Illinois’ wine industry wants some help from state lawmakers

Posted on May 6, 2024
Lisa Ellis, executive director, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance, says current law inhibits the vintners’ success as small businesspeople. (WJBC file photo)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ wine industry says it could use help from the General Assembly.

Current law holds down production and sales. “The law caps production and self-distribution for Illinois wineries at 25,000 gallons and 5,000 gallons, respectively,” Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance executive director Lisa Ellis said in a statement. “Meanwhile, the spirits and beer industries are allowed to produce and self-distribute significantly more under the law – for spirits, 50,000 gallons of production and 5,000 gallons to self-distribute; and for beer, 930,000 gallons of production and 232,500 gallons to self-distribute. “

Ellis’ group is advocating HB 2864, which she says would increase the caps to 250,000 gallons production and 25,000 gallons distribution.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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