February 2026 Newsletter

• Future of Ag Scholarship
• SVB: State of the U.S. Wine Industry
• Grower Spotlight: Michael O. Ryan
• Recent Events
• UC Davis On the Road
• Barrels & Verticals
• Notification of AB 1585
• Affiliate Sponsor: RSA+

LCWC ‘Future of Agriculture’ Scholarship Applications Due April 3

Silicon Valley Bank U.S. Wine Industry Report

The 2026 State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report from Silicon Valley Bank was released this month.

A few signals highlighted in the report:



• The rate of decline in U.S. wine volume has moderated compared to prior years.
• The report describes a potential “bumpy bottom” forming over the next couple of years.
• Supply continues to exceed demand in multiple regions.
• Top-quartile wineries are outperforming peers and are characterized by stronger direct-to-consumer performance and inventory discipline.

We’re reviewing the data closely as we continue regional planning discussions.

Recent Events

News from UC Davis and UCCE

On the Road in Lake and Mendocino Counties

UCCE North Coast Viticulture is working in conjunction with UC Davis to bring you a program at the Hopland Research Station on March 4, 2026.

The half-day program at Hopland REC runs from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and will focus on new rootstock developments, fungal pathogen control (PM and Botrytis), and aspects of wine production and fermentation.

News from Lake County Winery Association

Barrels & Verticals, February 28

AB 1585 - Legislation Introduced to Strengthen “American” Wine Labeling

The Lake County Winegrape Commission recently joined fellow regional winegrape organizations across California in signing a formal letter of support for AB 1585 (Connolly & Ransom) — legislation focused on strengthening truth-in-labeling standards for wine.

AB 1585 would require that wine labeled as “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown grapes. Under current federal standards, up to 25 percent imported bulk wine may be included in products labeled “American.”

The bill aligns the “American” designation with existing California requirements, which already require wines labeled “California” to be made from 100 percent California-grown grapes. The legislation does not restrict wine imports, blending practices, or winery sourcing decisions. It applies only to labeling and would affect wine bottled on or after July 1, 2027.

LCWC joined other commissions and regional associations in supporting AB 1585 as a measure to ensure clarity, consistency, and transparency in geographic labeling.

You can review the original CAWG press release, the joint support letter (including LCWC’s signature), and a detailed FAQ here.

Affiliate Sponsor: RSA+

RSA⁺ has been part of Northern California’s vineyard and winery landscape since 1980. With offices in Downtown Lakeport and Downtown Napa, we are a full-service civil engineering and surveying firm that helps turn ideas into buildable, approvable, and successful projects.

Our team of nearly 40 engineers, surveyors, and technical staff supports vineyard and winery projects throughout the region, from early planning through construction. We work with growers and winery owners on everything from site feasibility and layout to grading and drainage, access roads, utilities, stormwater compliance, and water resource management. For winery facilities, we provide civil engineering, underground utility design, joint trench coordination, and construction phase inspections to help keep projects moving smoothly and efficiently.

Because we offer both engineering and surveying in house, we are able to streamline coordination and solve problems early, saving time and reducing surprises during design and construction.

While vineyards and wineries are a big part of our work, we also serve residential, commercial, and public works clients throughout Northern California. No matter the project type, our goal is the same. Provide practical, thoughtful solutions and guide our clients through complex regulatory processes with as little stress as possible.

You can learn more about RSA⁺ at rsacivil.com

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