California has approved a bill intended to liberalise the state's wine laws

by S. C.

The Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has approved a bill intended to liberalise the state's wine laws.

Sponsored by the Wine Institute, the law will allow winemakers to sell their wines in licensed venues away from the winery.

The bill will also allow customers to take home unfinished bottles.

The change is highly significant for local winemakers, as more and more wineries are opening tasting rooms and winery-owned bars, particularly in cities.

The bill, known as AB 1470, will become law 1 January 2010.