With the turn of the calendar and after nearly a year of political wrangling, conjunctive labeling will be the norm for Sonoma County wineries beginning in 2014. Passed by unanimous vote in both the state assembly and senate in August and signed by Governor Schwartzenegger at the end of September, AB 1798 will require
New California Law Streamlines Instructional Tasting Licenses
On the list of California laws affecting the wine industry in the New Year is AB 605 – the Instructional Tasting Events License. Introduced in 2009 and signed into law September 23, 2010, AB 605 adds to the Business and Professions Code sections 23396.6 and 25503.56. The additions allow the ABC to issue a
TTB Updates and Changes
In anticipation of the retirement on 12/30/2010 of Ms. Nancy Sutton, TTB’s current American Viticultural Area (AVA) Program Manager, TTB is announcing that effective December 27, 2010, Ms. Elisabeth Kann of the Regulations and Rulings Division has been designated the coordinator of the AVA Program. Ms. Kann may be contacted directly on all AVA questions
OPB Think Outloud
What a great way to spend a Wednesday morning. I joined Portland’s thought leaders on all-thing-alcohol this morning at St. Jack restaurant, where we broadcasted live on OPB. A lively 
discussion of Oregon’s alcohol industry was lead by On Air Host Emily Harris. Reasons behind Oregon’s alcohol industry boom, the State’s history with alcohol
SONOMA COUNTY VOTES ON FROST PROTECTION PLAN FOR VINEYARDS
On Tuesday, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed an ordinance creating a plan designed to protect both vineyard frost protection measures and endangered species in the Russian River. After nearly a year of negotiations, the Board added Section 11B to the County Code, creating a registration program for grapegrowers and plan to assess
Exploring the Option of Liquor Licenses for Food Cart Owners
Portland-area food cart owners are innovative, creative, and continue to contribute to Portland’s food and beverage culture. The range of food options varies greatly, but it is easy to find what you are looking for, or get updated on the recent cart happenings, with the likes of Food Carts Portland. Portland’s food cart culture has
Hermann attends Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Gathering
The Oregon chapter of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, Sous-Commanderie de Portland held its first event on November 29 at Park Kitchen in downtown Portland. Chapter member Scott
Wright of Scott Paul Wines presented "A Graduate Course: Burgundy 501." We tasted four flights of White and Red Burgundy from Chablis and the Cote d’Or. The presentation
Oregon Temporarily Bans “Alcopop”
Following actions by the FDA, the TTB, as well as several states, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) recently announced a temporary ban on the sale of caffeinated alcoholic beverages within the state’s borders. The action, taken during a November 20th special meeting on the issue, will last until May 18, 2011, during which time
California High-Speed Rail: Vineyards in California’s Central Valley Could be Impacted by its Tracks
A legal update from our colleague Stacy Gillespie.
The California High-Speed Rail Authority (“Authority”) will announce at its December 2, 2010 meeting which segment of the 800-mile HSR will be the first to be built. At its November 4, 2010 meeting, the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Roelof van Ark, presented the Authority’s Board
Stoel Winery Lawyers Attend Salud!
Last weekend, Stoel winery lawyers attended Salud! and enjoyed visiting with clients and friends at Domaine Drouhin on Friday afternoon and the Governor Hotel on Saturday evening. Proceeds from this year’s Oregon Pinot Noir Auction topped $650,000, a reported 7 percent increase from 2009. Donations help support the Salud! mission of providing Oregon’s seasonal vineyard works