ITALIAN WINERY SUING ILLINOIS

While Illinois lawmakers continuing to haggle over direct shipment, the Italian Villa Monteleone Winery is suing the state, claiming Illinois’ liquor law favors its native wineries. Currently, Illinois winemakers can sell directly to consumers, while out-of-state vineyards must go through distributors."This self-distribution privilege constitutes pure economic protectionism; there is no rational basis for the different treatment of Illinois and non-Illinois wineries," argued the Verona-based company in the lawsuit filed last week.Villa Monteleone wine is distributed by the Wirtz family in