AB 1585 passes first committee on an 18–0 bipartisan vote
April 23, 2026 (Sacramento, CA) — The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California (FWC) today announced that AB 1585 (Connolly & Ransom), American Wine Truth in Labeling legislation, cleared its first committee hearing on an 18-0 bipartisan vote.
AB 1585 would require that any wine labeled “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown winegrapes. This standard aligns the national designation with the same requirement California has long applied to wines labeled “California.”
“Today’s vote is an important first step toward ensuring that when a bottle says ‘American,’ it means American,” said Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “California’s wine community has invested significantly in building the American wine brand, and we are grateful the committee recognized what is at stake, for growers, wineries, communities, and the consumers who trust what’s on the label. This effort has been strengthened by a clear and unified voice across the industry. We thank the committee for its leadership and look forward to advancing this bill.”
“Family Winemakers of California is proud to see this legislation move forward,” said GinaLisa Tamayo, Board President of Family Winemakers of California. “Truth in labeling isn’t just good policy — it’s the foundation of what our members have built their reputations on. When a bottle says ‘American,’ consumers deserve to know it means exactly that. Today’s vote is an important first step, and we’ll be with this bill every step of the way.”
CAWG and FWC thank Assemblymembers Connolly and Ransom for their leadership in authoring this important legislation, as well as the 18 regional wine and grape associations, 11 co-author members of the California Legislature, and more than 300 industry members who submitted letters of support.
Today’s hearing marks the beginning of a rigorous legislative process that will continue through August. AB 1585 must clear several additional steps, including the Assembly Appropriations Committee, where the bill heads next, before the legislature’s August 31 deadline to act on 2026 session legislation. CAWG and FWC thank the Governmental Organization Committee chair, members, and staff for their thoughtful consideration of the bill.
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
