(SACRAMENTO, CA) Yesterday, the State Senate 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 to donate and pour their wines at non-profit fundraisers.

Assembly Bill (AB) 323 passed with a vote of 36-0 and moves to the Assembly for concurrence on amendments to the bill that were taken in the Senate.

“This bill will prompt an immediate expansion of wine industry support for non-profit organizations in our state,” said Evans.  “It allows well over a thousand additional vintners to support causes championed by the non-profit community.”

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 amended the bill in the Senate to take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature instead of January 2008.

“Current law is confusing,” added Evans.  “A winery isn’t any business that makes and sells wine.  But only wineries may donate and pour their wines at non-profit fundraising events.  This bill ends the confusion.”

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.

“The citation of three Napa vintners in May of last year showed that current law needs to be changed,” added Evans.  “Government shouldn’t be punishing anyone for donating to charity.  But these vintners had their licenses temporarily suspended.  My legislation stops this silliness.”

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