Santa Fe, N.M.—New Mexico, last of the so-called “reciprocal” shipping states, will open its doors to direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments from wineries starting July 1. Gov. Susana Martinez signed into law Senate Bill 445, which will allow wineries from throughout the United States to ship their products to adult New Mexico residents.

According to Steve Gross, director of state relations for California’s Wine Institute, the new law creates a state permit system. Wineries must obtain a $50 permit, which will allow them to ship up to two cases per month to adult residents in New Mexico. Gross told Wines & Vines that the new regulations do not apply to retailer wine shipments.

Despite easy approval from both houses of the New Mexico legislature, enactment of the DtC bill had remained in doubt until Martinez signed it this week. Local media reported that Mack Energy Corp., an Artesia oil company and a contributor to Martinez’ campaign, had lobbied against its approval.

Per WinesVinesDATA, New Mexico is currently home to 42 wineries.

Gross, who continues to pursue Wine Institute’s decades-long efforts on behalf of DtC shipping, commented, “The governor recognized this was good for consumers.”

He noted that WI, Free the Grapes! and other supporters are optimistic that DtC regulations are near a turning point in Maryland. Change is also in the wind for New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“The other big one for us is passing fix-up” language in Massachusetts, which passed direct-shipping legislation last year; and “trying to keep Florida open” to DtC shipping. For details on current direct-to-consumer regulations, visit wineinstitute.org.