We counsel our clients in a wide array of business transactions, including distribution agreements, winemaker agreements, custom crush agreements, leases, mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, franchise issues, production agreements, and many others. We routinely serve as outside general counsel to our wine clients, assisting with business matters such as business formation, re-organization, expansion, licensing, trademark, litigation, and general business counseling.
TTB approval is required to operate a bonded winery, bonded wine cellar, or taxpaid wine bottling house, including hard cider.
TTB Bonded Winery Permit: The time to process your Bonded Winery Application can vary depending on the completeness of the application and any additional information needed by the TTB. We regularly communicate with TTB representatives and understand that TTB application processing times are held up by incomplete applications, and failure to respond to requests for information, resulting in having to start the process over from the beginning.
State Licensing: Each state has its own licensing requirements and processing times for wine growers and manufacturers. It is best to prepare and submit your state application at the same time you submit your TTB application to streamline the process.
County/City Licensing: Depending on your location, you may need additional local licenses, especially if you plan to operate a tasting room. These local licenses often require separate applications and approvals.
Clark Hill regularly assists our wine industry clients with:
- Business formation and structuring
- State and federal liquor licensing
- Complex three-tier system matters
- Trademark registration, protection, enforcement, and licensing
- Stock purchase agreements; asset purchase agreements
- Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures
- Employment matters including independent contractor/employee issues
- Wine industry-specific agreements including import/export agreements, distribution and wholesale agreements, custom crush agreements, alternating proprietor agreements, winemaking consulting agreements, wine broker agreements
- Distribution disputes, franchise issues
- Litigation and dispute resolution
State and Federal Liquor Licensing; Complex Three-Tier Issues
- Clark Hill assists new and established producers and distributors in preparing and filing state and federal (TTB) license and permit applications for the manufacture, import/export, distribution, and retail sale of wine products.
- Liquor licensing issues can be quite complex – especially when businesses operate in multiple states. We assist our clients in organizing investment and creating business structures to avoid licensing and three-tier system and tied house roadblocks stemming from common ownership of wine producers and retailers.
Winery Lawyers at Clark Hill
Our wine and liquor lawyers are ready to assist your winery and wine-related business. Whether obtaining TTB and state wine permits or providing general business representation, our wine attorneys will start by addressing your needs and continue to provide guidance along the way. Your goals and bottom line are our priority. Contact the beverage lawyers at Clark Hill today to discuss your needs.