Family Winemakers

Family Winemakers Family Winemakers of California is an “organization that reflects the small producer's point of view.”

🚨 Grower & Gardener Alert 🚨California agricultural officials are urging consumers to check any grapevines, citrus trees,...
05/30/2026

🚨 Grower & Gardener Alert 🚨

California agricultural officials are urging consumers to check any grapevines, citrus trees, or other fruit-bearing plants purchased from Costco between April 21 and May 26, 2026, after shipments from a Fresno County nursery were found to contain the invasive Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS).

GWSS is one of the primary vectors of Pierce's Disease, a bacterial infection that can be fatal to grapevines and poses a significant threat to California's wine industry. There is currently no cure.

Affected plants were distributed to Costco locations throughout Northern California, including Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Solano, Yolo, Sacramento, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Placer, Stanislaus, and Yuba counties.

Officials are working with Costco to locate potentially affected plants and contact purchasers directly. In Napa County alone, 157 grapevines sold through Costco remain unaccounted for, highlighting the importance of locating and inspecting any potentially affected plants.

If you purchased grapevines, citrus trees, or other fruit-bearing plants from Costco between April 21 and May 26:

• Do not move or dispose of the plant
• Keep it isolated if possible
• Contact your local County Agricultural Commissioner's Office for inspection guidance

Early detection is critical to protecting California vineyards, wineries, backyard grape growers, and agricultural communities.


Photo courtesy of

05/27/2026

Big News! 📣

Late yesterday, AB 1585 officially passed the California State Assembly with unanimous bipartisan support in a 67-0 vote and is now advancing to the Senate.

This common-sense legislation would require wines labeled “American” and sold or bottled in California to be made with 100% American-grown grapes — bringing greater transparency to consumers and helping protect the integrity of American wine.

Right now, wines labeled “American” can legally contain up to 25% foreign-grown grapes. AB 1585 changes that.

This is a major win for California growers, family wineries, vineyard workers, and consumers who deserve honest labeling and transparency about what’s in the bottle.

Thank you to Assemblymembers Damon Connolly and Rhodesia Ransom, the California Association of Winegrape Growers, Family Winemakers of California, and the hundreds of industry members who helped move this legislation forward.

The momentum continues as AB 1585 heads to the Senate next month.

TEMECULA VALLEY WINE | FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIATemecula Valley wine is continuing to gain recognition, driven by ...
05/25/2026

TEMECULA VALLEY WINE | FAMILY WINEMAKERS OF CALIFORNIA

Temecula Valley wine is continuing to gain recognition, driven by independent, family-owned wineries that are shaping the future of Southern California wine. As part of the Family Winemakers of California community, these producers are focused on quality, identity, and long-term growth—building something meaningful, not just scalable.

At Cougar Vineyard & Winery, the focus on Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Nebbiolo sets them apart, bringing an Old World approach into a growing California wine region. Doffo Wines leans into bold, structured reds, producing wines with depth and intensity that reflect both the terroir and the family’s hands-on winemaking style. Wiens Cellars has built its reputation around powerful red wines, staying committed to a clear vision that resonates with wine lovers seeking richness and consistency.

Temecula Valley continues to evolve as a California wine destination, and family-owned wineries are at the center of that momentum—defining what the region can become.

Photo of Cougar Vineyard & Winery and Weins Cellars, courtesy of Visit Temecula

Family Winery Spotlight:For Inspiration Vineyards & Winery in Santa Rosa, wine has been part of the family story for gen...
05/21/2026

Family Winery Spotlight:

For Inspiration Vineyards & Winery in Santa Rosa, wine has been part of the family story for generations.

Jon’s great-grandparents farmed vineyards in San Martin in the early 1900s, and decades later, that connection to California wine country inspired Jon’s own path from tasting room hospitality at Mirassou Winery to building Inspiration Vineyards from the ground up.

What began in 1999 with a single barrel of Contra Costa Zinfandel has grown into a respected Sonoma County urban winery focused on approachable, food-friendly wines crafted with passion and purpose. Inspiration Vineyards reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of California family wineries — hands-on, resilient, deeply personal, and rooted in community.

We also want to recognize Jon for his many years of service and leadership with Family Winemakers of California, including serving as Chairman of the Board and as a longtime member of the Executive Committee. His dedication to supporting independent family wineries across California has made a meaningful impact on our industry, and we are grateful for his continued efforts and support.

Photo of Jon, courtesy of Inspiration Vineyards.


Inspiration Vineyards and Winery

IMPORTANT RECYCLING DEADLINE FOR ALL WINERIES — MAY 31California’s new SB 54 recycling and packaging regulations are now...
05/20/2026

IMPORTANT RECYCLING DEADLINE FOR ALL WINERIES — MAY 31

California’s new SB 54 recycling and packaging regulations are now in effect, and wineries must take action by May 31, 2026.

