MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Bill would allow underage sipping, not drinking

Feb 4, 2013, 3:36 PM | Updated: 3:57 pm

Putting a wine glass in the hand of a college student is probably not your idea of a smart move. But a bill in Olympia would do just that. (AP Photo/file)

(AP Photo/file)

Putting a wine glass in the hand of a college student is probably not your idea of a smart move. But a bill in Olympia would do just that.

A small number of students at Washington State University’s Tri-Cities campus are up to their elbows in viticulture, the science of wine, grapes and wine-making. They work in the classroom and partner with local growers and wineries to expand their knowledge and skills.

The students can do about everything the professional winemakers can, unless they’re underage. If they’re not 21, they can’t sample the product. “Ridiculous,” they thought. So they approached Tri-Cities lawmaker Larry Haler, who agreed. “They should be allowed to taste the product that they are making,” he said.

You might wonder how a student can study grapes, wine and wine-making and not taste the product.

“At this point, you can’t,” laughed Haler. “Basically what I’m trying to do with this is make sure that they can, but under controlled circumstances,” he explained.

Haler introduced a measure, HB 1549, to allow students between the ages of 18 and 21, who are enrolled in a wine-making or similar program at a college or vocational school, to sip the wine they’re studying.

“They not actually swallowing the wine but they are putting it in their mouths, savoring it and they have to spit it out,” Haler said.

Grape growing and wine-making is big business in the mid-Columbia valley of Washington where you’ll find an estimated 200 wineries.

“This is a growing business, it’s a very important business for this state, and we have young men and women who are trying to get into the industry and this would allow them to, without swallowing the content, at least sample it as professional samplers and tasters do,” argued Rep. Haler.

Tasting for the underage student would be restricted to a classroom or with direct supervision of an instructor.

Representative Haler, R-8th district, expects some blowback but not from his constituents.

“In my district, people will understand and I think in Eastern Washington we understand that this is an important part of their education.”

The bill gets a hearing in Olympia Tuesday.

MyNorthwest News

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

44 minutes ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

2 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

2 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

3 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

6 hours ago

Kia Boys...

Kate Stone and Bill Kaczaraba

‘Kia Boyz’ allegedly execute a crime spree in south King County

Renton police chased down a 14-and 16-year-old but are still looking for two other teen suspects in what they said was a "crime spree" in south King County.

7 hours ago

Bill would allow underage sipping, not drinking