HB736 Summary

• Establishes a new "farm winery" definition as a limited manufacturer producing not more than 125,000 gallons of wine annually, with at least 75 percent of grapes grown and cultivated in Alabama (existing 13 wineries have 7 years to comply).

• Sets farm winery license fee at $150.00 annually and allows counties or municipalities to levy additional reasonable privilege taxes not exceeding one-half the state license fee.

• Permits farm wineries to sell up to 50,000 gallons of fermented table wine directly to licensed retailers and consumers on-premises, and to operate two additional satellite locations without manufacturing requirements.

• Authorizes farm wineries to sell samples at up to five off-premises events annually (maximum 5 consecutive days or 30 total days) and to purchase or distill brandy solely for wine fortification up to 24 percent alcohol content.

• Imposes a $.45 per liter excise tax on wine sold or sampled by farm wineries, with portions remitted to the ABC Board ($.38 per liter) and local authorities ($.07 per liter), effective the first day of the third month following passage.