CA Law Triples Winery Tastings At Farmers Markets

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA — Small California wineries will soon be allowed to sell bottles at certified farmers markets without making the wine entirely from estate-grown grapes.

The measure, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, eliminates a California rule that required wineries to use 100 percent estate-grown grapes in wine sold at farmers markets.

Wineries may now use grapes from other California growers, provided they bottle the wine themselves.

The law also gives local market operators more flexibility to determine how many wine vendors may participate.

Up to three wineries can host wine tastings at the same certified farmers market simultaneously.

The previous law limited markets to one permit holder at a time.

Other tasting restrictions remain. No more than 3 ounces of wine per day can be served to one taster, and temporary barriers must separate tasting areas.