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

Crime Education

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Connolly (A) , Ransom
Last action: 2026-06-03
Official status: Referred to Com. on G.O.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific penalties for violations of this new rule.

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

Prohibits the use of 'American' or 'United States' labels on wines unless all grapes and agricultural products are from within the United States, starting July 1, 2027.
Gives the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control the power to seize any wine that breaks these new rules.

Who It Names or Affects

Wine producers in California
People who sell or buy wine with 'American' or 'United States' labels

Terms To Know

Appellation: A name used on a wine label to show where the grapes were grown.
Alcoholic Beverage Control Act: The law that controls how alcoholic drinks are made, sold, and distributed in California.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify what happens if a wine label is mistakenly used before July 1, 2027.
Does not explain the exact penalties for breaking these new rules.

Bill History

2026-06-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on G.O.
2026-05-27 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-26 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 67. Noes 0.)
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).
2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2026-05-06 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-04-23 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on G.O.
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on G.O. Read second time and amended.
2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on G.O.
2026-01-15 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 14.
2026-01-14 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

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

Read the full stored bill text

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