July 2026

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.

Dangerous Pest Spotted at Costco

Just a month after glassy-winged sharpshooters were discovered on grapevines sold at Northern California Costco stores, the wholesale retail giant has made headlines again for selling plants that showed signs of carrying the invasive pest.

Following plant inspections, egg masses could be overlooked if they’re located on a single leaf within the plant. Mark Hoddle, director of UC Riverside's Center for Invasive Species Research, added that it’s “remarkable” Costco discovered GWSS, given the hundreds of plants moved into California from out of state every year.

Growers are Still Fighting for their Future

CalMatters California Voices featured Jason Smith, a second-generation winegrape grower in Monterey County.

Our family is not alone. Across California, vineyards are being removed, growers are walking away from land that has been farmed for generations, and rural communities are losing jobs that have supported local economies for decades.

When a vineyard disappears, the loss extends far beyond the farm gate. Farm workers lose jobs. Trucking companies lose business. Equipment dealers lose customers. Rural communities lose economic activity and tax revenue. California loses agricultural production that may never return.

Cyprus Wine Sector Receives EU Financial Support

As an example of how European wine makers receive public financial support to compete with California winemakers, financial support was recently granted to winemaking businesses in Cyprus for investments in tangible and intangible assets. These investments included processing equipment and winery infrastructure, as well as structures and tools for wine marketing.

The completion of these payments highlights the ongoing commitment to supporting the Cypriot winemaking sector under the new strategic plan.

New Cost Crushes Struggling Napa Growers

Water has always been at the heart of sustainable farming in the Napa Valley. As California's groundwater regulations move from planning into implementation, Napa Valley growers are entering a new phase of compliance.

Growers in Napa Valley, who’ve spent decades coaxing their premium grapes from stubborn soil, now face yet another “sustainable” fee layered atop a mountain of regulations that already threaten to crush the very industry officials claim to cherish.

Sonoma County’s Wine Industry Set to Unify

The success of Sonoma County’s wine community depends on the success of its growers and wineries. Recognizing that today’s challenges also present an opportunity to build a stronger future, Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Vintners announced the alignment of their winery membership programs to strengthen collaboration and create a more unified voice for Sonoma County wine.

What is “American” Wine?

The honest version of the American wine label is not complicated. It is the same standard California already applies to its own name, a wine that says “California” has been required, for decades, to be 100 percent California fruit, and that rule did not create chaos. It created one of the most trusted labels in the world. “American” could mean what it says, too.

The only thing standing in the way is the very small number of very large companies for whom the ambiguity is worth defending, and the language they have learned to use to make that defense sound like it is about someone else.

Paso Robles Growers Choosing Regenerative Organic Farming

Over the past decade, a small but growing group of wineries has moved beyond organic and biodynamic farming toward a system that prioritizes soil health, animal welfare, and social responsibility. Paso Robles has emerged as one of the leading regions in this movement.

The urgency is real. According to the Regenerative Organic Alliance, topsoil is being lost globally at a rate of roughly 30 soccer fields every minute. This threatens the long-term viability of agriculture and the communities that depend on it.

CA Seeks $32M in Emergency Fed Funds to Fight Pest

Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff are seeking emergency federal funding to combat the threat of the glassy-winged sharpshooter. The invasive pest was recently found on grapevines sold at Costco stores throughout the state and poses a critical threat to California’s wine industry.

The infected grapevines were discovered in May and came from a nursery located in Fresno County. Infected vines were sold in at least 38 counties in the state. As discussed in an article above, a second shipment of infected plants from a Texas nursery was also distributed to Costco stores all over California in June.

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