov.] Ramsey said. “I do think the time has come to sell wine in grocery stores.”

And this from Rep. Mike Turner:

“They’re getting close,” said Nashville Rep. Mike Turner, the ranking Democrat on the House State & Local Government Committee, which will hear the bill, and an opponent of the legislation. “Early on … I thought it wouldn’t pass. I’m not so sure now.”

Make sure to read the entire article.

The sibling of a Red White and Food staffer created the wine chart above for 614 Magazine in Columbus, Ohio. We liked it so much that we begged permission to share it with our fans in Tennessee.

Okay. We didn’t really to beg. 614 was very kind. Perhaps they took pity on us because we can’t buy wine in food stores.

The full chart shows the relationships of dozens of wine varietals with suggestions from author Landon Proctor. For example, if you like Chardonnay, the chart suggests that you might also like Pinot Blanc, Chablis, and Chenin Blanc. It also shows which wines share grapes and which wines are used to make other wines.

Cin cin to Landon and 614!

Show the full chart (2MB)

The opponents of wine in food stores in New York have dubbed themselves the “last store on main street.” It’s clear that Red White and Food‘s opponents in Tennessee share this sentiment.

That’s kind of a cocky statement.

There are tens of thousands of independent Tennessee businesses who don’t enjoy government protection afforded liquor stores. And, judging from the last election, we’re pretty sure that most Tennesseans believe that too much government anything is a bad thing.

We’re glad that Tennessee has progressed. Many Tennesseans accept that wine can be part of a great meal for those who (being of legal age) choose to drink. And many Tennesseans believe its okay (and want) to change this law that benefits a select few.

Independent, Main Street merchants still thrive in Tennessee. It’s just not the same Main Street as 1939.

Proponents of Wine in Tennessee Groceries, Convenience Stores Try Again
NACS Daily News, Jan. 24, 2011

The supporters say the issue has gained enough traction that passage is likely this year.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Those who want to see wine available in Tennessee grocery and convenience stores say this is the year, the Nashville Business Journal reports. After failing several times to pass such a measure, supporters say the time is ripe for success.

Later this month, State Sen. Bill Ketron will likely introduce a measure in the Tennessee General Assembly that ould allow grocery and convenience stores to stock wine. Ketron and other proponents say with Republicans in control of both chambers, passage is more probable this year. “Based on just the interest in this respective piece of legislation, this is the year to run it,” said Ketron.

However, wine and liquor stores are expected to come out in force against the grocers once more, alleging that such a change would slash their revenue without benefiting consumers. Grocery and convenience stores counter that current laws leave consumers with less options and higher prices.

Ketron and other advocates say Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey supports the bill, as well as House Speaker Beth Harwell.

The following were the last few paragraphs from a Kingsport Times-News article this morning.

House Majority Leader Gerald McCormick of Chattanooga said new assignments within the State and Local Government Committee could give efforts to allow wine to be sold in supermarkets a better chance than in previous years.

“It definitely wasn’t getting a fair hearing before – the committee was stacked to make sure it didn’t,” McCormick said. “You’ll have a more open-minded attitude about it now. It may not pass, but we’ll look at it in a serious way.”

Good news for sure. But we still have a long way to go. Make sure to tell all your friends to join Red White and Food.

It’s almost that time.

The 107th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee will convene next Tuesday.

And, yes, we’ll be back at Legislative Plaza pursuing the change that we’ve sought since 2008.

We expect the first few weeks to be relatively slow as the legislature gets organized and focused on the task at hand.

But it’s never too early to begin e-mailing your legislators and asking them to support Red White and Food. And, please tell all your friends to join the campaign. We’re going to need all the support we can muster this session.

(Photo from the Gifted Grape)

We hope all of our Red White and Food members and supporters have a happy and safe holiday with their loved ones and friends.

We’re excited about next year’s legislative session and hope finally to unwrap the bow on this package.

If you missed it, make sure to check out our first post about the issue.

We’ve since learned that Warren Buffet’s subsidiary that bought Horizon Wine and Spirits can buy a second Tennessee wholesaler if it wants. Wholesalers, who are the most powerful part of Tennessee’s liquor industry, have a means to make a lot of money for themselves and their shareholders by selling the company. Meanwhile, a liquor store owner can’t sell his or her store to another person who already owns a store. That’s not fair to retailers.

Cue the inimitable Jerry Reed…

Believe it or not, we’re only 3o days from the start of the next legislative session. We’re excited about the possibilities and are working hard to get ready.

Can you help? Of course, you can.

The most important thing you can do is tell your friends. Red White and Food is already a large and vocal consumer group, but we need more support.

Make sure to tell to join the campaign.