California Winegrape Growers Push Lawmakers for New Protections Amid Rising Costs

California winegrape growers are advancing a coordinated policy agenda in Sacramento this year, seeking legislative changes they say are necessary to stabilize the industry amid rising costs and shifting market conditions. The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is supporting a group of bills designed to help family farmers, expand market opportunities, and improve transparency in wine labeling.

Industry leaders point to mounting financial pressures, including increased labor costs and regulatory demands, as key reasons for the push. Natalie Collins, president of CAWG, said last week that growers are taking an active role in addressing these challenges. “This legislative package reflects growers taking responsibility for the issues within our control, expanding opportunities for Californians to buy and experience local wine, addressing rising cost pressures, and ensuring wine labels reflect what’s actually in the bottle,” Collins said in a statement.

One of the central proposals is Assembly Bill 1585. This bill would require that any wine labeled as “American” must be made from 100% American-grown grapes. Supporters argue this would strengthen truth-in-labeling standards and bring national requirements closer to California’s existing rules for wines labeled “California,” which already require all grapes to be grown in the state.

Labor policy is another major focus. CAWG is cosponsoring Senate Bill 921 with the California Farm Bureau. This bipartisan proposal would create a tax credit to fully offset the cost of overtime wages paid by agricultural employers. Proponents say this measure would help maintain farmworker access to overtime pay while easing financial strain on growers who have seen labor costs rise sharply in recent years.

The association is also backing Senate Bill 917, cosponsored with Family Winemakers of California. This bill would allow small, nonestate wineries that purchase local grapes to sell wine and offer tastings at certified farmers markets. Supporters believe this change would strengthen direct-to-consumer sales channels and support local supply chains, benefiting both growers and small producers.

These legislative efforts come as California’s wine industry faces ongoing challenges from drought, changing consumer preferences, and global competition. Growers say that without policy changes, many family farms could struggle to remain viable. The proposed measures aim to reinforce the long-term stability of the sector while protecting the reputation of California wine.

CAWG is urging growers and other stakeholders to participate in its Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on March 25. The organization says direct engagement with lawmakers will be crucial as these bills move through policy committees during the spring legislative session. Industry representatives hope their unified approach will help secure support for policies they see as vital to the future of California’s winegrape economy.