February 11, 2026 (Sacramento, CA) — The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is advancing a coordinated slate of sponsored legislation for the 2026 California Legislative Session, signaling a unified grower effort to strengthen local winegrowing, support family farmers, and reinforce consumer trust.
“Growers are under real pressure, but they’re not sitting on the sidelines,” said Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. “This legislative package reflects growers taking responsibility for the issues within our control, expanding opportunities for Californians to buy and experience local wine, addressing rising cost pressures, and ensuring wine labels reflect what’s actually in the bottle. Our message is straightforward: In California, we grow wine, and our growers are proud of the wine we grow.”
CAWG-sponsored legislation for 2026 is listed below:
AB 1585 (Connolly, D-San Rafael and Ransom, D-Tracy), co-sponsored by CAWG & Family Winemakers of CA, this bill would require that wine labeled as “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown winegrapes, aligning the designation with California’s long-standing 100 percent requirement for wines labeled as “California.” AB 1585 builds on long-established truth-in-labeling precedent in California law and ensures that wine labels accurately reflect grape origin, giving consumers confidence in the products they purchase.
SB 921 (Grove, R-Bakersfield & Hurtado, D-Bakersfield) would create a tax credit for agricultural employers to fully offset the costs of overtime wages paid by agricultural employers. This bipartisan legislation, co-sponsored by CAWG and California Farm Bureau, aims to ensure farmworkers have access to overtime pay while providing critical relief to agricultural operations facing rising labor costs.
SB 917 (Laird, D-Santa Cruz), co-sponsored by CAWG and Family Winemakers of California, this bill would expand opportunities for small, non-estate wineries that purchase local grapes to sell wine and offer tastings at certified farmers’ markets, strengthening direct-to-consumer connections and supporting local supply chains.
These bills are expected to be heard in their first policy committees in late March or early April.
Growers Called to Engage
Legislative progress depends on participation. CAWG invites winegrape growers and industry stakeholders to join its 2026 Advocacy Day on March 25 in Sacramento, to meet directly with legislators and staff to share their perspectives and reinforce a unified grower voice.
“Policy doesn’t move on paper alone,” Collins added. “It moves when growers show up. Advocacy Day is an opportunity to be part of the solution and help shape the future of this industry.”
Register: CAWG 2026 Advocacy Day & Legislative Reception
About California Association of Winegrape Growers
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.