Depending on your business, this may include:
• Registering with the Circular Action Alliance (CAA)
• Registering independently with CalRecycle
• Or applying for a Small Producer Exemption

One important clarification we are hearing often:
Even if your winery already participates in the Bottle Bill (CRV) program, SB 54 may still apply to your secondary packaging materials like cardboard cases, boxes, and pallet wrap.

There is also a Small Producer Exemption available for wineries with less than $1 million in annual California gross sales, but you still must apply before the deadline.

This is the kind of important industry information, compliance guidance, and regulatory updates we work hard to gather and share with our members.

We invite you to join Family Winemakers of California and stay informed on the issues impacting California wineries and growers.

Link in bio.

MENDOCINO COUNTY WINE | SUSTAINABLE FAMILY WINEMAKINGMendocino County wine is rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and...
05/18/2026

MENDOCINO COUNTY WINE | SUSTAINABLE FAMILY WINEMAKING

Mendocino County wine is rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and family ownership—values that align closely with the mission of Family Winemakers of California. This is a region where organic farming, small production, and long-term land management are not trends, but standard practice.

Navarro Vineyards has long been a leader in Anderson Valley wine, producing estate-grown Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer with a focus on balance and varietal expression. Cesar Toxqui Cellars represents the next generation of small-lot winemaking, bringing cultural heritage and craftsmanship into every bottle. Premonition Cellars focuses on limited-production wines that highlight vineyard character and thoughtful sourcing across Northern California.

Mendocino County continues to stand out for its commitment to sustainable winegrowing, where family wineries invest in the land with a long-term vision for quality and preservation.

Photos of Navarro Vineyards, courtesy of Navarro Vineyards.

05/16/2026

Most wineries have registered with CalRecycle for the CRV program and think they are good to go with the new regulations that went into effect on May 1st.

Not the case.

These new EPR regulations require action now from ALL wineries.

Even if you are exempt, you must file an exemption.

All wineries must take action before May 31 to avoid hefty fines.

Link in bio for helpful information.

05/16/2026

All wineries in California are subject to these new CalRecycle regulations that went into effect on May 1.

All wineries must take action before May 31 to avoid fines. We have compliance and FAQ’s in the link in our bio.

At Family Winemakers of CA, we advocate for you and bring you the important information you need to continue being compliant in your wine business. Join our organization today to receive helpful, real time information that every small winery needs. We’re here for you.

Familywinemakers.us & link in bio

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY WINE | COOL-CLIMATE EXCELLENCERussian River Valley wine is recognized worldwide for its cool-climat...
05/11/2026

RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY WINE | COOL-CLIMATE EXCELLENCE

Russian River Valley wine is recognized worldwide for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and family-owned wineries play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and identity of the region. Within the Family Winemakers of California network, these producers prioritize site expression, farming practices, and precision winemaking over volume.

Littorai Wines is internationally respected for its biodynamic farming and terroir-driven wines, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reflect a true sense of place. Thomas George Estates focuses on estate-grown wines with structure and balance, offering a classic expression of Russian River Valley vineyards. D & L Carinalli Vineyards brings generations of farming experience to their wines, reinforcing the deep agricultural roots of the region.

Russian River Valley remains a benchmark for California wine, shaped by family wineries committed to preserving what makes this AVA distinct.

Photos of Littorai Wines and courtesy of Littorai Wines
Photos of Thomas George Estate and courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism

AB 1585 still needs our support — and your voice matters right now.This important legislation is currently in the Assemb...
05/10/2026

AB 1585 still needs our support — and your voice matters right now.

This important legislation is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee and continues to gain momentum across California because it protects the integrity of American wine, supports transparency, and helps preserve the future of family-owned wineries and growers.

AB 1585 would ensure that wines labeled “American” are made exclusively from American-grown grapes. That means stronger consumer trust, greater transparency about what’s in the bottle, and stronger demand for California-grown grapes.

Currently, wine’s labeled American can have up to 25% imported wine in it. That’s not right, that means consumers think they are buying American made wines and they are not necessarily. We are trying to fix this and make things transparent.

For small wineries and growers, this matters. It helps protect vineyard viability, supports local agriculture, and reinforces the authenticity and reputation of American wine. Consumers are paying closer attention than ever to where products come from and what they’re buying.

If you’ve already submitted a letter previously, thank you — but we need support letters again for this new committee review.

A NEW letter template is now available at the link in bio.

Please print, sign, and email your support letter to [email protected] by 5/13.

Collective action matters, and every letter helps move this forward.

Address

PO BOX 99
Windsor, CA
95492

Website

https://www.familywinemakers.us/

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