The U.S. wine industry has spent decades building a thriving direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipping channel that’s now worth nearly $4 billion annually. Spirits, on the other hand, are still stuck at the starting line. The 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report, co-published by Sovos ShipCompliant and the American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), reveals just how wide the gap has become and why it’s time for change.
The Growth of DtC Wine Shipping
The success of the DtC wine shipping channel is a result of persistence, policy reform and consumer loyalty. Today, 48 states plus Washington D.C. allow wineries to ship directly to consumers across state lines. This legal framework has enabled wineries to build sustainable revenue streams outside of the three-tier system.
In 2024:
- U.S. wineries shipped 6.4 million cases DtC.
- The total value of DtC wine shipments reached $3.94 billion.
These numbers reflect a healthy market where consumers expect to buy wine online, and producers have built robust spirits and wine compliance systems to meet demand.
Why Spirits Lag Behind
In stark contrast, the DtC spirits market remains heavily restricted. Only nine states plus D.C. currently allow interstate DtC spirits shipping. That means the vast majority of U.S. consumers cannot order spirits from out-of-state distilleries.
- Key barriers include:
- Production caps that limit which distilleries can participate.
- Reciprocity rules that restrict cross-border shipping.
- In-state-only permissions that block national reach.
- Control states with added layers of regulation.
These limitations stifle growth for small distilleries and frustrate consumers eager to support craft producers. The result is a market that’s ready to explode but can’t.
Consumer Demand for DtC Spirits
According to the 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report:
- 84% of regular craft spirits drinkers want DtC access.
- 67% of Americans 21+ support expanding shipping laws.
- 77% have discovered a spirit while traveling that they wish they could buy at home but can’t. · Half of polled regular craft spirits drinkers likely to buy via DtC say they’d spend $124 monthly, or $1,484 annually. Multiply that by millions of interested consumers, and the opportunity for direct shipping of alcohol becomes massive.
Why the Difference Matters
DtC alcohol shipping isn’t just about convenience—it’s about survival and growth for small producers. The wine industry has proved that DtC wine and spirits shipping can coexist with the three-tier system.
Market opportunities for small producers
DtC shipping helps distilleries build direct relationships with customers, gather feedback, and test new products. Consumers get access to the products they love, regardless of geography. In fact, 92% of DtC spirits buyers say they’d seek out brands in retail after discovering them online.
Future of DtC Wine and Spirits
Legislative reform is essential to unlock the full potential of direct-to-consumer wine and spirits. Lawmakers and regulators must listen to consumer demand and modernize spirits shipping laws.
Conclusion
The spirits industry is chomping at the bit to follow wine’s lead. It’s up to lawmakers and regulators to listen.
Download the 2025 Direct-to-Consumer Spirits Shipping Report for more key insights on consumer demand, market opportunities and the critical need for legislative reform.
FAQs
Why can wineries ship DtC but most distilleries cannot?
Wineries benefit from decades of advocacy and policy reform that opened up DtC wine and spirits shipping channels. Distilleries face outdated laws and regulatory barriers that limit their ability to ship directly.
Which states allow DtC spirits shipping?
As of October 2025, Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia allow DtC spirits shipping.
Which state is the latest to update their DtC shipping laws for spirits?
In 2024, California passed a proper DtC spirits shipping bill that provides market access to distilleries across the country; however, the law is set to expire by December 31, 2026 unless extended by the state.