Two Minnesota winemakers have sued the state for requiring wineries to grow more than half of the grapes (51 percent) they use in Minnesota, which can be challenging given the climate. The plaintiffs in the case are Timothy Tulloch of Next Chapter Winery, Alexis Bailly Vineyard, and the Institute for Justice.
The wineries claim that the restrictions needlessly hamper their business and cite Constitutional violations, including their right to engage in interstate and foreign commerce. They also draw a comparison to local craft breweries, which are not held under limited restrictions and are able to use hops from the Pacific Northwest. The Minnesota Grape Growers Association has not yet taken an official position on the lawsuit, but the group’s president says the novelty factor of Minnesota-grown wine should be protected, reports Kare 11. Full Story
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