March 2025

California Vine Lines is a bimonthly publication of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) to offer policymakers a snapshot of what is occurring in the grape-growing and wine industry. Please click on any of the links for more information about the issues highlighted below.

Advocacy Day Reception

Please join the California Association of Winegrape Growers for a legislative reception where lawmakers, legislative staff, administrative staff, and other key policymakers can connect with leaders in the wine industry.

Enjoy an evening of great food, exceptional California wines, and meaningful connections with policymakers and winegrape growers from all over California.

We look forward to raising a glass with you - RSVP here.

Reframe Tariff Messaging

Today, many American restaurant wine menus read like foreign trade catalogs. The lack of local options not only limits consumer choice but also actively undermines the visibility and viability of American wines.

The hypocrisy is glaring. We promote localism in our food chain but eagerly look to pair that food with foreign wine. It’s particularly painful to see this in Sacramento, with its celebrated “Farm-to-Fork” narrative.

New Legislation Aims to Boost Farmworker Pay

SB 628, co-sponsored by California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and California Farm Bureau, aims to ensure that farmworkers have more opportunities to earn overtime pay while also providing relief to struggling agricultural businesses. Oregon & New York have created similar overtime tax credits that recognize the unintended consequences of overtime laws.

Climate Positive by 2050

Working with federal and state agencies, Jackson Family Wines removed the barriers and dedicated their water rights to the stream to keep it flowing for fish. The project was among the earliest to implement a Safe Harbor agreement, a program that encourages landowners to establish habitats for endangered species.)

Collaborate with Songbirds and Owls

Ecological evidence indicates barn owls and perhaps bluebirds can help winegrape growers manage pests. The birds' chemical-free contributions to integrated pest management are increasingly important. Data suggests that properly maintained, high-quality nest boxes can help bolster bird populations, helping to sustain the practice for years to come, a rare win-win for wildlife and agriculture.

Fired USDA Winegrape Scientists Back on the Job

The federal Department of Government Oversight and Efficiency recently fired scientists who were doing critical research in the wine industry.

Those scientists have now been rehired. The researchers include

Two chemists researching smoke exposure
Two geneticists researching grape breeding
A plant pathologist researching grapevine viral diseases
An agricultural engineer researching precision viticulture
An entomologist doing research on a vine mealybug project.

“Very High” Fire Danger Zones

The map rollout, which started earlier this month and will continue through late March, follows a Feb. 6 executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom to better prepare the state for urban firestorms in the wake of the catastrophic Los Angeles fires. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said the hazard maps won’t affect insurance decisions.

About the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG)

Founded in 1974, CAWG stands as the statewide advocate for winegrape growers, representing the interests of California's winegrape industry. Our mission is to foster collaboration and advocate for policies that ensure the continued success of this economically vital industry.

California Association of Winegrape Growers

1121 L Street, Suite 304 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • www.cawg.org

Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations

michael@cawg.org • (916) 379-8995 or (916) 204-0485