(SACRAMENTO, CA) The Senate Committee on Government Organization 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 passed 8-0 and now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further review.

“The wine industry provides significant support to non-profit organizations in our state,” said Evans.  “My bill will help expand this support immediately by enabling others in the industry to help out.”

AB 323 enables the increasing number of vintners operating under the license combination “17” (beer and wine wholesaler) and “20” (off-sale beer and wine retailer) to donate and pour their wines alongside wineries at charitable fundraisers.  Evans recently amended the bill to take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature instead of January 2008.

“Current law is confusing for non-profits trying to raise funds from the wine industry,” adds Evans.  “Contrary to what most people think, a winery isn’t any business that makes and sells wine.”

Vintners with an “02” license issued by the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control may donate and pour their wines at non-profit fundraising events.  But 17/20 vintners may not.

In 2005, California’s wine industry made some $115 million in charitable contributions.

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.  On May 21, 2007, it passed out of the State Assembly with a vote of 76-0.

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