Viticulture, enology bill headed to Governor’s desk

Today the Senate approved legislation that would allow students under 21 enrolled in viticulture and enology programs at four-year universities to taste, but not consume wine as part of their educational experiences outside of the classroom.

With the backing of WSU, HB 1563 would include vineyards and wineries as allowable places for supervised students to sip and expectorate wine as part of their educational training. Such authority already exists inside the classroom.

The bill previously passed out of the House with a vote of 89-6. Today’s Senate floor vote of 43-1 means the bill will now move to the Governor’s desk to be acted upon.

You can watch the Senate Floor debate on HB 1563 below.