Wine and Pottery Celebrated
Potter’s Vineyard winery is committed to staying small, producing less than 1,000 cases annually. Retired professionals Bill and Sandy Sanchez run the Newberg, Oregon-based operation, along with an assistant winemaker and tasting room associates. They grow their own grapes, make their own wine, and create pottery on their estate vineyard. With their brand Vino Vasai Wines, the winery has also captured the attention of Great Northwest Wine Magazine as the Oregon Winery to Watch for 2022, according to a recent announcement.
Theopolis Vineyards Creates Diversity Fund for UC Davis Enology Students
Theopolis Vineyards founder Theodora Lee has created a new award fund to help viticulture and enology students pursue a degree at UC Davis, the university announced in a press release.
New Legislation Would Expand Online Wine Auctions in California
Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced legislation that would increase the number of annual fundraising auctions that registered nonprofits and trade organizations may conduct. “Expanding the ability to hold these online auctions makes perfect sense given the technology that has emerged during the pandemic to keep us safe,” Sen. Dodd said in a press release. “My bill would allow groups to step up this much-needed fundraising, improving our economy and charitable giving.”
Treasury Department Releases Report on Increasing Competition in Markets for Beer, Wine and Spirits
On Feb. 9, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission, released a long-awaited report on competition in the alcohol marketplace.
Iris Vineyards Takes Top Honors at Oregon’s McMinnville Wine Classic
The McMinnVille Wine & Food Classic this week announced the winners of its January 8 competition of Oregon-based wines, giving top honors to Iris Vineyards based in Southern Willamette Valley.
California Lawmakers Request DTC Extension for Distilleries and Breweries
In March 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom's administration authorized California distilleries and breweries to ship directly to customers (DTC) as a measure to help craft producers survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lifeline stops at the end of 2021.
Wineries Permitted to Have up to Two Tasting Rooms Under Winegrower License
Governor Newsom approved Senate Bill (SB) 19, which authorizes a licensed winegrower or brandy manufacturer to operate up to two off-site tasting rooms under its winegrower license. The bill was proposed by State Senator Steven Glazer.
DTC analytics show 15% increase in shipment value, nearly $360 million
Wine Vines Analytics/Sovos ShipCompliant reported that total winery direct-to-customer (DTC) shipment value reached more than $359 million, a 15 percent increase from September 2020.
Governor Newsom Signs Proclamation to Double Down on Water Conservation
California is experiencing its worst drought since the late 1800s, measured through a combination of high temperatures and low precipitation, prompting California Gov. Newsom to call for mandatory conservation efforts. The state recorded its second driest year, with its largest reservoirs reaching near-record levels of low storage. The governor signed a proclamation that extends the drought emergency statewide, pushing Californians to voluntarily double down on water-conservation efforts as the state faces a possible third dry year. “As the western U.S. faces a potential third year of drought, it’s critical that Californians across the state redouble our efforts to save water [...]
California to Boost Fire Insurance Coverage for Vineyards
On October 12, California insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara announced key fixes to winery, vineyard, and farm insurance policies of agricultural businesses that were locked out of commercial insurance coverage after an onslaught of wildfires across the state in the past few years. The announcement quickly followed the passing of Senate Bill (SB) 11, which requires insurers to include in their pricing measures that property owners were using to prevent or reduce losses. Lara spoke at a lemon orchard in Southern California—which was already unironically burned in a wildfire—while meeting with the California Farm Bureau Federation. “While wildfires can happen in [...]
California Joins 16 Other States Selling Cocktails To Go
Governor Newsom approved Senate Bill (SB) 389 on October 8, proposed by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa), allowing establishments that already sell alcohol to offer premade cocktails for pick up through December 31, 2026.