Wine, Department of Commerce

Winery Definitions

• Unfortified wine is fermented naturally or with sugar and does not exceed 17% alcohol.
• Fortified wine - exceeds 17% alcohol and usually has brandy added to stop the fermentation.
• Content of Wine for Labeling Purpose (Rules by TTB): 
  • American Wine may not be labeled a vintage 
  • Varietal Wine - 75% made from that grape variety (except labrusca which must be at least 51%) 
  • North Carolina Wine - 75% North Carolina Grapes 
  • AVA (American Viticultural Area designation) - 85% grapes from that AVA
  • Vintage Wine - 95% Grapes from that year
  • Estate Bottled Wine -100% Grapes from winery-owned vineyards
• Wholesaler = Distributor - can be winery with exemption to receive wholesale permit
• Retailer - can be winery on winery premise
• Importer - receives product from outside of state or country
• Exporter - regulated at federal level only
• Bottle Sizes
  

  Half bottle	0.375 liters	0.5 bottles
  Bottle	0.750	1
  Magnum	1.5	2
  Double Magnum	3	4
  Jeroboam	5	7
  Imperial	6	8
  Methuselah	6	8
  Salmanazar	9	12
  Balthazar	12	16
  Nebuchadnezzar	15	20