About DTCWS

The Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium is presented by, and as a fundraiser for, Free the Grapes!, an advocacy campaign committed to reducing shipping regulations and increasing the number of states that allow legal, regulated winery direct-to-consumer shipments.

We're making a difference. But there's still work to be done.

Since 1997, when five respected wine industry organizations founded Free the Grapes!, the number of legal states has grown from 17 to 47, representing 98% of the US population. While this represents incredible progress, three states still ban all shipments, and seven states allow shipments but with significant restrictions. Our job isn’t finished.

To accomplish our goal of making direct-to-consumer wine legal in every state, Free the Grapes! operates state-specific advocacy campaigns encouraging consumers to write to their legislators. We also work with media and advocacy groups to keep the issue alive by generating press coverage supporting favorable legislation.

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50+ Experts

Dynamic speakers from within and outside the wine industry.

Listen to and learn from key voices on the topics impacting your business today.

94% Approval

Great programming: a conference hallmark

Year over year, 94% of post-event survey respondents say they would recommend the conference to a colleague or friend.

400+ Attendees

Exclusive wine industry DTC focus

More than 400 people with titles in marketing, wine club management, and hospitality management attend the conference each year.

Our 2025 Steering Committee

It takes a team of committed wine professionals to make a fundraising event like DTCWS run smoothly. We are so grateful to this year’s steering committee for their dedication and leadership.

Steering Committee