Wine labeling: “American” or “United States” appellation.

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide details about the specific enforcement actions beyond mentioning the department's authority to seize wine in violation. The candidate explanation includes a claim about seizure powers which is implied but not explicitly stated in the provided text.

Wine Labeling Rules: 'American' or 'United States'

The bill changes the rules about using 'American' or 'United States' on wine labels in California, requiring that all grapes and agricultural products used must come from within the United States starting July 1, 2027.

What This Bill Does

• Changes the rule for using 'American' or 'United States' on wine labels to require 100% of the ingredients to be grown in the U.S., starting July 1, 2027.
• Does not allow any wine with less than 100% U.S.-grown grapes and agricultural products to use these terms after this date.

Who It Names or Affects

• Wine producers, bottlers, labelers, sellers, and buyers in California.

Terms To Know

Appellation

A name used on a wine label to show where the grapes were grown or the region they come from.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Act

The law that controls how alcoholic drinks are made, sold, and distributed in California.

Limits and Unknowns

• Does not say what happens to wines labeled before July 1, 2027.
• Doesn't explain the full impact on wine producers or consumers outside of labeling rules.

Official Summary Text

AB 1585, as amended, Connolly.
Wine labeling: “American” or “United States” appellation.
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, regulates the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and the granting of licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages within the state. A violation of the act is generally a misdemeanor.
The act imposes specified labeling requirements for containers of alcoholic beverages sold within this state, including prescribed requirements for the use of appellations from specified geographic regions in California. The act generally provides that these labeling requirements do not preclude the use of a label containing a truthful, nonmisleading appellation of origin or geographic description that complies with federal appellation law, except as specified.
Existing federal law
authorizes the use of the appellation “American” if at least 75% of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the United States, as specified.
This bill, notwithstanding the above-described provisions and for wine bottled on or after July 1, 2027, would prohibit the use of the appellation “American” or “United States” on wine produced, bottled, labeled, offered for sale, or sold in California unless 100% of the wine is derived from grapes or agricultural products grown in the United States, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to seize any wine in California that is labeled or packaged in violation of this prohibition and would make related findings and declarations. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for
certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Download Bill PDF