July 2024

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.

Legislative Vineyard Tour & Dinner

You’re invited.

Join CAWG for an educational program and dinner discussion on sustainability within the winegrape industry. Explore sustainable practices, meet industry leaders, and enjoy a memorable evening dedicated to the future of California's winegrape industry. The event will be held at Bogle Family Vineyards in Clarksburg, on August 14, 5:00 PM.

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Masses in California

Spotted Lanternfly egg masses were discovered at the Truckee Border Protection Station in March. This is the first finding of SLF egg masses in California.

“Spotted lanternflies have been found in 18 states and have proven to pose a serious threat to vineyards,” said Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “These invasive insects feed on the sap of grapevines, while also leaving behind a sticky honeydew residue on the clusters and leaves. Their activities stress the plants, decrease vine health, and in some cases, can lead to plant death.”

Imagining a Post-Insurance World

California wineries and vineyards are far too often going uninsured. No property insurance is available to them, or premiums and deductibles are too high. This affects their finances and ability to stay in business.

“There are some growers that are looking at it from their individual circumstances, and they really don’t have a product available to them,” said Michael Miiller, Director of Government Relations at the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “That’s really scary.”

In Defense of Wine

Though skill, vision, and humility are crucial to the creation of great wine, it is not a work of art that springs entirely from the imagination. Rather, it is a beautiful craft. It takes no special skill to appreciate or enjoy. It’s fun, and it’s delicious, and if you give a glass of good wine to a dozen different people you are liable to get a dozen distinct opinions.

The NY Times article states, "I want to make clear that I have no vested interest in wine except that I love it. It has given me more pleasure over the decades than I can quantify, as I’ve shared bottles at the table with friends and family."

Dealing with Pests in Vineyards

CAWG is sponsoring AB 1861 (Addis) and AB 2827 (Reyes) to deal with the growing problem of invasive pests and pests to vineyards. The glassy-winged sharpshooter, spotted lanternfly, carp in Clear Lake and much more are all threats to vineyards and California’s agricultural industry and economy. Turn to Page 14 in American Vineyard Magazine's digital magazine for more info.

CAWG Awards $36,000 in Scholarships

“Every year, it’s an honor for the CAWG Foundation to grant these scholarships to the children of vineyard employees. Our workforce is the cornerstone of our industry, and these scholarships are a sincere token of our appreciation. The Board was deeply impressed by the ambitions, community involvement, and outstanding qualities exhibited by the scholarship applicants this year,” said Davindar Mahil of Creekside Farming and Chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors. Learn more at cawgfoundation.org.

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