The ninth annual Rich Smith Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions to the American grape and wine industry was presented today to Emily Hodson, the winemaker at Veritas Vineyards and Winery, a co-owner of Flying Fox Vineyards and Winery, and an active leader in the Virginia wine...
Read More
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: Legislation Introduced to Strengthen “American” Wine Labeling
Today, Assemblymembers Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) and Central Valley Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom introduced legislation to require that wine labeled as “American” be made from 100 percent American-grown winegrapes...
Afternoon Brief: U.S. Wine Retailers Statement on Dietary Guidelines
The National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR) applauds the recently released “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030” for its adherence to the science on alcohol consumption...
Afternoon Brief: Global Wine Output Subdued by Climate Shocks
Global wine production rose slightly in 2025, but output remained below average for a third consecutive year as vineyards faced extreme and volatile weather, the International Organization of Vine and Wine said...
Afternoon Brief: Wine Institute Launches the Share Wine Co-Lab
Developed after more than a year of consumer research and creative collaboration, the platform offers wineries practical tools, expert insights and interactive learning opportunities to engage todays consumers in fresh, relevant and authentic ways...
Afternoon Brief: Pacificorp Gives $125M to Oregon Wineries, Vineyards in Settlement Over Labor Day Fires
PacifiCorp agreed to pay $125 million as part of a settlement with Oregon wine companies and vineyards over damage from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, lawyers announced Oct. 19...
Afternoon Brief: RNDC Mourns the Passing of CEO & President Bob Hendrickson
Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) today announced with deep sadness the passing of Bob Hendrickson, Interim Chief Executive Officer & President, on Friday, October 17...
Afternoon Brief: CAWG-Sponsored Legislation Signed into Law
This weekend, legislation co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) was signed into law by Governor Newsom. SB 279 (McNerney) will make it easier for growers across California to...
Afternoon Brief: Turning Vineyard Waste into Opportunity, SB 279 Heads to Governor's Desk
SB 279 will make it easier for growers across California to compost agricultural waste on their land without needing a CalRecycle (Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery) permit...