Committee advances bill to allow limited tasting/events at remote vineyards
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Summary
AB 720 would clarify that storage of wine is not new production and allow limited tasting and pop‑up events at vineyard properties; the committee moved the bill after industry witnesses said it would boost tourism and sales.
AB 720, carried by Assemblymember Rogers, clarifies that routine storage and barrel handling do not constitute new wine production for licensing purposes and creates a limited permit to allow tasting and pop‑up events at vineyard properties away from bonded wineries.
Supporters said the measure addresses a regulatory gap that prevents consumers from visiting vineyard sites that are distinct from the bonded winery location. Tim Schmelzer of the Wine Institute and Rachel Newman, senior vice president of marketing for Bonterra Organic Estates, described the bill as a modest, experiential tourism measure modeled in part on a craft brewer caterers permit and said it would support small and family wineries, local contractors and hospitality businesses.
No opponents registered at the hearing after the author accepted committee amendments; the California Wine sector and several family winemakers registered support. Senator Blakespear moved the bill; the committee later recorded a roll call advancing AB 720 to Appropriations with 14 ayes and 0 no votes recorded in the final tally.