A group of California wine industry leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. from June 24 to June 26 to press for federal action on several issues affecting the U.S. wine sector. The delegation, organized by the Wine Institute, included senior representatives from wineries such as Alpha Omega, Tolosa, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, and Hope Family Wines. Over three days, the group met with 25 members of Congress from 11 states, including three committee chairmen, as well as Canadian government officials representing Quebec and Ontario.
The main topics discussed during these meetings were the elimination of tariffs and improvement of market access for U.S. wines, increased funding for export promotion programs, and the need for science-based updates to federal Dietary Guidelines. The delegation emphasized the importance of restoring access for American wines in Canadian retail stores, highlighting Canada’s role as a leading export market for California producers.
Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute, said that direct engagement with lawmakers is essential to ensure that the economic impact and priorities of the wine industry are understood at the federal level. He pointed out that California vintners produce 80% of the nation’s wine and support more than one million American jobs.
Robin Baggett, proprietor of Alpha Omega Winery and Tolosa Winery and chairman of the Wine Institute Board of Directors, described the meetings as timely and critical for the industry. He noted that decisions on tariffs, Canadian market access, export funding, and dietary guidelines will have significant consequences for American wine producers.
During their visit, the delegation also hosted a reception in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. Members of Congress, staffers, and administration officials attended to sample California wines and continue discussions about industry priorities. The event aimed to highlight wine’s role in American culture and its ability to bring people together.
The group also met with senior officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service to advocate for continued investment in programs like the Market Access Program (MAP), which helps promote U.S. wines abroad. The visit concluded with a meeting at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) with Administrator Mary Ryan.
The Wine Institute has represented more than 1,000 California wineries since its founding in 1934. The organization works on state, federal, and international policy issues to support responsible wine production and consumption. This year’s Washington visit comes at a time when trade policies and regulatory decisions could shape the future competitiveness of American wines both domestically and internationally.