Afternoon Brief: California Winegrape Growers Advance 2026 Legislative Agenda
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...
Afternoon Brief: The Supreme Court Is Poised to Remind States That the Constitution Doesn't Stop at the Liquor Store
Twice in the past two decades, the U.S. Supreme Court has heard landmark cases involving protectionist alcohol laws, and twice the Court has made it clear that when states discriminate against out-of-state alcohol businesses, they are running afoul of the U.S. Constitution...
Afternoon Brief: California Wine Giant Puts One of Its Most Premium Wineries Up for Sale
Imagery Estate Winery in Glen Ellen, which was started in the 1980s by Joe Benziger, whose family also founded nearby Benziger Family Winery, has quietly been on the market since early December. Bids for the nearly 20-acre property are due Jan. 21.
Afternoon Brief: WarRoom Cellars Acquires Historic SIMI Wine Brand
WarRoom Cellars, a growing Central Coast wine company, is excited to announce the acquisition of the SIMI brand from The Wine Group (TWG)...
Afternoon Brief: Industry to Come Together at Premiere Napa Valley 2026
Hosted by Napa Valley Vintners, the 30th Annual Premiere Napa Valley will take place February 1821, 2026. This week-long celebration of Napa Valley wine and community offers an exclusive first look at the highly anticipated 2024 vintage...
Afternoon Brief: Gallo Acquires Whiny Baby, Wine Brand Aimed at Gen Z
Gallo has snapped up another California wine brand - one specifically marketed to Gen Z drinkers of legal age...
Afternoon Brief: AB 720 Passes - Milestone Win and New Era for California Winery Experiences
Wine Institute today applauded the California Legislatures passage of AB 720, allowing wineries to host a limited number of events at estate vineyard properties beyond their bonded winery site, representing a milestone win for California wineries and wine lovers alike...
Afternoon Brief: California Wine Month Highlights Sustainability and Innovation
While the industry faces headwinds with shifting consumer trends, international competition, and market challenges, Berge remains optimistic...
Afternoon Brief: Supreme Court Is Next Stop for Wine Importer's Lawsuit Against Trump's Trade War
A federal appeals court agreed with a ruling that the President overstepped when he imposed universal tariffs, but the decision has been stayed pending appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court...
Afternoon Brief: Tariffs Could Hit California Growers Hard
The proposed 200% tariff might have a paradoxical effect: it could encourage big US wineries to import more foreign bulk wine to replace wine made from California grapes. This is because of a tax loophole called a "duty drawback"...