Wine sales expansion continues in Pa.

As of Monday, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board had issued 572 direct wine licenses, including seven for Central Pennsylvania wineries. The PLCB has received more than 650 requests.

Under the law, Pennsylvania residents can now order up to 36 cases per year from each wine producer licensed by the PLCB and have the wine shipped to their homes.

The majority of licenses are out-of-state wineries looking to increase sales in Pennsylvania. Many in-state wineries also are trying to make things more convenient for residents.

Direct wine sales are subject to state and local sales tax and a new $2.50 per gallon wine excise tax.

The following midstate wineries, by county, are now shipping direct:

Dauphin County: Armstrong Valley Vineyard and Winery, Cassel Vineyards of Hershey, Cullari Vineyards and Winery

Lancaster County: Thorn Hill Vineyards, Waltz Vineyards Estate Winery, Mount Hope Estate and Winery

York County: Allegro Vineyards

Regarding wine-expanded permits tied to takeout wine sales, there are now 220 approved permits in the commonwealth.

Of those, 19 are in Central Pennsylvania. Here’s the full list.

Under the new law, hotel and restaurant licensees that sell takeout beer can apply for wine-expanded permits to sell up to four bottles of wine for off-site consumption.

Some convenience and grocery stores already have the restaurant license. And retailers that don’t, but have what is known as an eating place, or “E,” liquor license, can convert their existing licenses to a restaurant, or “R” license.

Grocery stores account for the bulk of local permits. But convenience stores, including Sheetz, also are adding wine sales.

The PLCB has received more than 300 requests for these permits.

License and permit requests continue to come in daily, though not as heavily as in August when the law took effect, said Elizabeth Brassell, a PLCB spokeswoman.