State Law: Legal Amounts of Homemade Wine
Maine laws regarding homemade wine are pursuant to the federal law which states the following:
The aggregate amount of wine exempt from tax under this subsection with respect to any household shall not exceed – (1) 200 gallons per calendar year if there are 2 or more adults in such household, or (2) 100 gallons per calendar year if there is only 1 adult in such household.
State Alcoholic Beverages Control Agency
Bureau of Alcoholic Beverages and Lottery Operations
State House, Station 8
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207.287.3721
Email: MaineLiquor@Maine.gov
Statute Title & Description
Part 1, Chapter 1, Section 2: Definitions
“Alcohol” means the substance known as ethyl alcohol, hydrated oxide of ethyl or spirit of wine which is commonly produced by the fermentation or distillation of grain, starch, molasses, sugar, potatoes or other substances, and includes all dilutions and mixtures of these substances.
“Sparkling wine” means carbonated wine.
“Wine” means any liquor containing not more than 24% alcohol by volume that is produced by the fermentation of fruit or other agricultural products containing sugar or wine to which spirits have been added not to exceed 24% by volume. “Wine” includes, but is not limited to, wine coolers, table wine, still wine, sparkling wine, champagne and fortified wine, provided that the alcohol content is not above 24% by volume.
Part 3 Subpart 3 Chapter 51 Subchapter 2 Section 1356: Illegal Manufacture
Any person not licensed by the bureau who manufactures for sale any liquor, and any person who sells any liquor manufactured by that person without a license in the State, commits a Class E crime.
NOTE: The information presented here is not a substitute for legal advice. For detailed information regarding the laws of your state please contact the state’s governing agency and/or a lawyer licensed to practice in your state.