Wine labeling: “American” or “United States” appellation.
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Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Governmental Organization
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to strengthen labeling requirements for California wines. It prohibits the use of ‘American’ or ‘United States’ on wine labels unless 100% of the grapes or agricultural products used to make the wine are grown in the United States. This change is intended to provide consumers with more accurate information about the origin of the wine and to align with consumer preferences for domestically produced goods. The bill also establishes a process for the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to seize wines that violate these labeling standards.
Key provisions
- Prohibits the use of ‘American’ or ‘United States’ on wine labels unless 100% of the grapes/agricultural products are from the U.S.
- Sets a July 1, 2027, effective date for the new labeling requirements.
- Authorizes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to seize wines with misleading labels.
- Defines ‘American’ or ‘United States’ labeling to exclude broader regional terms like ‘North American’ or ‘Central American.’
- Requires a 100% U.S. origin for the wine to use the ‘American’ or ‘United States’ appellation.
- Addresses potential carbon footprint concerns related to imported wine.
- Establishes a process for the Department to dispose of seized wines.
- Provides an exception for wines meeting federal labeling requirements for American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
Who is affected
- Wine producers
- Wine distributors
Bill text
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Sponsors
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14 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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