Legislation Demands 100% Domestic Grapes for Wines Labeled American

A new bill introduced in the California State Assembly aims to tighten the rules for wines labeled as “American.” Assemblymembers Damon Connolly of San Rafael and Rhodesia Ransom of Tracy presented AB 1585 on January 14, 2026, in Sacramento. The legislation would require that any wine labeled “American” must be made entirely from grapes grown in the United States. This proposal comes as a response to current federal regulations, which allow up to 25 percent of the wine in bottles labeled “American” to come from imported bulk wine produced outside the country.

The bill is co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California. Both organizations argue that the change is necessary to ensure transparency and accuracy in wine labeling, reflecting the true origin of the grapes used. Supporters say that consumers expect wines labeled as “American” to be made from American-grown grapes, and that the current standard can mislead buyers.

Assemblymember Connolly emphasized the importance of honesty in labeling. He said that California’s wine industry is recognized worldwide for its quality, which is rooted in local grape growing and winemaking traditions. Connolly stated that allowing imported bulk wine to be sold under an “American” label undermines both consumer trust and the reputation of domestic producers. He believes AB 1585 will give consumers confidence that they are purchasing authentic American wine.

Assemblymember Ransom highlighted California’s central role in U.S. wine production, noting that the state produces about 85 percent of all American wine. She pointed out San Joaquin County’s long history with grape growing and said the bill is a straightforward measure to ensure truth in labeling for a product important to California’s economy and identity.

Industry leaders have voiced strong support for the bill. Natalie Collins, president of CAWG, said that when a bottle is labeled “American,” consumers should be able to trust that its grapes were grown domestically. She noted that California already requires wines labeled as “California” to be made from 100 percent California-grown grapes, and extending this standard to “American” labels is a logical next step.

GinaLisa Tamayo, chair of Family Winemakers of California, said independent wineries rely on consumer trust and accurate labeling. She argued that when people buy a bottle marked “American,” they expect it to support local growers and businesses. The proposed law would help protect this trust by ensuring labels reflect the true source of the grapes.

Other industry representatives echoed these sentiments. Stuart Spencer, executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, said that clear labeling is fundamental for maintaining consumer confidence. Joel Peterson, executive director of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, added that since wine is fundamentally an agricultural product, its label should reflect where its grapes were actually farmed.

The bill does not seek to restrict or prohibit wine imports or blending practices within states or regions. It also does not affect pricing or sourcing decisions by wineries. Instead, it focuses solely on aligning the “American” label with consumer expectations about grape origin.

If passed, AB 1585 would apply only to wines bottled on or after July 1, 2027. This transition period is intended to give winemakers time to adjust their sourcing and production practices if needed.

The move comes at a time when consumers are increasingly interested in transparency about food and beverage origins. Advocates for AB 1585 say it will help maintain the integrity of American wine and support domestic grape growers who form the backbone of the industry.

California’s wine sector has long promoted itself based on regional identity and authenticity. The proposed legislation builds on this tradition by seeking to ensure that national origin claims are accurate across all wines labeled as “American.” The bill now awaits consideration by legislative committees in Sacramento.