Save Our Grapes

As a resident of Connecticut, a supporter of the Connecticut Wine Trail, and advocate for the thriving Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association, comprised of dedicated farmers and agro-businesses, I am signing this petition mandating the of amendment of SB647, recently passed by the Connecticut Legislature.

This bill, creating a new class of wineries and allowing non-farm wineries to source wine from OUTSIDE OUR STATE, will not only be sending revenue outside of our state's borders, it will also create an unfair market condition for the long-standing farm wineries who have invested (and continue to invest) in the planting/harvesting or grapes grown in Connecticut.

To my legislators and their peers, I ask you to rethink the outcome of this law and to realize the impact to the farmers, employers, employees and total industry surrounding the successful vineyard/winery industry in Connecticut. If not amended, in short time, these farms (many family-run) will face impossible market circumstances and be forced to close operations. This will then, in turn, impact one of our most successful tourism operations, the Connecticut Wine Trail, and all related vendors from bottling manufacturers to nearby restaurants and hospitality sites. In addition, these operations are also successful venues for weddings and other events, which represent a secondary revenue stream, as well.

Please, #SaveOurGrapes and save a meaningful new tradition for our State. Thank you!