80% of Calif. Wine Made in Sustainable Wineries

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

In advance of California Wine’s annual “Down to Earth Month,” which celebrates the industry’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the land, regions and wine industry for future generations, Wine Institute said California is a world leader in sustainable winegrowing:

  • 80% of California wine (255 million cases) is made in 178 certified sustainable wineries.

  • 55% of California’s vineyard acreage is certified sustainable.

  • 2,402 Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing vineyards farm 204,857 acres, or 33% of California winegrape acres.

  • Another 22% of California winegrape acres are certified to other sustainability programs — including Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green, and Sustainability in Practice (SIP Certified) — with some vineyards certifying to more than one program.

“As the fourth largest wine-producing region, California has the most comprehensive and widely adopted sustainability programs in the world,” said Robert P. Koch, president/CEO of Wine Institute. “April is the perfect time to support our member wineries across California, whether by visiting to taste and learn in-person or virtually.”

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Brand Napa Valley Intros Vineyard N°95 Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

The new Vineyard N°95 Cabernet Sauvignon joins the existing portfolio of estate-produced wines, including Brand Cabernet Sauvignon, Brand Proprietary Blend, and Brand White Wine. Harvested from the property’s vineyard at 1,200 feet, this Bordeaux-style blend is aged in French oak for 20 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

“We are excited to introduce Brand Vineyard N°95 this year as we continue to develop our portfolio and explore the concept of place that we find so special at Brand,” said Jim Bean, co-proprietor of Brand Napa Valley. “As our decade-old vineyards continue to mature, the characteristics of each distinct site are being revealed. Each flagship red wine represents a unique vineyard and elevation, with Vineyard N°95 named for the winery-adjacent vineyard from which these grapes are harvested.”

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Napa County Eases Requirements for Micro Wineries

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

A new ordinance allows Napa Valley Winegrape growers to build a “micro winery” and sell its product at their family farms.

The new ordinance requires micro wineries to ferment at least 201 gallons of wine with estate-grown fruit every year. (A home-based wine production can ferment up to 200 gallons in Napa County.)

Also, micro wineries can produce up to 5000 gallons of wine annually. At least 75 percent of the fruit must be estate grown either on the property or on contiguous parcels under the same ownership. In addition, the structures on the property have to total 5,000 square feet or less in size. Micro wineries have to conform to all regulations, including the American with Disabilities Act rules.

Under the new law, micro winery cannot generate more than 10 round trips per day by staff and customers. No marketing events are allowed. Vineyard properties must total at least 10 acres.

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Vintner Pleads Guilty to Killing Cyclist While Driving Drunk

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

Ulises Valdez Jr. pleaded guilty in Sonoma County Superior Court to killing a cyclist and costing a 12-year-old boy his leg while driving drunk.

The counts included gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury, and driving with a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.

Prosecutors said he drank at at least two bars before racing with a friends and losing control on a curve with the acclerator “100% depressed.”

Va;dez’s late father founded Valdez Family Winery.

 

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ICYMI —

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker
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Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition Hails the Removal of U.S.-UK Retaliatory Tariffs

Posted on March 23, 2022 by Joel Whitaker

“With yesterday’s momentous agreement with the UK,”  ending a dispute involving steel and aluminum imports to the U.S., “transatlantic trade in distilled spirits will once again flow tariff free, and American wines will no longer face the threat of debilitating retaliatory tariffs,” said the Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition.  “Cheers to Secretary Raimondo and Ambassador Tai and their teams at the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for their dedication and persistence on behalf of the entire U.S. beverage alcohol industry.”

Since the imposition of the 25% retaliatory tariff on American Whiskeys in June 2018, exports to the UK, the U.S. spirits industry’s fourth-largest market, have plunged 42%, from $150 million to $88 million (2018-2021). With the removal of these tariffs on American Whiskey, no more retaliatory tariffs remain on U.S., UK and EU distilled spirits and wines.

The coalition added, “We deeply appreciate the administration’s steadfast focus on rebuilding relationships with our close trading partners and allies in the EU and UK.  These significant agreements will benefit U.S. workers throughout the entire alcohol supply chain, including farmers, distillers and vintners as well as those who distribute and sell the products at restaurants, bars and spirits and wine stores.”

The Toasts Not Tariffs Coalition consists of 50 U.S. trade associations representing the entire three-tier chain of the U.S. beverage alcohol sector (i.e., at the producer, importer, wholesaler, retailer and on-premise levels) united in opposition to U.S., EU and UK tariffs on beverage alcohol products.

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