Small wineries can now sell to local bars, stores

With the clink of glasses and a morning "Cheers," lawmakers today celebrated an announcement by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. that he will sign a bill allowing small state wineries to continue to sell their wine to local bars, restaurants and retailers.

That means that fledgling wineries in Maryland will be able to grow, like grapes on the vine, supporters said. Retailers will be able to sell wine made by Basignani and Woodhall - and maybe someday from a Harness Creek winery outside Annapolis.

"I saw this bill as pro-agriculture, pro-small business and pro-wineries," said Del. Virginia Clagett, D-West River, a sponsor of the...