WSWA Hosts Successful Legislative Fly-In
This week, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) successfully concluded its annual legislative fly-in, marking the third time WSWA members traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress in the past month.
In 2025, more than 25 WSWA wholesaler members met with 150 Members of Congress, according to the organization, representing 20 member companies across the country. The two-day event allowed WSWA members to build relationships with lawmakers, advocate for common-sense policy reforms and spotlight the essential role that America’s family-owned wholesalers play in communities across the country.
“Our face-to-face conversations with Members of Congress help lawmakers understand the real-world impacts of the policies they debate,” said WSWA chairwoman and president of Opici Family Distributing Dina Opici in a news release. “These meetings strengthen relationships that are essential to advancing policies that support American family-owned businesses, preserve local jobs, and protect consumers. Building upon the theme of my Chairmanship, it takes everyone to support the effort to ensure we actively represent our industry members.”
WSWA Advocates for Family-Owned Businesses
Throughout the fly-in, WSWA states that members met with dozens of Members of Congress and staff to discuss top legislative priorities, including:
Securing the permanence of Section 199A, a tax deduction for qualified business income that has enabled WSWA members to reinvest over $380 million in their operations, workforce, and communities since 2017. The House Ways and Means Committee’s recent advancement of legislation to make this deduction permanent is significant for wholesalers.
Urging the elimination of tariffs on imported wine and spirits that unnecessarily burden American businesses and consumers, while supporting fair, targeted trade policies that acknowledge the unique characteristics of single-origin products.
Calling for federal regulation of hemp-derived THC products in the next Farm Bill, ensuring responsible regulation that mirrors the proven beverage alcohol model, while affirming states’ rights to control distribution and retail access within their borders.
“We’re pleased to see Congressional recognition of the importance of tax policies like 199A that empower family-owned businesses to grow and succeed,” said WSWA president and CEO Francis Creighton in the release. “This progress is a major step toward long-term certainty for our members. Our industry invests locally, supports thousands of jobs, and delivers products safely and responsibly through a system that has stood the test of time.”
The fly-in culminated with WSWA’s signature Toast to Congress reception — an annual celebration that unites Members of Congress, staff, wholesalers, media and industry partners in a bipartisan gathering to highlight the strength and tradition of the U.S. wine and spirits industry, according to the organization.
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