CAWG and Family Winemakers of California Urge Industry and Public to Watch or Attend
April 20, 2026 (Sacramento, CA) — The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California (FWC) invite the public to attend or watch the Legislature’s first committee hearing on AB 1585 (Connolly & Ransom), American Wine Truth in Labeling, taking place on Wednesday in Sacramento.
Co-sponsored by CAWG and FWC, AB 1585 would require that any wine labeled “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown winegrapes, aligning the national designation with the same standard California has long applied to wines labeled “California.”
HEARING DETAILS
- Committee: Assembly Governmental Organization
- Date and Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, scheduled to begin at 1:30 PM
- Watch online: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/events/today. Scroll to the committee
- In-Person: 1021 O Street, Room 1100, Sacramento.
CAWG strongly encourages those who are able to attend in person and show their support. Please note that public comment at this hearing is limited to stating your name, city, and support for AB 1585, no extended verbal testimony is permitted. The committee relies on written letters submitted in advance for that purpose; through CAWG’s call to action, nearly 300 letters of support were submitted by wineries, growers, and industry partners stretching from Temecula to Mendocino, a clear signal that this bill represents the California wine industry broadly.
AB 1585 is also supported by 19 regional wine and grape associations and co-authored by 11 members of the California legislature.
Wednesday’s hearing marks what will be a rigorous legislative process continuing through August. AB 1585 must clear one hurdle at a time, starting with this initial committee vote.
About the California Association of Winegrape Growers
CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.
About Family Winemakers of California
Founded in 1990, Family Winemakers of California is a statewide organization representing the interests of family-owned and independent wineries. With a mission rooted in advocacy, access, and education, FWC continues to champion the needs of independent producers who are the backbone of California’s wine economy. Learn more at familywinemakers.us
