California Bill Would Tighten Rules for Wines Labeled American

California lawmakers advanced a bill on Tuesday that would require any wine labeled “American” to be made entirely from grapes grown in the United States, a move that could force wineries to change labels and tighten sourcing rules for bottles sold under a national origin claim.

The measure, AB 1585, cleared its first committee hearing in the State Assembly on an 18-0 bipartisan vote. The bill was introduced by Assemblymembers Connolly and Ransom and is backed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Family Winemakers of California. Supporters say the proposal would align the federal-style “American” designation with the standard California already applies to wines labeled “California,” which must be made from 100% California-grown grapes.

If enacted, the bill would mean that any wine carrying the word “American” on its label would have to be produced from 100% American-grown winegrapes. That would give consumers a clearer signal about origin, supporters said, and would prevent bottles from using a national label while relying on imported fruit or blends that do not meet that threshold.

Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, said the vote was an important first step toward making sure that when a bottle says “American,” it means American. She said California’s wine industry has helped build the American wine brand and argued that growers, wineries and consumers all have a stake in how that term is used.

GinaLisa Tamayo, board president of Family Winemakers of California, said truth in labeling is central to the reputation many wineries have built. She said consumers deserve to know exactly what they are buying when they see “American” on a bottle.

The bill has drawn support from 18 regional wine and grape associations, 11 co-author members of the California Legislature and more than 300 industry members who submitted letters backing the measure, according to the groups supporting it.

The legislation now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee and must clear additional steps before the Legislature’s Aug. 31 deadline for action on bills in the 2026 session. Supporters said the hearing marked only the start of a longer process that will continue through August.