(ST. HELENA, CA) – Yesterday afternoon Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Wine, presented The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone with a legislative resolution commemorating the establishment of CIA’s Vintners Hall of Fame at the college’s Greystone campus in St. Helena.  She also honored three Napa vintners for inspiring legislation enacted this year to expand wine industry giving to non-profits.

“Wine is a central part of our culture and economy in California,” said Evans.  “The dynamic Californians setting the standard for wine today also set a high standard for compassion.  This combination of good wine and good works is something that I’m especially proud of as an advocate for our wine industry.”

Evans presented Charles E. Henning, Managing Director of CIA at Greystone, with a framed copy of Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 38 which memorializes the establishment of the Vintners Hall of Fame at Greystone.  The resolution commends CIA for creating a forum to honor the men and women who have been responsible for the establishment, growth, and world-wide prestige of the California wine industry.  It also commends the CIA for using the proceeds of the Vintner Hall of Fame annual induction dinner to support scholarships for its Professional Wine Studies program.

“We are honored to receive this recognition and support from Assemblymember Noreen Evans and the California State Assembly and Senate,” said Charles Henning.  “The CIA’s Vintners Hall of Fame is the first of its kind in the world and this resolution further legitimizes its celebration of the California wine industry and the people behind its growth.”

ACR 38 was passed unanimously by both the State Assembly and the Senate earlier this year.  It will be placed in the Vintners Hall of Fame for future visitors to see.

Evans also presented copies of Assembly Bill (AB) 323 that were signed by the Governor to three vintners who inspired the legislation:  Bill Wolf of Eagle Eye Wines, Ken Nerlove of Elkhorn Peak Cellars, and Claudia Sansone of StoneFly Vineyard.  All three were cited for donating and pouring their wines at a non-profit fundraising event in May 2006 because it violated the terms of their alcohol licenses.  Ultimately, all had their licenses temporarily suspended.

AB 323 enables grapegrowers and negotiants who sell wine 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.  Prior to Evans’ bill, 17/20 vintners could donate their wines to some charitable fundraising events but couldn't pour their wines at any of them.

“There was a lot of confusion about the law,” said Evans.  “After these vintners got in trouble, many important fundraisers which constitute a financial lifeline for non-profits were cancelled out of fear.  My bill levels the playing field and ends the confusion.  Now, all vintners can donate and pour their wines for a good cause.”

In 2006, California’s wine industry made over $115 million in charitable contributions.  There are approximately 1,400 vintners in California operating under the 17/20 license combination.

Founded in 1946, CIA is an independent, not-for-profit college offering degrees in the culinary arts and baking and pastry arts.  If offers courses at the college’s main campus in Hyde Park, NY and at the Greystone campus, in St. Helena, CA.

Further information about ACR 38 and AB 323 is available at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.  Information about the Culinary Institute at Greystone is available at http://www.ciachef.edu.