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New Law Eliminates Need for Connoisseur’s License

By Beacon Staff

HELENA — Montana residents no longer need a connoisseur’s license to order directly from wineries that are registered or licensed with the state.

The new law takes effect Tuesday and allows wineries to ship up to 18 9-liter cases of wine a year to a person for their individual use.

The Legislature passed a bill eliminating the need for a license in the spring.

Department of Revenue Liquor Control Division Administrator Shauna Helfert said in a statement that consumers can order from any of Montana’s 18 wineries or from wineries outside the state that are registered with the department.

Previously, people ordering directly from wineries had to have a license, make tax payments and file reports with the department.