MARYDEL — Today, Governor Matt Meyer signed House Bill 187, ushering in Delaware’s first-ever legal framework allowing in- and out-of-state licensed wine producers to ship directly to residents.
“By signing HB 187, we provide Delawareans with broader access to legally produced wines while ensuring strong safeguards for responsible delivery and age verification,” said Governor Meyer. “This legislation strikes the balance between consumer choice and public safety.”
HB 187 passed both chambers unanimously after several years of advocacy from the prime sponsors and others.
“This bill is the result of a years-long commitment to offering direct shipment to Delawareans, who have been more than patient while they waited for the legislature to come through for them,” said Rep. Mike Smith, Prime Sponsor of HB 187. “It’s the result of a collaborative effort between all stakeholders. And, at the end of the day, Delaware is finally ‘delivering’ – literally and figuratively – on a consumer-friendly initiative that will benefit many.”
The bill includes comprehensive protections and oversight, setting annual limits per household, capping total shipments to Delaware per licensee, requiring age-verification training and signatures from someone at least 21 years of age upon delivery.
The law takes effect 365 days after the Governor’s signature and includes a 5‑year sunset provision, with a mandated study on retail impact due by June 1, 2028.
The bill was signed at Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel.
“Having the bill signing ceremony at Harvest Ridge Winery – located in my representative district – could not have been more fitting,” said House Minority Whip Jeffrey Spiegelman, co-Prime Sponsor of HB 187. “Until today, Harvest Ridge, on the border between Maryland and Delaware, could ship to homes in Maryland but could not send their wine to someone living in nearby Wilmington, Newark, or Middletown. This is a good day for our wineries.”
“Delawareans have been asking for more flexibility when it comes to accessing the products they enjoy,” said Senate Republican Whip Brian Pettyjohn, Senate prime sponsor of HB 187. “This law delivers that by creating a safe, transparent process for direct wine shipments, while maintaining the safeguards needed to protect consumers.”
“When I served in the General Assembly, I worked to enact direct shipment legislation for multiple years in a row,” said former Rep. Deborah Hudson, a longtime proponent of the bill while she served in the legislature between 1994 and 2018. “So, I’m more than familiar with the political challenges concerning the legislation. Today, we put all that aside and celebrate the enactment of a bill that many Delawareans support and can enjoy the benefits of.”
For any questions or to schedule a one-on-one interview with Governor Meyer, please email govcomm@delaware.gov.