September 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.

September is California Wine Month

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of California Wine Month, celebrating the state's rich 250-year winemaking history and its significant contributions to the U.S. economy. Wineries across California will host a wide range of events throughout the month, during the peak of the annual harvest season, showcasing the innovative spirit of the state's wine community.

As the producer of over 80% of U.S. wines, wineries throughout the state will highlight the diversity and sustainability of California’s wines, most of which are crafted in certified sustainable wineries.

2024 Green Medal Award Winners Announced

Green Medal awardees are recognized for their advanced sustainability practices and innovation in sustainable viticulture and winemaking. Four green medals are awarded annually in the following categories: Leader, Environment, Community, and Business.

Legislative staff might recognize three of the 2024 winners who often participate in CAWG’s annual Advocacy Day in Sacramento: LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, in Acampo (Leader Award); Cooper-Garrod Vineyards in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains (Community Award); and Vino Farms, a five-county vineyard management company based in Lodi (Business Award). Gloria Ferrer in the Sonoma region of Carneros won the Environment Award.

Imported Foreign Bulk Wine: The Dirty Secret No One in California is Talking About

It’s no secret that the wine market is struggling, not just in California, but worldwide. However, to make matters worse, California winegrapes are getting left unharvested and displaced by cheap bulk wine being imported from other countries.

CaliforniaAgNet.com recently released a story about a report by the Lodi Winegrape Commission. The report found that bulk and bottled imports have had a profound effect on the demand for California winegrapes. Many of the largest buyers of California winegrapes are also the largest importers of foreign bulk wine.

Sonoma Co. Winegrape Farm Tech Project

In the wine industry, younger growers have been moving more toward using technology to get ahead of a changing climate and other challenges. For example, lidar (light detection and ranging) technology, much like radar, is used to sense and pinpoint where the grapevines are situated and automatically adjusts the volume of the spray of nutrients and chemicals based on the crop density.

This is safer for ag employees, better for the environment, and helps the grower’s bottom line.

S ustainability Dinner in Clarksburg

CAWG recently hosted an educational dinner for California policymakers at Bogle Winery in Clarksburg to discuss sustainability in the wine industry. Part of that discussion was Bogle’s first-of-its-kind lightweight, shatterproof, infinitely recyclable aluminum wine bottle. Yep, it’s aluminum, which has many benefits in itself.

California leads the world, not only in public policy, but in wine industry innovation as well. Element[AL] Wines is getting international attention and was featured in a piece on WTAJ TV in Altoona, PA.

Project Zin 2024 & Down Syndrome

Teaming up with renowned chef Charlie Palmer, Project Zin’s origin in 2010 was sparked by a family’s journey. When Clay and Carrie Mauritson’s son Brady was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, they envisioned an annual event that could champion inclusivity and support for people with disabilities.

At its 14th annual celebration last month, Project Zin raised more than $400,000 to benefit the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area. This year’s success brings the total funds raised since the event’s inception to more than $2.5 million.

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