Just like the snowy vineyard with no grapes on the vine, Ohio’s wine industry is frozen, for now.
Vermilion Valley Vineyards co-owner Joe Juniper says wineries need federal and state approval for three actions: starting a new business, new or changed labels, and ingredient changes.
The federal approval comes from the Alcohol & Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau, which has been furloughed during the government shutdown. The state approval comes from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. A state spokesperson tells News 5 the Division of Liquor Control is granting conditional approval for products sold exclusively in Ohio. Anything sold in other states still has to wait for federal approval.
Breweries also need federal approval from TTB for new locations and new labels. “We’re not able to get those permits and that label approval so ultimately our hands are tied,” said Fat Head’s Brewery Brewmaster Matt Cole. (News5 Cleveland)