The Wine Institute draws attention to critical issues facing the wine sector at its annual meeting in Washington

Leadership Award presented to Senator Debbie Stabenow

WASHINGTON — California winemakers were in Washington last week for three days of meetings with key lawmakers and regulators as part of the Wine Institute’s annual trip to the nation’s capital. The delegation met with key government stakeholders on a number of priority issues, including the upcoming 2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines, the Farm Bill, and expanding market access for U.S. wine exports in key markets around the world.

“Wineries face many challenges, and it is important for policymakers to understand what is at stake for one of America’s highest value-added agricultural sectors,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of the Wine Institute. “In response to our endorsement, legislators across the country have expressed strong support for policies that will improve the long-term health of our vibrant wine communities.”

During the meeting, the Wine Institute also recognized the significant contributions and achievements of Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition. Koch and Wine Institute Chairman of the Board Randall Lange, co-founder of LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, presented Stabenow with the Wine Institute Leadership Award, which recognizes truly exceptional leadership at the Congress on behalf of the U.S. wine industry. Throughout her time in the Senate, Stabenow has been a tireless advocate for specialty crops, and her leadership has been instrumental in establishing many key specialty crop programs that support the wine and winegrape sectors.

The delegation met with more than 30 representatives and senators from across the country, including executives as well as senior members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Finance Committee and the House Appropriations Committee. House and Senate Appropriations. from which they have jurisdiction over key wine industry priorities.

California winemakers also had the opportunity to showcase their best wines at a reception in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress, attended by more than 400 members of Congress, congressional staff and administration officials.

With 6,200 wineries, California accounts for 81% of U.S. wine production and more than 95% of wine exports. California is the fourth largest wine-producing region in the world. California’s wineries have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, generating $170 billion in annual economic activity, supporting more than 1.1 million jobs and paying $59.9 billion in annual wages and $21.9 billion in taxes.

About the Wine Institute

Founded in 1934, the Wine Institute is a public policy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and supports state, federal and international public policies to improve the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to protect the state’s economic and environmental health through its leadership in sustainable viticulture. To learn more about California wines, visit Discover California Wines.