Plain English Breakdown
The official source does not provide an effective date, only the chaptering date of October 3, 2025.
Changes to Rules for Winegrowers and Craft Distillers
This law allows winegrowers to store brandy on their property, increases the amount of spirits consumers can buy at craft distiller shops, and lets qualifying out-of-state distillers ship alcohol directly to California residents with new permit rules.
What This Bill Does
- Allows a licensed winegrower to possess and transport brandy for aging on the winery's property.
- Permits a craft distiller to move brandy to and from a winegrower's location so it can age there.
- Increases the daily limit of prepackaged spirits that consumers can buy at a craft distiller's premises from 2.25 liters to 4.5 liters.
- Allows qualifying out-of-state distillers with active licenses to ship distilled spirits directly to California consumers.
- Requires both in-state and out-of-state distillers to get a special permit, pay fees, and file an application before shipping alcohol directly to people.
- Extends the current rules for direct shipping of distilled spirits until January 1, 2027.
Who It Names or Affects
- Licensed winegrowers in California
- Licensed craft distillers operating within the state
- Qualifying out-of-state distillers who want to ship alcohol to consumers
- Consumers buying distilled spirits directly from producers
Terms To Know
- Winegrower
- A person or business licensed to grow grapes and make wine, now also allowed to store brandy for aging.
- Craft Distiller
- A small-scale producer of distilled spirits limited by how much they can make each year.
- Direct Shipper Permit
- An official document from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control that allows a distiller to mail alcohol directly to customers.
Limits and Unknowns
- The law does not state when it officially takes effect, only that it was enacted in October 2025.
- It is unclear exactly what fees must be paid for the new direct shipper permit because the text says 'specified fees' without listing amounts.
- The specific definition of a 'qualifying out-of-state distiller' is mentioned but not fully explained in this summary.