California Ag Network

Tag: winegrapes

  • American Wine Truth in Labelling Bill Advances

    The California State Assembly approved AB 1585 (Connolly and Ransom), legislation that would require wine labeled “American” and sold or bottled in California to be made entirely from American-grown grapes. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a 67-0 vote and now advances to the California State Senate.

    Sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California (FWC), AB 1585 would establish a truth-in-labeling standard to improve transparency for consumers and reinforce the integrity of American wine labeling.  Under current labeling regulations, wine labeled “American” may contain up to 25% of foreign-grown grapes while still carrying the American appellation designation.

    “A 67-0 vote sends an unmistakable message: California stands behind its growers, wineries, and farmworkers, and behind honest wine labeling,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “AB 1585 is common sense – consumers choosing ‘American’ wine deserve to get American grapes. We’re grateful for the Assembly’s unanimous support and look forward to the Senate taking up this important consumer protection.”

    “Family Winemakers of California is proud to stand alongside CAWG and the more than 400 industry members who have championed this legislation,” said GinaLisa Tamayo, Board President of Family Winemakers of California. “We are encouraged by the Assembly’s strong support and eager to carry this momentum into the Senate.”

      The progress made this week is another step in a legislative process that will continue through August. AB 1585 will next be considered by the California State Senate Governmental Organization Committee in June.

  • Committee Advances Wine Labeling Legislation

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California (FWC) announced that AB 1585, American Wine Truth in Labeling legislation, cleared its first committee hearing on an 18-0 bipartisan vote.

    AB 1585 would require any wine labeled “American” be made from 100% American-grown wine grapes. This standard aligns the national designation with the same requirement California applies to wines labeled “California.”

    “Today’s vote is an important first step toward ensuring that when a bottle says ‘American,’ it means American,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “California’s wine community has invested significantly in building the American wine brand, and we are grateful the committee recognized what is at stake, for growers, wineries, communities, and the consumers who trust what’s on the label. This effort has been strengthened by a clear and unified voice across the industry. We thank the committee for its leadership and look forward to advancing this bill.”

    “Family Winemakers of California is proud to see this legislation move forward,” said FWC Board President GinaLisa Tamayo. “Truth in labeling isn’t just good policy — it’s the foundation of what our members have built their reputations on. When a bottle says ‘American,’ consumers deserve to know it means exactly that. Today’s vote is an important first step, and we’ll be with this bill every step of the way.”

    The recent hearing marks the beginning of a legislative process that will continue through August. AB 1585 must clear several additional steps, including the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where the bill heads next, before the legislature’s August 31 deadline to act on 2026 session legislation.

    — Story contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Family Winemakers of California

  • California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces Class 55 Fellows

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the selection of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a distinguished group of emerging agricultural leaders who will engage in a 17-month intensive program designed to develop leadership skills and prepare them to lead in California’s dynamic agricultural industry.

    The Ag Leadership Program selects individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to advancing California agriculture. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in immersive experiences, including leadership seminars, national and international travel seminars, and hands-on projects that foster personal growth and drive industry impact.

    “Class 55 will be challenged to broaden their perspectives, expand their influence, and lead with purpose. They embody the very essence of CALF’s mission, to grow leaders who make a difference. This cohort will carry forward a legacy of service-driven leadership that will help ensure California agriculture thrives for generations to come,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (Class 49).

    Class 55 represents a wide range of agricultural sectors, including field crops, forestry, rice, tree crops, winegrapes, berries and water and brings diverse perspectives through their work in associations, government, agricultural services, and production.

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has been cultivating leaders for over 55 years, with alumni contributing to policy development, industry advancement, and community engagement across the state and nation. The Class 55 cohort continues this tradition of leadership excellence.

    Class 55 fellows’ inaugural ceremony will take place on October 3rd in Fresno, California. For more information about the Ag Leadership program or to learn more about the Class 55 Fellows, visit agleaders.org Tickets and additional event information are available at agleaders.org/events

    Class 55 Fellows

    • Claire Aicken – County of San Diego AWM, Oceanside, CA
    • Jordan Albiani – Galt High School, Elk Grove, CA
    • Tommy Bottoms – Tremont Farms, Davis, CA
    • Morgan Campbell – Westside Water Authority, Bakersfield, CA
    • Sam Christopherson – Markon, Sacramento, CA
    • Natalie Collins – California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi, CA
    • Drew Crane – Crane Mills, Tehama, CA
    • Kelly Damewood – California Certified Organic Farmers, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Jared Davit – Jarran Ag Services, Yuba City, CA
    • Josh Enos – Carriere Family Farms, Glenn, CA
    • Lauren Fann – Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA
    • Omar Alexander Gonzalez-Benitez – Planasa LLC, Watsonville, CA
    • Lisa Howard – Tolenas Winery, Fairfield, CA
    • Casey Kirchhoff – Kirchhoff Family Wines, Clarksburg, CA
    • Kiaran Locy – California Prune Board, Sacramento, CA
    • Cesar Mendoza – BASF Corporation, Fresno, CA
    • Jordon Navarrot – Reclamation District 108, Grimes, CA
    • Jon Neugebauer – McArthur Farm Supply, McArthur, CA
    • Logan Robertson Huecker – Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Visalia, CA
    • Ryan Scott – Monterey Pacific, Templeton, CA
    • Emma Sertich – Center Safe Ag, Ventura, CA
    • Sadie Strain – Strain Farming Company, Arbuckle, CA
    • Kevin Voorhees – AgWest Farm Credit, San Luis Obispo, CA
    • Jeremy Wagner – County of San Mateo AWM, Redwood City, CA

    Class 55 Video: https://youtu.be/sHQCqXNq4hs

    About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,400 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State.