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. | | |
Virtual Post-Harvest Press Conference – Wednesday, Nov 5
Register for the virtual Post-Harvest Press Conference on Wednesday, November 5, at 10:00 a.m., hosted by CAWG. The press conference will feature growers from across California who will provide a timely, firsthand look at the 2025 harvest. The discussion will cover yields, fruit quality, weather impacts, and market dynamics, offering a statewide perspective on this year’s challenges and successes.
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California 2025 Vineyard Mapping Project
As things are evolving in the wine industry, CAWG has led an effort, in partnership with regional vineyard associations, to map out California’s vineyard acreage.
This project provides valuable information about existing vineyards, where vineyards are being removed, and much more. Information is provided by acreage and area.
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CAWG Announces 2026 Awards of Excellence Recipients
CAWG is excited to announce the selection of Jackson Family Wines of Sonoma County as its 2026 Grower of the Year, and Stuart Spencer, Executive Director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, as its 2026 Leader of the Year. “It is an honor to recognize the leadership of the Jackson Family and Stuart Spencer, whose contributions and dedication have strengthened California’s winegrape industry while driving innovation and advocating for meaningful policy change,” said Natalie Collins, CAWG President.
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California’s Wine Industry is Struggling. The State’s Bureaucracy is Making Things Worse.
California leads the world in both technology and agriculture. Yet, in a state where some of the most innovative minds in technology and wine work only miles apart, regulations governing their collaboration are decades behind. Read more in this San Francisco Chronicle op-ed by CAWG Director of Government Relations Michael Miiller and Tim Bucher, CEO of Agtonomy and president and founder of Trattore Farms and Winery.
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Spanish Wine Pioneer Shaped California’s Modern Wine Landscape
More than 25 years ago, CAWG member and Lodi winegrower Markus Bokisch smuggled grapevine cuttings from Spain labeled as “barbecue utensils,” unknowingly sparking a new era for Spanish wine in California. Those vines, later donated to UC Davis Foundation Plant Services, became the foundation for today’s widespread planting of Tempranillo, Albariño, and other Spanish varieties across the state. His pioneering spirit not only revived Spain’s influence in California winemaking but continues to shape the future of the state’s evolving wine industry.
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Temecula Valley's Landmark BID
Four years after becoming the first wine region in the country to establish a wine tourism business improvement district (BID), Temecula is celebrating a record of achievement that has strengthened the region's reputation, grown its economy, and set a model now being considered by other wine regions. BID’s are now in place in Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and elsewhere as wineries strive for increased direct-to-consumer sales in this challenging market.
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California's Wine Industry in Crisis
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article detailing the mounting challenges facing California’s wine industry, including an oversupply of grapes, declining consumer demand, and collapsing export markets due to tariffs that have halted sales to Canada, the largest foreign market for U.S. wine. California’s wine industry is facing a mounting crisis marked by an oversupply of grapes, declining consumer demand, and collapsing export markets due to tariffs that have crippled sales to Canada, the largest foreign market for U.S. wine.
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2025 Wine Industry Leaders
WineBusiness.com has released its list of wine industry leaders in 2025. At CAWG, we routinely partner with several of these folks who are well-deserving of this recognition. Many of them focus on precision viticulture, groundwater stewardship, regenerative agriculture, climate-smart agriculture, infrastructure development, policy advocacy and engagement, and research on pests, diseases, and smoke damage.
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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.
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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
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