By the way, Oregon wineries are a little slow figuring out that they are being taken advantage of. The recent law that requires taxes or fees to be paid on wine shipped within the state proves it. Supposedly, this was to bring us in line with reciprocity requirements, however, I believe that it is the first step in curtailing wine shipments.

Also, what is the lobbyist for the Oregon Wholesalers, Paul Romain, doing still being a lobbyist? He has repeatedly violated Oregon lobbying ethics, and encouraged legislators to do so themselves. He has been caught a number of times. In fact, if he is an attorney, he should have been brought up on ethics charges before the bar. Several years ago, he had his underage daughter order wine from a California winery via UPS. When the wine arrived, she signed for it and took possession, without having her age checked. Mr. Romain(e) then testified of this to the Oregon legislature in an attempt to stop wine shipments into Oregon.

If he is or was an attorney at the time, does this signify that he encouraged her to break the law? Since UPS does not deliver inside the home with a signature, did his daughter and or he take possession? That should have been contributing to the delinquency of a minor and minor in possession, both illegalities in Oregon, and against the rules of the bar. Yet no one, from the legislature on down, including law enforcement, stepped up. Perhaps this one deserves more investigation, in order to clear his name or perhaps to censure him or worse.

Bush league politics, but, hey, that’s Oregon.

The wineries need to grow a spine.

P.S. please edit this well, as I am not self-employed. I would like my name withheld. I do not wish to be sued. These various situations could use some investigation, however, by someone well conversant with the laws of this state.