Wine shipping measure headed for Tenn. Senate vote

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A proposal to allow Tennessee consumers to have wine shipped directly to their homes is headed to a full Senate vote.

The measure sponsored by Sen. Paul Stanley, a Germantown Republican, passed the Senate Finance Committee 8-3 on Wednesday and is now awaiting a vote on the Senate floor. The companion bill is scheduled for a House subcommittee next week.

Under the proposal, wineries that acquire a $300 license could ship up to three cases to Tennessee consumers per year. The proposal was amended down from 12 cases.

Wineries would agree to be subject to Tennessee's taxes and laws. Strict reporting requirements would give state officials a clear idea of how much wine is being directly shipped into the state and who is receiving it.