Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has teamed up with Pennsylvania Winery Association (PWA) to offer consumers with PA Preferred wines at select PA Wine & Spirits stores.

The new program, which will be effective from summer 2013, will allow PA Preferred wineries to stock up to ten varietals of wines at PLCB’s select PA Wine & Spirits stores.

PLCB chairman Joseph E Brion said by offering the wines at select stores, the wineries will not only be able to reach consumers who are already aware of their brand but also to new consumers who will have the chance to try new products produced nearby.

However, to participate in the program wineries must be associated with the Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred program, which currently has around 75 wineries designated as PA Preferred.

According to PWA, the region has more than 150 wineries that account for over $2bn in the commonwealth’s economy.

PLCB board member Robert Marcus said they are happy to partner with PWA and support local business by offering Pennsylvania wines at PA Wine & Spirits stores.

"Greater selection will give consumers more opportunity to buy local," he added.

Agriculture secretary George Greig said the program creates good opportunity for PA Preferred wineries to showcase their wines to wide audience.

"When consumers purchase wine from local wineries, it makes a difference to local farmers, communities and our future," he added.