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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Winery

    You probably want to rethink operating out of your home. When you get your federal license which is required for you to produce alcohol, you are obliged to allow BATF inspectors in on demand.

    Information on obtaining the license here: https://www.ttb.gov/wine/federal_app.shtml

    You also need a state license: https://lcb.wa.gov/enforcement/winery-faq

    Your winery name on the application has no bearing on trademarks or brands. Your license(s) give no trademark rights in themselves. Using the mark in commerce will give you some rights, registration of that mark will give more.

    Every label you affix to a bottle must have prior approval from the TTB. Been through that myself a few times. Sometimes, it's perfunctory. Sometimes, they seem to develop an attitude. For instance, one brand we put out had VH (the initials of our winery) in morse code on the label. THe TTB gave us grief as they thought that there was some coded message. Another bottle (Code Purple Shiraz) had a "Matrix-like" background on the label which contained a longer encrypted message. That they approved. There are strict rules about things that MUST be on the bottle and things that Must NOT be.

    Note wine advertising is highly restricted. While you don't need prior approval from the TTB, the TTB does enforce the laws on this (and you may wish to run your ideas by them).

    There's a lot more to this. In fact, there are some books that may help you. Both the "For Dummies" and the "Complete Idiot" series have running small winery books. You're still likely to want to have the consultation of an attorney who is in the industry.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Posts
    27

    Default Re: Winery

    Do you mean every variation of different labels that I might have, or every single label, even if it's all the same, that I will slap on my bottles?

    Also, in my opinion, if BATF inspectors checking out my premises and TTB approving my lable are the only main issues to be faced, I think it may not be all that bad.
    My plan is to make anywhere between 200 - 1000 bottles of wine a season.

    Couple additional questions if you have time:
    -Do I need to have my license(s) issued prior to complete production of wine that I intend to sell?
    -How long will it take to get a license? (Just curious)

    Thank you!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Winery

    Every time you make a different label you need it approved. It's not that onerous if you know what you're doing so that you don't omit anything required. Info here: https://www.ttb.gov/labeling/colas.shtml

    You need a license before you start to ferment things. If you ferment something (other than the 100 gallons max per year for PERSONAL consumption) you MUST have a license.

    Don't know how long it takes to get a license. That's never been my department at the wineries I've been involved in.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    47.606 N 122.332 W in body, still at 90 S in my mind.
    Posts
    1,678

    Default Re: Winery

    I would really recommend the books that Flyingron suggested and especially the attorney, especially for the licensing phase. There is a lot to consider and more inspections that will be required than just BATF.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Winery

    For instance, one brand we put out had VH (the initials of our winery) in morse code on the label. THe TTB gave us grief as they thought that there was some coded message.
    did you respond with; well duh!!! Of course there’s a coded message. That’s the point.



  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Posts
    19,901

    Default Re: Winery

    Quote Quoting jk
    View Post


    did you respond with; well duh!!! Of course there’s a coded message. That’s the point.


    That one wasn't my battle. I was kind of "how much information could 5 dots and one dash contain?" I only found about it after I submitted the Code Purple label for approval. However, mine went through fine. Heartstrings (the second label I designed for my Zinfandel the next year...you know...Zin, Zin, Zin went my Heartstrings) wasn't even an issue. Of course, I have to put all the required stuff (750ml 14.0% Alcohol, the state (I battled with the winery owner that I should be able to use the AVA on the Code Purple since I had 100% from Wahluke Slope)). The back label has the "contains sulfites" and the winery name/address, and the "pregnant women" warning as required.

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