Monday, August 31, 2009
Few may remember former Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ off-hand comment two years ago while visiting wineries in Washington State.
“You should be thankful we don’t make wine in Kansas,” she said. “If you ever see Kansas wine, don’t drink it.”
Don Bryant, co-owner of Jefferson Hill Farm and Winery in McLouth sells goods at the Lawrence farmer's Saturday morning. Bryant responded to Kathleen Sebielius' apology with a letter asking for local vineyards the ability to sell wine at farmer's markets.
But Kansas winemakers remember. Her comments, and subsequent meetings with Kansas winemakers, resulted in a series of reforms. The state legislature passed a law this summer that spurred a recent amendment to city code allowing the retail of alcoholic drinks at the Lawrence Farmer’s Market.
Don Bryant, who is a co-owner of Jefferson Hill Farm and Winery in McLouth with his wife, Maxine, was among the several Kansas winery owners who received a letter of apology from Sebelius for her comments. He said he responded to her apology with a letter saying that, to really help Kansas winemakers, she should pass a law allowing them to sell wine at farmers markets.
Kansas has 19 vineyards and 15 wineries, which combine to produce more than 50,000 gallons of wine each year. Until the city commission approved the amendment on Tuesday, they were only allowed to sell their wine at their own vineyard, ship their wine out-of-state and sell it through a licensed Kansas liquor store.
To discuss what changes were needed, Sebelius invited the Bryants and other winery owners to a conference with herself and Kansas secretaries of agriculture and commerce. Bryant said he told her there that they needed to be allowed to sell wine at farmer’s markets.
And now, two years later, Bryant’s suggestion has become a reality.
Jessica Sadler, Janks, Okla., junior, wasn’t surprised by the amendment’s passage.
“It’s not like people will come to the farmer’s market and get drunk,” she said. “It’s probably like everything else. It’ll taste better because it’s made locally.”
Don and Maxine Bryant, who have spent the last 11 years and much of their own money building their winery, said they appreciated all the work it took for statesmen to change the laws.
“I’m grateful for what they’ve done,” Don said. “It’s just difficult when you’ve sunk so much money into a farm, and they’ve added so many attachments to selling a product.”
Though the amendment is a step to loosen up these restrictive laws, Tom Buller, coordinator of the Lawrence Farmer’s Market, said the amendment still had its limitations.
“It has to be a local vendor and you have to own your own vineyard,” he said.
Not only that, but vendors are only allowed to participate in one farmers market per week. Lawrence has two, one on Thursday morning and one on Saturday morning.
“That’s the law: sell at a bona fide farmer’s market, one day a week,” Don Bryant said.
Both Don and Maxine Bryant said they were still frustrated with the limits placed on their business.
“I think some of it is so ridiculous, like not being able to sell wine in baskets with chocolate,” Maxine Bryant said. “And let us sell at events.”
Don Bryant said he would begin selling his wine at the Lawrence Farmer’s Market next Saturday morning, after he received his sales permit.
— — Edited by Abbey Strusz
Among fields of wheat, winemakers prosper
Making wine in Kansas is a little-known, sweet-tasting business.
Award-winning Kansas winery plans to expand
Davenport Winery grows their grapes and makes their wines all right here ...
No wine? Wine not?
Neglected by students and historically oppressed, wine is making a return that ...
Fruit of the Vine
Editorial: Farmers' market is culture
Farmers' market is a good way to experience Lawrence culture and community.
Alumni celebrate wine tradition
Drinking wine offers college students a good time for a good price.
This Weekend: Farmer's Market
A quick look into Lawrence's farmer's market.
New law could allow stores to offer ...
Under proposed Senate Bill 54, shoppers could start to see new items ...
Wine time
Students help farmers market thrive
University and local farms benefit from each other
Liquor laws expand in towns across state
Cities across Kansas amended liquor laws last week. Mulvane will allow sales ...
Farmers’ Market offers more than just fruits ...
Vendors hope to attract more college students with new evening hours.
Lawrence schools see growing success with gardening ...
Several local schools are growing their own gardens as a part of ...
Liquor availability could include retail stores
Retaliers such as Walmart and other grocery stores could be on the ...
To market to market
This local produce venue is sure to have your daily vitamins
House passes state-wide smoking ban bill
The vote came in Thursday in favor of banning smoking in Kansas.
Governor’s departure poses problems
Sebelius’ acceptance of HHS secretary leaves Kansas’ future and Obama’s health care ...
Sugar trade practices not so sweet
Documentary screening seeks to expose social injustices of sugar production in Dominican ...
Better Options for Bad Situations: Wine
If you're going to do it, be smart.
Entertainment on a budget
10 inexpensive summer activities
Sebelius persuades students to support Obama
Kathleen Sebelius spoke at the University on Monday about the upcoming Democratic ...
KU alum appointed District Judge
A former Jayhawk and longtime lawyer earned the District Court Judge job ...
A Fancy Affair
Legislature postpones liquor law enforcement
Business owners have expressed concern about the law, which could increase drink ...
No more smoking in the boys room
Business closes because of disagreements between tenants and building owners.
Artists vie to get ahead
Art students aren't scared off by "starving artist" stigma.
Sebelius reportedly Obama's choice for health secretary
The governor's possible departure could mean a shift of power in Topeka.
Editorial: Students should show support for anti-discrimination ...
Despite inconvenient meeting times, students should give support of Human Rights Ordinance.
Wanted: Volunteers
Whether it’s for a particular event or a weekly session, lend a ...
Farmers’ market opens for season
Shoppers can avoid pesticides by buying local and organic produce, but can ...
Spring Eats
Celebrate the return of nice weather with fresh, healthy meal ideas
Compliance employers monitor athlete eligibility
Kansas Athletics offers help and advice to student athletes who might considering ...
Locals march against FDA raid of herb ...
Owner of The Sacred Journey tells her side of what happened in ...
Local market could close
Original owners of The Casbah are ready to move on.
Sebelius avoids revealing political plans
The Kansas governor said she was happy the national spotlight had been ...
Stay and play
If you’re staying in Lawrence, fall in step on Mass
New law targets local retailers
Beginning last week, paraphernalia that may be used for illegal drug use ...
Lawrence residents find benefits in local food
The Lawrence Farmers’ Market has become a popular shopping option for local ...
Looking at both sides of the scalp
The Athletics Department has begun to take legal action against ticket scalpers ...
State bill could end local smoking ban
New legislation would overturn the long-established non-smoking ordinance in Lawrence.

Kansas Jayhawk fans hold aloft a reproduction of ...
2 comments
Erin Saupe, a Ph.D. student from St. Cloud, ...
1 comment
0 comments
Armed robbers continue to threaten.
3 comments
KUnited presidential candidate Libby Johnson and vice presidential ...
1 comment
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID