SACRAMENTO, August 29, 2023 – California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) released the statement provided below following the announcement of Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) being selected as Senate President pro Tempore. Transition details will be announced in 2024.
“We congratulate Senator McGuire on his new position as the future leader of the Senate,” said Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “With his representation of wine growing regions and his role as co-chair of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry, Senator McGuire possesses a deep understanding of the industry.”
“McGuire has witnessed firsthand the prideful collaboration, sustainability, and stewardship efforts of the winegrape communities he represents. We look forward to working with Senator McGuire in his new capacity.”
California’s 5,900 winegrape growers collectively tend to more than 615,000 acres, making a significant contribution to an industry that employs 422,000 Californians, resulting in an impressive $25.9 billion in annual wages. Additionally, the wine industry generates a substantial $73 billion in annual economic activity and contributes $7.9 billion in taxes annually.
Senator McGuire represents the North Coast from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, encompassing key wine regions in Marin, Sonoma, Lake, and Mendocino counties. Among the 39 Senate districts, McGuire’s constituency boasts the second-highest level of economic activity within the wine industry.
Below are the annual wine industry statistics from McGuire’s district:
- $6.4 billion in economic acvity
- 29,591 jobs
- $1.9 billion in wages and benefits
- 1,312 vineyard & winery operations
- 5.3 million tourist visits to wineries
- $194.4 million in tourism spending
Senator McGuire was elected to the Senate in 2014 and has served as Majority Leader since 2022. He will term out of office in 2026.
