(MLive) - Sample a local merlot while you shop for tomatoes and celery?

It sounds like a simple idea, but it's taken state Sen. Goeff Hansen, R-Hart, seven years to fine-tune a couple of bills allowing local wines into Michigan farmers markets.

On Tuesday, May 7, the latest version of a plan Hansen has submitted several times since 2006 passed the State Senate unanimously. After talking to Speaker of the House Jase Bolger and a committee chairman, Hansen is optimistic the bill could be made law and implemented in time for late summer.

"That would be right in the heart of the farmer’s market season," Hansen said.

The bill would allow wineries that produce less than 5,000 gallons a year to have wine tastings and sell bottles at farmers markets throughout the state.