ANNAPOLIS, MD. — Wine merchants are hoping to put a cork in a Maryland law that prohibits wineries from shipping directly to Maryland consumers.

They're planning a big lobbying effort in Annapolis this upcoming session, which begins in January.

Maryland has a three-tier regulatory system on the sale of wine. It requires producers to sell to wholesalers, who then distribute wine to retail stores.

Adam Borden, executive director of Marylanders for Better Beer and Wine Laws, says he believes interest in a change is building momentum.

Opponents of direct sales say it would make it easier for minors to obtain alcohol.

The (Baltimore) Sun reports that at least 35 states, including Virginia, and the District of Columbia, have passed legislation authorizing direct shipment of wine to consumers.

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Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com