Wine Walks Are Now Legal In Wisconsin

Chambers of commerce around Wisconsin can promote local retailers with wine walks without fear of breaking the law now that Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill legalizing the practice.

Wine walks are events in which a group of retailers that usually don’t offer food or beverages serve wine and snacks to participants. The walks, which are based on the idea of the pub crawl, have become important fundraisers for business groups.

State revenue officials earlier indicated the events were prohibited under the law.

However, the bill signed on Wednesday allows municipalities to issue temporary alcohol licenses that cover multiple locations in a single day.

Business leaders in Baraboo launched a campaign to save the wine walks. The legislation followed.