Bill Would Allow Wisconsin Hard Cider Makers To Offer Public Samples At Wineries

The state Senate is considering a bill that supporters say would help Wisconsin’s hard cider industry grow.

The bill specifically lets wineries provide samples of fermented apple cider manufactured by other producers without charge. Monona Democratic Sen. Mark Miller, a sponsor of the bill, said that while there has been increased growth and appreciation for hard cider among the public, it’s still a budding industry.

“In the interest of advancing the profitability of our orchards, and the appreciation and the growth of this industry, it’s a bill that should be considered,” he said.

Jim Lindemann of Cider House of Wisconsin spoke in favor of the proposal during a public hearing on Wednesday. He said that hard cider makers want to promote their product.

“We want to make some steps to open the door to the — those that are willing to participate in this effort to greater cooperation, not just in sampling, but in other things that we can work together, and do economies of scale that will make things better for us,” Lindemann said.

Assembly sponsor Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, said they plan to amend the measure to also include fermented pear cider.

The Senate’s Committee on Agriculture, Small Business, and Tourism bill passed the measure during an executive session after the hearing.