Senate approves port wine bill for Georgia

The chamber passed a measure Thursday that would raise the legal percentage of grape-based alcohol made in Georgia to 24 percent. The current limit is 21 percent. The increase is specifically aimed at Georgia’s wineries to allow them to produce fortified wines, which include port and brandy.

Sen. Jack Murphy, R-Cumming, sponsored Senate Bill 286 and called it "an economic development and tourism bill" to promote Georgia-grown products.

The bill passed 48-5. It now goes to the House for consideration.