A couple weeks ago I had an op-ed published in the Lexington Herald-Leader, arguing that consumers should be allowed to purchase wine on their own, as many other states allow.

This past week the wholesalers who currently stand in the way of Kentuckians being able to order wine over the phone and internet from both in-state and out-of-state wineries struck back, defending their value and arguing that hey, we have enough choices as it is… now quiet down and take what you’re given, ingrates:

 The licensed system of alcohol beverage sales in Kentucky works well for the state and its citizens. What other industry offers as many product choices to the public as the beverage alcohol industry? There are literally thousands of product choices available to Kentuckians at reasonable prices.

The fact remains, however. Many other states allow consumers to purchase directly from wineries and seem to be suffering few ill effects of doing so. To allow this in Kentucky would only give consumers more choices and more options. It seems the wholesalers and their author (Daniel R. Meyer, executive director and general counsel for the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Kentucky) would prefer that we just be happy with what we have.