(SACRAMENTO, CA)  The Assembly Committee on Appropriations unanimously passed a bill authored by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, to allow more vintners in California to donate and pour their wines at non-profit fundraisers.

AB 323 now awaits a vote on the Assembly Floor.

“I am very pleased with the progress of this bill,” says Evans.  “It shows bi-partisan and industry support for the good work of charitable organizations in our state.”

Contributions from the wine industry play a significant role in helping finance the work of non-profit organizations.  In 2005, California’s wine industry made some $115 million in charitable contributions.  But current law excludes and even penalizes some vintners if they help out.

“This is extremely confusing for non-profits trying to organize fundraising events,” adds Evans.  “My bill will end the confusion.”

The confusion begins with the legal definition of a winery.  Contrary to what most people think, a winery isn’t simply any business that makes and sells wine.  A winery holds a specific license issued by the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control called an “02.”  Vintners with this license are able to donate and pour their wines at charitable events.

But an increasing number of vintners make and sell wine under the license combination “17” (beer and wine wholesaler) and “20” (off-sale beer and wine retailer).  AB 323 enables them to donate and pour their wines at non-profit fundraisers, a practice prohibited under the law today.

AB 323 is supported by the CA Association of Non-Profits, the CA Association of Winegrape Growers, Family Winemakers of CA, Napa Valley Vintners, and the Wine Institute.

For further information about AB 323, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.