On February 26, 2025, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed a significant bill that allows wineries to ship wine directly to consumers in the state, marking a major change in Mississippi’s wine landscape. This law will take effect on July 1, 2025, allowing residents to order wine from both in-state and out-of-state wineries. With this new legislation, Mississippi joins a growing list of states that permit direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipping, leaving Arkansas, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Utah as the only states that still restrict it.

State Senator Walter Michel’s Senate Bill 2145 was passed by the Mississippi Legislature on February 18 and is seen as a positive step for wine lovers and businesses in the state. Senator Jeremy England, one of the bill’s supporters, emphasized its importance in promoting consumer freedom and attracting businesses to Mississippi. The legislation aims to enhance the state’s image and provide new choices for residents eager to explore wines not available through local distributors.

Accompanying legislation in the state House, HB 1175, faced challenges but ultimately contributed to passing the bill. Some lawmakers, such as State Representative Hank Zuber, argued that the law would not threaten local alcohol retailers, as it restricts direct shipments to wines not already distributed in the state.

The new law stipulates that licensed wineries must obtain a direct wine shipper’s permit and comply with regulations, including maintaining records and labeling shipments with alcohol content warnings. Consumers will be able to have wines shipped directly to their home, provided they are over 21 and sign for their deliveries. However, restrictions remain, such as not being allowed to send more than twelve cases to a single address per year, and shipments cannot be made to dry counties.

While this development is predominantly seen as a win for consumers, some voices within the wine industry express concerns about the limitations imposed by the legislation. Critics argue that consumers may still face restricted options, as they may only order wines that are not already available through local wholesalers.

The law comes amid broader challenges for DTC wine shipping in the U.S., with recent data indicating a decrease in both the volume and value of wine DTC shipments. Despite these concerns, the addition of Mississippi to the list of states permitting DTC shipping is seen as a positive development that could inspire similar legislative action in other states.

Moving forward, the effect of this law on both wineries and consumers in Mississippi remains to be seen, but advocates believe it could serve as a model for change elsewhere. Lawmakers in states like New York and Delaware are reportedly considering their own DTC legislation in response to Mississippi’s new law.

For more detailed information about state shipping laws, check out Wine Spectator’s comprehensive guide.