GREENEVILLE, Tenn. A Johnson City wine enthusiast has filed suit against the state law that bars direct shipment of wine.

Rick Jelovsek filed his lawsuit in federal District Court in Greeneville. The S.L. Thomas Family Winery also moved its lawsuit from federal court in Nashville to Greeneville to be joined with Jelovsek’s filing. 

Tennessee is one of only a half-dozen states that outlaws direct sales between residents and out-of-state vintners. 

The law says the winery must sell its product to a licensed Tennessee wholesaler, who sells to a licensed retailer, who can sell to the public. The state charges taxes on each sale. 

The state tried to have the case thrown out, claiming Jelovsek has no standing because the disputed laws don’t apply to consumers. 

Judge Ronnie Greer denied that motion.

Source: AP

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