Blagojevich signs measure covering wine purchases

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed a measure into law Wednesday that will change how wineries throughout the state can peddle their wares. The legislation, which was passed on Aug. 7 and takes effect June 1, 2008, could benefit area businesses, such as Waterman Winery and Vineyards and Prairie State Winery in Genoa. The law broadens the number of wineries from which Illinois consumers can buy directly and improves the variety of specialty wines consumers can find in stores and restaurants. Under existing laws, out-of-state wineries can't sell more than two cases of wine per year to any Illinois consumer. But the new law establishes a 12-case limit on all wineries and does away with a rule requiring Illinois to have a special agr