California Bill Would Tighten Rules for Wines Labeled American

California lawmakers are considering a bill that would tighten the rules for wines labeled “American” or “United States,” requiring that any bottle sold in the state with those terms on the label be made entirely from grapes or other agricultural products grown in the United States.

The measure, AB 1585, would apply to wine bottled on or after July 1, 2027. Under current federal law, a wine may use the appellation “American” if at least 75% of its contents come from fruit or agricultural products grown in the United States. The California bill would raise that threshold to 100% for wine produced, bottled, labeled, offered for sale or sold in California.

The proposal is moving through the Legislature as an amendment to the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which governs the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and sets labeling rules for products sold in California. The bill was amended on April 8 and most recently advanced out of committee on April 22, when lawmakers voted 18-0 to send it to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

If enacted, the measure would give the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control authority to seize wine in California that is labeled or packaged in violation of the new rule. The bill also says that by expanding the scope of an existing crime, it would create a state-mandated local program, though it adds that no reimbursement would be required under a specified exception.

Supporters of stricter labeling rules have argued in past debates that consumers should be able to rely on geographic terms on wine labels as clear indicators of origin. The bill’s language reflects that concern by limiting the use of “American” and “United States” unless every grape or agricultural ingredient comes from within the country.

The legislation is still in progress and has not yet become law.