July 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.

Vine to Wine Tour, Tasting & Dinner

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) invites you to join us for an evening at a Sacramento area winery to connect, learn, and enjoy California wines with the people who grow the grapes and make the wine. The event will be held on Wednesday, August 20, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, at McConnell Estates Winery in Elk Grove. Lawmakers, legislative staff, and officials from state agencies are welcome to attend.

This relaxed and engaging Vine to Wine evening will include:

A guided vineyard tour with growers
Wine tasting from McConnell Estates
A casual outdoor dinner and wine-themed trivia
Conversations on sustainability, technology, challenges, and opportunities in the winegrape sector

Please RSVP Here.

The Wine Industry Reset

Silicon Valley Bank reports the wine industry is undergoing a significant reset, marking the first demand-based correction in 30 years. After three decades of sustained growth, wine industry metrics have flattened out. The underlying causes of this market shift are modern-day developments and therefore lack historical solutions.

Below are recent media reports about winery closures and the decline in wine sales:

Vineyard Removals

Vineyard removals and mothballing were noted in both Turrentine and Ciatti’s June market reports, with very little replanting happening. For example, over 1,000 acres of Cabernet have been removed in Lake County with no plans to replant. Similarly, of the 1,000 acres removed in Napa this spring, 85% are being left fallow. As a result, several nurseries have exited the industry. Some remaining nurseries are seeing their orders cut in half and are tightening their belts.

CAWG is performing an aerial survey of the state during harvest so a more timely estimate can be made of removals.

ICE Raids in Wine Country

As we enter the height of the growing season, vineyard workers are becoming more and more concerned about their safety due to potential ICE raids.

Below are recent media stories about how federal immigration actions are affecting vineyard workers and growers.

Chasity Cooper on Modern Wine Culture

Wine writer, speaker, and cultural commentator Chasity Cooper, named one of Wine Enthusiast’s 40 Under 40 Tastemakers, discusses how she’s changing the way people talk about and engage with wine. Topics include the impact of social media on wine language, education, and identity.

Wines with Animal Labels

A recent study has analyzed the value for money of wines based on the animal featured on their label, offering new insight into how consumers might choose a bottle. The research used artificial intelligence to determine whether the presence of animals on wine labels can help buyers identify better deals.

Wine Distributor Leaves California

Hundreds of Republic National Distributing Company employees were shocked and dismayed during a June 2, all-hands Zoom call, in which they learned the nation’s second-largest wine wholesaler would be leaving California. After the news leaked out elsewhere online, it was California wineries felt shocked and dismayed as they considered their route to market.

Volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley

Founded in 1974, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, one of the largest food banks in the nation, distributes nutritious groceries through a network of nearly 400 partners across Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. Recently, the South Bay team from Almaden showed up in style, rolled up their sleeves, and helped sort 7,384 pounds of fresh produce, boxing it all up with care to support local families in need.

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