Jenkin’s Winemaking Legislation Clears House, Heads To Senate

Legislation allowing students, under the age of 21, learning how to make wine to taste the product, cleared the state House last week.  House Bill 1563, introduced by Prosser Republican Bill Jenkin would also college and technical school in Washington to receive a special permit from the Liquor and Cannabis Board, allowing underage students to taste wine.  The permit would only cover students enrolled in specified programs.

Jenkin said the permit would expand tasting opportunities to students in the classroom, or during field trips to grape growing regions.  Underage students would need to be accompanied by someone over 21 years of age during the tastings.  The permit would also be valid for interns.

“An important challenge was brought to my attention. There is an inability for most students, age 18-20, to taste wine in the classroom. They're also not allowed to work in any wine production areas,” said Jenkin. “Anyone in the industry will tell you, tasting wine during production is key to ensuring the science, ingredients and processes are done correctly. If a student cannot taste the product as part of the learning environment, they cannot gain the full value of choosing viticulture or enology as their major.”

“The capability of allowing underage students to participate in the tasting component of wine production is an integral part of their learning experience,” continued Jenkin. “This provides hands-on education as we train the next generation of winemakers to enter the workforce.”

Click Here to learn more about HB 1563.

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