Delaware Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers

Delaware presents a highly restrictive yet evolving alcohol market that reflects the state’s unique regulatory approach and recent legislative modernization efforts. The First State operates as an open market under the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC), but maintains some of the strictest retail restrictions in the nation while gradually opening to direct-to-consumer opportunities. This creates a distinctive regulatory environment that limits retail channels while protecting traditional distribution systems.

Delaware had an approximate population of 1 million people in 2024, with 800,000 within the legal drinking age bracket. The state ranks 41st in distilled spirits consumption, with annual sales of approximately 1.2 million 9-liter cases. Delaware’s growth as a beverage destination reflects both legislative evolution and changing consumer preferences despite historical restrictions.

A particularly distinctive feature of Delaware’s regulatory framework is its prohibition on alcohol sales in grocery stores, convenience stores, or gas stations—Delaware is one of the few states that restricts wine, spirits, and full-strength beer sales exclusively to licensed package stores.

Additionally, Delaware is a franchise state, providing strong protections for distributors. In a significant development, legislation signed in August 2025 will allow direct-to-consumer wine shipments starting in August 2026, with strict licensing, labeling, taxation, and delivery requirements.

We’ve prepared a guide to the Delaware market, which covers the following topics:

• Consumption trends
• The most popular alcohol categories
• Local guidelines

If you need help establishing your presence in Delaware, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more on how we can help.

Consumption Trends In Delaware

Delaware Spirits Consumption from 2020-2024 by 9-Liter Cases

Delaware Wine Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Delaware Beer Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases

Delaware State Alcohol Licensing

Delaware operates as an open state with the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commissioner (OABCC) overseeing all aspects of alcohol regulation. Delaware is a franchise state, providing strong protections for alcohol beverage distributors and restricting supplier termination of distribution contracts. The state maintains strict retail channel restrictions while allowing traditional three-tier distribution.

Common Licenses for Manufacturers in Delaware

Spirits

Craft Distillery License – For producers under 100,000 proof gallons annually. Authorizes manufacture, rectification, bottling, storage, and sale of distilled spirits, including on-site retail at the distillery and distribution to wholesalers. Includes privileges for off-site tastings and limited direct-to-consumer shipment capabilities.

Standard Distillery License – For facilities exceeding craft limits. Provides comprehensive manufacturing and distribution privileges for larger-scale operations.

Wine

Wine Manufacturer License/Winery License – Enables the manufacture, fermentation, blending, aging, storage, and bottling of wine on licensed premises. Allows sales to Delaware-licensed importers/wholesalers and on-premise/off-premise consumption at the winery location. Each employee/representative soliciting orders in Delaware must have a permit.

Direct Shipper License – New for 2026 – Allows licensed wineries to apply for limited direct-to-consumer shipments. Application fee $100 (valid for 2 years). Two tiers: $400 to ship up to 200 cases in 2 years, or $3,600 to ship more (up to 1,800 cases/year). A maximum of three 9-liter cases per Delaware household per year.

Beer

Brewery (Manufacturer) License – Authorizes the manufacture, bottling, storage, and sale of beer within Delaware.

Microbrewery License – For smaller producers, allows self-distribution and more flexible retail opportunities.

Brewery-Pub License – For brewery-restaurants, requiring both brewing and restaurant licenses. Production must occur on-site and is limited to the connected restaurant.

Out-of-State Brand Requirements

Spirits

Delaware Supplier License – Out-of-state producers must obtain this license from the OABCC before selling spirits for importation into Delaware. Required for all wholesale distribution activities.

Wine

Delaware Supplier License – Out-of-state wine producers must obtain this license from the OABCC for wholesale distribution. Allows shipping wine to Delaware-licensed wholesalers/importers but does not allow direct sales to retailers or consumers.

Beer

Delaware Supplier License – Out-of-state beer producers must obtain this license from the OABCC to sell and ship beer to Delaware wholesalers/importers. Does not grant rights for direct sales to retailers or consumers.

Delaware State Alcohol Regulations

Price Posting in Delaware

Spirits and All Alcoholic Liquors (Other than Beer or Wine): Annual filing of prices required by January 15 each year, or within 30 days of first becoming licensed to sell alcoholic liquors in the state.

Brand/Label Registration Requirements

Label registration is not required, though federal label standards must be met.

Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Delivery

Wine

Direct Shipper License – Effective August 2026 – Delaware passed new direct-to-consumer wine legislation in August 2025. Licensed wineries may ship directly to consumers with strict limitations: maximum three 9-liter cases per household per year, cannot ship to dry/local option areas. Significant barriers include $3,600 licensing fees for higher volume shipments and prohibitions against wineries with existing wholesale relationships.

Spirits

Direct-to-consumer sales are limited to on-premises sales at licensed craft distilleries.

Beer

Microbreweries may engage in limited self-distribution and on-premises sales.

Retailer Delivery

Off-Premise Retailers – May sell and deliver alcoholic beverages only on the licensed premises or by curbside service (excludes grocery, delicatessen, or cigar stores).

On-Premise Retailers – May sell alcoholic beverages for take-out or by curbside, drive-through, or delivery service. On-premises licensees may not themselves deliver alcoholic beverages and must use third-party delivery services.

Delaware Spirits Volume Sales By Category – 2024 Data

Spirit trends in Delaware by volume and dollar sales in 2024.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Delaware Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

See below for the beer trends in Delaware by volume sales in 2023.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Delaware Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data

See below for the wine trends in Delaware by volume sales in 2023.

Source: Beverage Information Group

Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Delaware

Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Delaware. If you’re looking for more information related to each of the individual distributors, feel free to visit the distributor listings. Should you not find what you’re looking for below, please reach out to us and we’ll gladly help you find the distributor you’re looking to connect with.

Selling Alcohol In Delaware

If you’re looking to sell alcohol in the state of Delaware, then you need to know the state and county laws. Below you will find a list of the most commonly asked questions related to selling within the state. Should you have any additional selling-related questions, please feel free to reach out to us.

FAQs on Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales

Buying Alcohol In Delaware – Hours, Locations & Taxes

Below you will find all the most frequently asked questions related to buying alcohol in the state of Delaware.

FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Delaware

(Data Sources: delcode.delaware.gov, oabcc.delaware.gov, wikipedia.org)