California Bill Seeks Stricter Rules for American Wine Labels

California lawmakers are set to hold the first public hearing on a bill that would tighten the rules for wines sold as “American,” a proposal backed by two major industry groups that say the label should mean the wine was made entirely from U.S.-grown grapes.

The hearing on AB 1585, known as the American Wine Truth in Labeling bill, is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon before the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee in Sacramento. The measure is sponsored by Assembly members Connolly and Ransom and is being promoted by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Family Winemakers of California, which say it would bring the federal “American” designation in line with California’s long-standing standard for wines labeled “California.”

Under the bill, any wine carrying an “American” label would have to be made from 100% American-grown winegrapes. Supporters argue that consumers should not see a national-origin label unless the grapes were grown in the United States, and they say the change would reduce confusion in the marketplace.

The hearing comes as California’s wine industry faces pressure from shifting consumer demand, higher costs and a difficult market for many growers and wineries. The two trade groups behind the bill said nearly 300 letters of support had been submitted through their campaign, with backing from wineries, growers and industry partners across the state, from Temecula in Southern California to Mendocino on the North Coast.

The proposal also has support from 19 regional wine and grape associations and 11 members of the California Legislature who signed on as co-authors. Industry advocates said Wednesday’s hearing is only the first step in what they expect to be a lengthy legislative process that could continue through August.

The committee hearing is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. at 1021 O Street, Room 1100, in Sacramento, and it will also be available online through the Assembly’s website. Public comment at the hearing will be limited to speakers stating their name, city and support for AB 1585, with no extended testimony allowed. Written comments submitted ahead of time will carry more weight in the committee process, according to the groups promoting the bill.

California already applies a strict standard to wines labeled “California,” requiring them to be made from grapes grown entirely in the state. Supporters of AB 1585 say they want a similar rule for “American” wines so that labels reflect where the fruit was grown rather than leaving room for broader interpretations that can include imported grapes or blends not fully sourced from U.S. vineyards.

The debate comes at a time when labeling rules remain a sensitive issue for wineries trying to balance marketing, consumer trust and supply chain realities. For growers, especially those who have seen vineyard economics tighten in recent years, supporters say clearer labeling could help reinforce demand for domestic fruit and strengthen confidence in American wine production.