Bill would let small wineries sell non-estate wines at farmers markets

Sen. Laird presented SB 917, a bill to remove the current "estate grown" requirement that restricts which wineries can sell at farmers markets. The change would allow family winemakers who source grapes from other growers to participate in farmers markets and would remove the one-winery-at-a-time cap that discourages market hosts.

"SB 917 brings that same modern framework to small wineries," witness Lise Asamont (vice president, Family Winemakers of California) said, describing her Sonoma County family winery that uses grapes from independent growers and cannot currently use the farmers-market permit because it is not estate grown. Michael Miller of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers, a co-sponsor, said the bill would strengthen farm-to-consumer connections.

The committee established quorum, took testimony from industry witnesses, and recorded initial roll-call votes; the bill was reported to the committee on Appropriations and placed on call while the roll was left open for absent members.

A formal motion to pass the bill to Appropriations was made and recorded; committee staff left the roll open to allow absent members to be added before the roll was closed.