About us

Founded in 1997, the Coalition for Free Trade is a 501(c)3 non-profit legal foundation whose goal is to legalize direct-to-consumer shipments of wine from out-of-state wineries and retailers in those states where it is currently prohibited.

Sole Purpose: Litigation

The Coalition for Free Trade’s only task is to support litigation. Its legal team was instrumental in bringing the issue before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2004. But the 2005 ruling requires additional litigation to remove discriminatory trade barriers that continue to prohibit of-age consumers from receiving wine for personal enjoyment directly from out-of-state wineries and retailers. 

Funding

The foundation operates solely on voluntary contributions from members of the American wine industry and consumers. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation that will help fund the Massachusetts lawsuit.

Active Litigation

Massachusetts: The ruling in Family Winemakers of California v. Jenkins enjoined the state from enforcing its law that prohibits wineries producing more than 30,000 gallons from shipping if they have wholesaler agreements (November 19, 2008). Click here to read more.