UncorkNJ

Gaining Momentum

The support to overturn the direct shipping ban in Maryland has been gaining support recently. Wineries from Eastern Maryland, a heavy tourist area, have been losing business daily and are now calling for a change in the Legislature. Those visiting the area on vacation are unable to send their favorite local wines back to their home to enjoy year-round. The growth of the U.S. wine industry and demand for out-of-state wine has fueled direct shipping to be permitted in 35 states.

Like Maryland, New Jersey wine owners are being prevented from expanding their business, and wine-lovers are restricted in their free-choice. Help UnCorkNJ continue the momentum we have started by contacting your local legislators. This fall we take our fight to the State House. Spread the word to friends and family and help UnCork New Jersey!

It's Time to Uncork NJ!

If you're interested in having a representative from UnCorkNJ come to your wine event, send us an email with your contact and event information to jtosches@cpanj.com. We can bring UnCorkNJ corkscrews and informational materials!

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Millions of people in 35 states across the country enjoy the simple pleasure of being able to purchase a bottle of wine and have it shipped directly to their home. Unfortunately, New Jerseyans are not allowed to enjoy such a simple pleasure because they are barred from buying wine over the Web, via fax or even in-person and having it shipped to their home. We are trying to change that by proposing an update to New Jersey's archaic laws. We are working to provide consumer choice in fine wines in New Jersey, but we need your help. Here's how:

1. Go to the New Jersey legislative action center and let your elected officials know how you feel about consumer choice in New Jersey.

2. Send the link (http://snipr.com/uncorknj) to family members and friends in New Jersey asking for their support and encouraging them to visit the legislative action center.

3. Tell us your story. Have you been stopped from ordering wine over the Web or direct from a vineyard while on vacation? Just leave us a comment and let us know your story.

Wine Bill Has Aged Long Enough

Following on the heels of an article last week, the Gloucester County Times has come out in favor of our legislation to uncork New Jersey. The balanced editorial raises important questions - it's crucial that the truth about our bill be known: it will no negative impact on retail operations, distributors or wholesalers.

In fact, our proposal to revise New Jersey's wine laws will provide New Jersey wineries with additional business opportunities. Garden State wineries are currently prohibited from shipping their product to fellow Garden State residents, however that prohibition would end and the wineries could discover a large, new customer base if our legislation is enacted. That will only happen with your help.

Blue Jersey Takes a Look at Uncork New Jersey

The well-known Democratic blog, Blue Jersey, has picked up on the UncorkNJ story. Like many folks we talk with, their post expresses surprise that New Jerseyans are currently prohibited from having wine shipped safely, securely and directly from the vineyard to their home. It's an unfortunate restriction on consumer's freedom of choice in the Garden State, and it's a restriction we are committed to ending, but we need your help!

More Comments from New Jerseyans About Consumer Choice

Garden State residents have never been known as shy and when it comes to consumer choice, it's no different. Take a look at some of the comments from NJ.com visitors and decide for yourself where mainstream New Jerseyans stand on this issue.

"Well, I'm really surprised. Why has it taken this long? Not a problem anywhere else, only NJ where everything is a problem. Someone must have calculated all of the loss in revenue and decided to do us a favor. Uh, huh. Considering everything else that we can order directly, this is hardly an issue. I have been waiting to order from Richard Childress' winery in North Carolina for years and maybe I'll finally be able to." -MaskedOG

"Great news! I always thought the law restricting wine shipments was stupid. Now I won't have to have my wine shipped to NYC anymore :-)" -indy1212

"This legislation is long overdue. I have been enjoying Krupp Brothers wines from Napa for the past few years. Having it shipped directly to me will enable me to enjoy more without having to search for local distributors!" -RobCFP

Call NJ101.5 Now!

"The Jersey Guys" are talking about our uncork New Jersey legislation briefly this afternoon. If you get a chance, please call in: 1-800-283-1015. Thanks!

UncorkNJ In the Media Spotlight

We're thrilled that our efforts to open up consumer choice are gaining momentum with New Jerseyans, elected officials and the media. Following on the heels of a front-page story about wine and consumer choice in the Courier Post, we now have an excellent piece from NJBIZ, as well as NJ.com picking up the Courier Post story. Cheers!

UncorkNJ Legislation Moving Ahead - Time for Action!

As we reported previously, our legislation (S-1810) to uncork New Jersey is making its way through the legislative process. Our next step is on Monday, March 2, when our bill is up for discussion in the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veteran's Affairs Committee. This has been a grassroots effort from the beginning and we continue to call upon you to move this issue forward. Please take a moment to contact the Committee Members and let them know you support S-1810. They need to hear from you before Monday's hearing. Thanks for your continued support!

UncorkNJ Legislation Up for Discussion in Senate Committee

We are very excited to report that our UncorkNJ legislation is scheduled for a discussion at the State Senate. On Monday, March 2 at 1pm, the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs Committee will meet. S1810, the UncorkNJ legislation, is up for discussion. This is an important step in the process and we look forward to engaging in the debate about consumer choice in the Garden State. We need to let the folks in Trenton know how we feel about this issue. Also, if you're interested in testifying about the proposed legislation, simply leave a comment to this post. 

UncorkNJ Corkscrews Spotted on Reporters Roundtable TV Show

Here is a brief clip from a recent Reporters Roundtable episode that mentioned our UncorkNJ corkscrews. Want a free one for yourself? We got you covered!
UncorkNJ.com Corkscrew Spotted on Reporters Roundtable TV Show on Vimeo.