September 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.

Vineyards Damaged by Wildfire

The growing impact of fires has once again shaken the Napa Valley wine industry, as fears of smoke-exposed grapes and soaring insurance rates put vintners on edge. Vineyards can make excellent fire breaks because they are typically clear of burnable plant matter, and grape vines themselves hold enough moisture to be nonflammable. But heat damage and smoke can still destroy a crop.

Other California wine regions are also currently being threatened by wildfires.

The 2025 Harvest STOMP Raises $2.7 Million

Held at the Hoxsey Family's historic property in Yountville, Napa Valley, 500 guests came together at the event, which supports education programs focused on vineyard quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship, and Farmworker Foundations' impactful work providing education, career development, and advancement opportunities for Napa's farmworker families.

State of Winery Health Report

Some findings of the wine health report are encouraging. Others are a wake-up call. One thing is clear, though: the strongest wineries today share a common mindset – Healthy wineries are deeply rooted in their local communities. They describe themselves as integral to their community, and actively engage in local partnerships, events, and initiatives that strengthen their brand beyond the tasting room.

An Interview with P!nk

Alecia Moore, owner and winemaker of Two Wolves Winery in Santa Barbara. (Alecia is better known as the mega-star singer/songwriter P!nk). In that interview, Moore shares her thoughts on the emotional power of wine to bring us together. It’s a message that we, the California wine industry, take to heart. Because we can tell the true story of wine’s beneficial place in everyday living.

P!nk was the keynote speaker at the 2025 Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in January. CAWG invites you to join us again at the 2026 Unified Symposium held here in Sacramento.

2026 Farm Robotics Challenge

The Farm Robotics Challenge, the only collegiate agricultural robotics competition of its kind, is officially launching its 2026 season. The competition is between student teams from two-year and four-year colleges and universities across the US and worldwide.

The competition tasks students with designing, prototyping, and field-testing robotics and AI-driven solutions to tackle real challenges facing modern agriculture. The Challenge is organized by UC ANR Innovate, the innovation arm ofthe University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, in partnership with the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems (AIFS).

Celebrating California Wine Month

When the legislature adjourns the 2025 legislative session, celebrate by joining the festivities throughout September at wineries across the state, or bring the harvest excitement home.

CAWG co-sponsored SR 64 (Cabaldon), which declares September as California Wine Month. Cheers!

Competition in the Markets for Wine

A February 2022 report entitled “Competition in the Markets for Beer, Wine and Spirits” discussed how the three-tier system limits competition in the alcohol beverage market, especially for small wine makers. That report was essentially reversed recently. It happened fairly quietly without much fanfare, and few noticed. But, on August 13, President Trump rescinded Executive Order 14036 by President Biden on “Promoting Competition in the American Economy.” It was this Biden-era executive order that led to the most honest assessment of the alcohol regulatory system in the U.S. since Prohibition.

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