Lindsey Zahn P.C. guides new wineries through the TTB federal basic winery permit and New York or other state licensing, then serves as outside counsel on labels, formulas, distribution, and compliance. It also advises on FDA rules for wines under 7% alcohol by volume.
Starting a winery means choosing a location, designing a layout, and hiring a team. Navigating the permit process shouldn’t be one more thing to worry about. Lindsey Zahn P.C. guides new wineries through the TTB federal basic winery permit and state licensing, and supports established wineries as outside compliance counsel on everything from day-to-day TTB matters to expansion, distribution, labeling, and social media compliance.
How the Firm Helps
- Draft and file the TTB federal basic winery permit application
- Update and amend TTB permits
- Draft and file state license applications and amendments
- Draft and submit formulas to TTB
- Review labels for state and federal compliance and represent you during the COLA process
- Advise on FDA requirements for certain wine products, including wines under 7% alcohol by volume
- Provide ongoing compliance guidance
Process and Timeline
- Plan the right structure. The firm maps your products and sales plans to the federal permit and state licenses you need.
- Federal permit. The firm prepares and files the federal basic winery permit with TTB.
- State licensing. The firm prepares the state license, including New York State Liquor Authority filings for New York businesses.
- Formulas and labels. Before launch, the firm handles formulas, label review, and COLAs so products can ship on time.
Federal and state applications can often be prepared in parallel. Plan for agency review on both before your opening or launch date, and file labels and formulas once your permits are on track.
Recent Representations
- Helped a winery relocate from an alternating proprietorship to its own fully operational space
- Advised a winery adding an alternating proprietor to its bonded premises and negotiated the agreement
- Assisted a winery with labeling and formulation for a wine-based product under 7% alcohol by volume
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a TTB permit to open a winery?
Yes. A winery needs a federal basic winery permit from TTB, along with the required state licenses, before it can produce and sell wine.
Does the firm work with businesses outside New York?
Yes. TTB and FDA requirements apply nationwide, and the firm represents clients across the United States on federal matters. It handles New York State Liquor Authority filings directly and advises on other states’ rules as your distribution grows.