The measure, just signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, allows winery guests to bring their own wine bottles to be refilled at participating wineries off-site tasting rooms.
“As a winery owner, we love the idea of our wine club and community members being able to reuse and refill containers from the tasting room. This new law allows for a sustainable option to reduce waste in packaging, which is good for the environment, and our bottom line”, said Heather Brand of I. Brand & Family Winery.
“The old law had unnecessarily disadvantaged a growing contingent of the wine industry, those without land holdings or estate vineyards. I asked the simple question, ‘Why?’ of the right person at the right time. It is a testament to Kim Stemler of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association for working with the ABC leadership, our local and state industry partners, and Assemblymembers Rivas and Villapudua to create this legislation. The new law is great for the wine industry and demonstrates that the process does work.”