Online Wine

The owner of a small family winery on a 130-acre cattle farm in Middlesburg, Va., who doesn’t even own a computer has filed a lawsuit that could revolutionize the way alcohol is sold over the Internet.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the case, brought jointly by the Swedenburg Winery and the Lucas Winery in Lodi, Calif.

Dozens of states have slapped strict rules on interstate shipments of beer and wine, effectively erecting a formidable barrier that prevents out-of-state wineries like Swedenburg’s from shipping directly to residents of those states.

If Swedenburg prevails, the high court’s ruling would likely provide a tremendous boost to online and mail-order sales of wine, beer and perhaps hard liquor as well. A decision is expected by early July 2005.

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