Wine Compliance & LICENSING

Winery Compliance

Starting and operating a winery involves more than producing exceptional wine—it requires navigating a complex regulatory environment. Securing and maintaining the appropriate licenses is essential to launching your winery and ensuring ongoing compliance.

We guide you through each step of the process, helping you meet federal requirements efficiently and with confidence.

Federal Licensing

At the federal level, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates the production, distribution, and labeling of alcoholic beverages. Before beginning operations, wineries must obtain a Basic Permit from the TTB, which formally authorizes your business to produce wine.

Our Federal Licensing Support Includes

  • TTB Application Preparation
    We assist with completing and submitting your application through the TTB Permits Online system, ensuring accuracy and completeness to help prevent delays.

  • Fees and Filing Requirements
    While the Basic Permit itself does not carry a fee, certain related filings—such as formula approvals—may involve costs. We help you understand and plan for these requirements.

  • Operational Documentation
    We help compile and organize key business details, including production methods, sourcing, facility layout, and projected volume. When applicable, we also guide you through bond requirements based on your production levels and excise tax exposure.

  • Label Approval (COLA)
    We support the preparation and submission of Certificates of Label Approval (COLAs), ensuring your labels meet all federal standards, including alcohol content, health warnings, and appellation requirements.

  • Ongoing Compliance and Reporting
    Once licensed, wineries must maintain detailed records and submit regular reports to the TTB. We help establish systems and processes to keep you compliant and audit-ready.

State Licensing

In addition to federal requirements, each state enforces its own laws governing the production, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages. Securing the appropriate state licenses is equally critical to maintaining compliance. In many cases, federal approval must be obtained before state applications can be submitted.

We help you navigate state-specific requirements, ensuring your applications are complete, accurate, and aligned with regulatory expectations.

Key Components of State Licensing

  • Winery or Producer License
    We assist in obtaining the appropriate license to authorize wine production and bottling within your state. Licensing categories may vary based on production size or business model, such as small, farm, or commercial wineries.

  • Sales and Distribution Permits
    We guide you through the permits required to sell wine to wholesalers, retailers, or directly to consumers. Where applicable, we also address additional licensing for tasting rooms or event-based sales.

  • Tasting Room and On-Site Sales Licensing
    We help secure the necessary approvals for offering tastings, on-site bottle sales, and hosted events, including compliance with regulations related to operating hours, food service, and facility requirements.

  • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Shipping Licenses
    For wineries planning to ship directly to customers, we assist with obtaining DTC permits, including multi-state registrations. We also help you understand varying state rules regarding shipping limits, reporting, and compliance obligations.

  • Excise Tax Registration and Reporting
    We support registration for state excise taxes and establish processes for accurate and timely filings, whether monthly or quarterly, based on your state’s requirements.

  • Health, Safety, and Local Compliance
    We help you prepare for inspections and ensure alignment with sanitation, fire safety, zoning, and local permitting requirements. This may include additional approvals for food service, outdoor spaces, or special events.

  • Local Regulations

    In addition to federal and state requirements, local regulations play a critical role in how your winery operates. These rules vary by city and county and can affect everything from facility location to on-site customer experience. Addressing local requirements early helps prevent delays, additional costs, and compliance issues.

    We work with you to navigate local regulations and coordinate with planning and regulatory agencies to keep your project on track.

Key Areas of Local Compliance

  • Zoning and Land Use
    We help confirm that your property is properly zoned for wine production, tasting rooms, and events. Local ordinances may also regulate noise levels, traffic, signage, and hours of operation.

  • Health and Safety Requirements
    We assist in meeting local health department standards for sanitation and food or beverage service, particularly for tastings and events, including preparation for required inspections.

  • Building and Use Permits
    We guide you through permitting for new construction, renovations, or facility conversions. This may include fire safety approvals, occupancy limits, and ADA compliance.

  • Environmental and Waste Management Compliance
    We help you understand and meet local requirements related to wastewater disposal, stormwater management, and air quality, including any necessary permits for production byproducts.

  • Business Licensing and Local Taxes
    We assist with obtaining local business licenses and understanding municipal tax obligations, including any additional reporting or renewal requirements.

By engaging with local planning and regulatory departments early in the process, we help ensure a smoother path to opening and operating your winery successfully.