Governor signs bill designating Mendocino County a wine region
After a two-year, collaborative process working with the Mendocino Wine Growers, grape growers and vintners throughout the county, state Sen. Mike McGuire’s bill creating a “Mendocino County” wine label designation was signed by Governor Newsom earlier this month.
“Mendocino wine stands out on its own, it’ s some of North America’ s best, and this law will be a big boost for the region. Establishing this labeling process will honor thosewho grow and harvest this amazing fruit and the wineries who produce this world-renowned wine,” McGuire said. “We held multiple outreach meetings, workshops, informational seminars and several one-onone get-to get hers which culminated in an overwhelming vote in favor of the legislation. We are grateful to the Wine Growers for their 100 percent partnership and for Governor Newsom’s support of this legislation.”
The practice of conjunctive labeling, labeling awine froma specific region of origin, has shown that it increases county brand recognition, increases wine sales, and raises recognition of newer industry participants across the Golden State. Starting in 1998, the California Legislature has approved conjunctive labeling laws on a bipartisan basis in several regions including Sonoma County, Napa County and Lodi among others.
“Wewere grateful toworkwith Senator McGuire on this critical initiative. This lawhas been a long time coming and we’re truly grateful to all of the growers and vintners who made this dream a reality. Conjunctive labeling will continue to increase the recognition of Mendocino County wine and grapes, and help promote what we already know — Mendocino County is a premier region for world class wine,” said Bernadette Byrne, executive director of Mendocino Wine Growers, Inc.
Now law, the new “Mendocino County” designation must be included on the front or back of the wine label if thewine is either produced entirely, or within a vineyard designated in Mendocino County, on or after Jan. 1, 2023.
Sonoma, Napa, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Paso Robles have previously passed conjunctive labeling legislation.