• Reuters , Thursday, September 11, 2008 10:15 AM

Amazon.com is looking to sell wine in approximately 26 states, and wine sold on its site will come from all regions of the country, according to Terry Hall, communications director for the Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit group representing 315 growers in the famous California wine-producing region. Hall says that Amazon has been "fast-tracking" the idea, which has been under consideration for some time. An Amazon spokeswoman declines to comment.

To avoid the confusing legal issues over the interstate sale of wine that vary from state to state, Amazon will be working with New Vine Logistics, a Napa, Calif.-based company dealing in wine fulfillment that can deliver to up to 45 states.

Hall says wine purchases on Amazon would qualify for its discount-shipping program, Amazon Prime, in which goods are shipped free for a yearly fee of $79. Industry insiders say Amazon's entry into the wine market would be a good counterpoint to the shrinking pool of distributors amid consolidation in their industry.

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