FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lauren Rooney House Democratic Communications Office Phone: 717-787-7895 Fax: 717-783-6839 Email: lrooney@pahouse.net	State Rep. Tim Solobay D-Washington www.pahouse.com/solobay

Bit of Pa. bubbly with those Pa. blueberries and string beans

House gives final approval to Solobay bill allowing wine sales at Pa. farmers’ markets

HARRISBURG, July 13 – Friday the 13^th has proved to be a lucky day for Pennsylvania’s wine producers and the fans of their wares. The House today gave final approval to state Rep. Tim Solobay’s bill that would allow the sale of Pennsylvania wines at farmers’ markets in the state.

House Bill 896 is now headed for the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

“This is a great day for Pennsylvania farmer’s markets, Pennsylvania’s wineries and consumers as we add local wines to the list of agriculture products being sold at farmers’ markets,” said Solobay, D-Washington. “Every other agriculture product is available at farmers’ markets; it just makes sense to include Pennsylvania wines to that list.”

In addition to selling from their winery, Pennsylvania winemakers presently may have up to five off-site retail outlets and may sell at festivals. Farmers’ markets are not currently included as off-site retail sites approved by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

With more than 90 wineries, Pennsylvania ranks eighth in the nation in wine production. For more on the state’s wine industry, visit www.pennsylvaniawine.com.

###lr/2007/agh                                                     

l:\print\releases\WinePass.048

Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Solobay is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA48 (7-2-4-8) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.