Coalition for Free Trade

The Coalition for Free Trade describes itself as a "legal foundation seeking to overturn prohibitions against interstate, direct-to-consumer wine shipments." The coalition primary focus is on filing lawsuits and advocating on behalf of wine merchants and others seeking to change interstate transportation laws that prohibit some direct sales of wine to consumers.

Background

From the Coalition for Free Trade's Web site:

"Founded in 1997, the Coalition for Free Trade is a 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. The foundation operates solely on voluntary contributions from members of the American wine industry and consumers. These funds support litigation in numerous states where petitioners (largely consumers and wineries, together) have the goal of removing discriminatory trade barriers that prohibit of-age consumers from receiving wine for personal enjoyment directly from out-of-state wineries and retailers."

Funding

The site describes how the organization is funded in this way: "The Coalition for Free Trade operates solely on voluntary contributions from members of the American wine industry and consumers. As a tax-exempt organization, under Section 501(c)6 of the Internal Revenue Code, Coalition for Free Trade does not charge fees for it's services. Contributions are 100% tax-deductible as a business expense. If requested, contributor information is kept strictly confidential."

Personnel

• W. Reed Foster, President, (also from Ravenswood Winery, Sonoma, California);
• Tracy Genesen Legal Director, Coalition for Free Trade (from Kirkland & Ellis LLP, San Francisco;
• Jeremy Benson, Media and fundraising (from the Benson Marketing Group).

Contact Details

Website: http://www.coalitionforfreetrade.org/