(SACRAMENTO, CA) The State Assembly 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.

Assembly Bill (AB) 323 now moves to the State Senate for further review.

“The wine industry plays a significant role in helping finance the work of non-profit organizations in our state,” says Evans.  “My bill allows more in the industry to participate.”

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.

“Current law is confusing to understand and follow,” adds Evans.  “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.