California Ag Network

Tag: winegrape advocacy

  • CAWG Launches California Wine Merchandise for California Wine Month

    California wine represents more than what’s in the bottle. It reflects the thousands of growers, workers, families, and communities who have shaped our state’s wine industry — and a wine growing culture that is distinctly Californian.

    Since 2004, California has marked September as Wine Month, a legislatively recognized tribute to the state’s wines, winegrowing regions, and the people who make them possible.

    While California is home to countless wineries and wine regions with their own identities, there are fewer products built around California wine as a whole.

    To celebrate, the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has launched a small line of merchandise, giving consumers and those who work in the industry a new way to show their support. Proceeds from the collection will support CAWG’s ongoing advocacy for growers throughout the state.

    “At a time when California’s winegrape growers are facing significant challenges, we need more people talking about California wine, choosing California wine, and recognizing the growers behind every bottle,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “This is one small, fun way to help do that.”

    The collection features simple designs created for anyone who loves California wine.

    “California wine is part of a lifestyle and culture that extends well beyond the vineyard,” Collins said. “You don’t have to work in wine to support it. We hope people wear it, share it, and maybe even get others thinking about what’s in their glass and where it comes from.”

    — Story contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers

  • CAWG Appoints Megan Bell as Public Affairs and External Communications Manager

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) added Megan Bell to its team, joining the association as its Public Affairs and External Communications Manager.

    Prior to joining CAWG, Bell was the owner and winemaker of Margins Wine in Santa Cruz County for the past decade, co-managing a vineyard for six of those years. Before starting her winery in 2016, she worked in wineries and on vineyard crews in Livermore Valley, Napa, Willamette Valley, New Zealand and France.

    “Megan’s real-world winery and vineyard experience in California will be a tremendous asset to our organization,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “Her firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the industry will strengthen CAWG’s ability to communicate and advocate on behalf of California wine grape growers.”

    “The opportunity to advocate for California’s winegrape growers is a natural next step in continuing to serve an industry which I am deeply committed to,” Bell said. “I look forward to sharing the stories of winegrape growers and helping to advance our collective goals.”

    In her new role as Public Affairs and External Communications Manager, Bell will lead CAWG’s communications efforts to support advocacy, media relations and member engagement. She will help shape the organization’s overall communications strategy, translating complex policy, regulatory, and economic issues into clear and compelling messaging for growers, policymakers and the public. She will also serve as a point of contact for media inquiries and other external communications that elevate the perspectives of California winegrape growers.

    Bell is a UC Davis graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Viticulture & Enology and an English minor. She is also a recent graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program. — Story Contributed by California Association of Winegrape Growers