May 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.

Winemakers Feeling the Pinch

KCRA 3 reports on how trade wars affect the CA wine industry. “A lot of people’s economic livelihood depends on this," said Stuart Spencer of the Lodi Winegrape Commission. "We saw a 30 to 35% drop in revenue within our region last year because of the grapes going unharvested and a downward pressure on price.” The loss creates a domino effect, impacting all segments of the industry, from irrigation companies to farm workers

New Era of Sustainable Vineyard Management

WineBusiness.com reports on how electrification, automation, and AI-powered insights are reshaping the future of vineyard management. “We’re able to collect valuable data during routine tractor operations. It’s a zero-emissions solution that lowers operating costs and brings precision to every decision in the vineyard.” This technology increases worker safety and enhances environmental protections.

Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and several other organizations dedicated to sustainable winegrowing — California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi Winegrape Commission, Napa Green, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Winegrowers, Vineyard Team, and Wine Institute — teamed up for the 2025 California Green Medal: Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Awards program. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery, CHANDON, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, and Nuveen Natural Capital.

Podcast: How bad is wine’s oversupply problem?

In 2024, wine production far outstripped demand. Glenn Proctor of Ciatti and Jeff Bitter of Allied Grape Growers help us understand the unique challenges of the current crisis and how it is shaping the future of the wine business in the US and beyond.

State of the World Vine and Wine Sector in 2024

Over the past two seasons, 600-800,000 tons of California winegrapes went unharvested while millions of gallons of inexpensive bulk wine was imported into California. Much of this subsidized by the US government through the duty drawback program. Additionally, the European Union spends 500 million Euros annually subsidizing new vineyards while simultaneously spending millions buying up excess wine for crisis distillation.

U.S. Booze Boycott = Boon for Canadian Wineries

Canada's united boycott of U.S. booze could result in a banner year for British Columbia's wine industry, while also delivering a financial blow to vineyards south of the border. The Buy Canadian movement is expected to boost demand for B.C. wine and some other types of homegrown liquor as the absence of U.S. product means more space at retail stores and on restaurant menus.

Growers Going Organic

Growers in Lodi are “in a world of hurt,” industry leaders say, due to decreased wine demand, and experts have recommended that the region tear out 30,000 acres of vines. But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel: going organic.

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