Direct-to-consumer (DtC) wine shipping has evolved significantly over the past two decades, from a niche service to a cornerstone of many wineries’ sales strategies. In 2025, two long-restricted states, Arkansas and Mississippi, passed new DtC wine shipping laws that significantly expand access for consumers and open new markets for producers.
The changes outlined in HB 1476 , SB 2145 and SB 2851 mark a turning point for wine lovers in Arkansas and Mississippi and reflect a broader shift in alcohol shipping regulations and signal growing momentum for reform nationwide.
Key Provisions of SB 2145 and SB 2851
The Mississippi DtC wine shipping laws were enacted through SB 2145 and SB 2851 and took effect on July 1, 2025. The laws allow both in-state and out-of-state wineries to apply for DtC permits in Mississippi and ship wine to consumers across the state (within monthly volume limits). For years, Mississippi was one of the last holdouts—now it becomes the 48th U.S. state (plus Washington, D.C.) to allow some form of DtC wine shipping.
Arkansas DtC Wine Shipping Law: A Parallel Update
In April, Arkansas passed HB 1476, removing its long-standing requirement that consumers purchase wine on-site at a winery in order to have it shipped home. Under the new law, Arkansas residents can now purchase wine online and sign up for clubs offered by licensed wineries. Many restrictions remain, including bans on shipments to “dry” regions in the state, and licensees can only ship up to 24 cases per household per year. But the law change opens the door to much greater access to the national wine market.
Why These State Changes Matter
These two updates may seem incremental—but their impact is meaningful.
- Market access: Arkansas and Mississippi represent small but untapped consumer markets. Opening them to DtC wine creates new revenue opportunities for wineries, especially small- and mid-sized producers without national distribution.
- National consistency: These changes bring the U.S. one step closer to a truly national DtC shipping environment. With just two states (Utah and Delaware) maintaining broad restrictions, the legal map is becoming less fragmented—though complexities remain.
- Momentum for reform: These wins reflect growing momentum for modernizing alcohol laws. Advocacy groups, trade associations and wineries have pushed for years to eliminate outdated rules that don’t reflect today’s ecommerce landscape. Recent legislative success reinforces that argument.
Compliance Considerations for Wineries
For wineries with established DtC programs across the country, entering Arkansas and Mississippi is a relatively simple lift—with real potential to grow their customer base. But they also come with responsibilities.
Licensing and Permitting in Mississippi
Wineries must apply for a DtC wine license in Mississippi, whether in-state or out-of-state. This includes submitting applications and adhering to Mississippi alcohol shipping regulations. As with many new laws, implementation details may evolve. Wineries need to monitor developments closely and stay in step with reporting requirements.
Tax Collection and Reporting Obligations
Wineries must collect sales and excise taxes and maintain accurate records. Winery shipping compliance in Mississippi requires ongoing diligence.
Age Verification and Shipping Restrictions
Age verification is mandatory. Wineries must also respect household volume limits and avoid shipping to restricted regions.
DtC Wine Shipping Nationwide
The DtC wine map is more complete than ever. What began as a patchwork of restrictive laws has evolved into a more open—though still regulated—system. As consumer expectations shift toward convenience and variety, direct-to-consumer wine shipping in 2025 will only grow in importance.
FAQ
Can out-of-state wineries ship to Mississippi now?
Yes. Under the Mississippi DtC wine shipping law, out-of-state wineries can apply for permits and ship directly to consumers.
What permits are required in Mississippi?
To adhere to Mississippi DtC wine shipping laws, wineries must obtain DtC wine permits and comply with all licensing and reporting requirements.
Are there volume or household limits?
Yes. Mississippi enforces monthly volume limits, and Arkansas restricts shipments to 24 cases per household annually.
How does Mississippi compare to Arkansas?
Mississippi offers broader access, while Arkansas maintains restrictions in dry counties and caps annual shipments.
Which states still prohibit DtC shipping?
Only Utah and Delaware continue to prohibit most forms of DtC wine shipping. Check out Sovos ShipCompliant’s comprehensive guide for state-by-state wine shipping rules for up-to-date information on each state’s DtC wine shipping laws.