About Us

About Us

The premier public policy advocacy association of California wineries

Wine Institute is the only U.S. organization advocating for wine at the state, federal and international levels.
We bring together the resources of 1,000 wineries and affiliated businesses to support legislative and regulatory advocacy, international market development, media relations, scientific research and education programs that benefit the entire California wine industry.

Our Mission

Our mission is to initiate and advocate public policy that enhances the ability to responsibly produce, promote and enjoy wine.

Our Achievements

One of our key areas of focus has been opening up states for direct-to-consumer wine shipments, a landscape that has changed dramatically in recent years. We continue to work to preserve this freedom—and to make state regulations more manageable and uniform.

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Year in Review

2023 Year in Review: Our History Informs Our Future

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Our Priorities

Our Priorities

In 2019, we revised our Strategic Plan and reaffirmed our commitment to:

  1. Initiating and advocating effectively with public policy makers and stakeholders at state, federal and international levels

  2. Promoting and protecting the interests of members and informing relevant audiences about the benefits of California wine with a unified voice

  3. Preserving our ability to responsibly produce world-class wine by encouraging wide adoption of sustainable practices and investing in the California Sustainable Winegrowing program

  4. Driving exports of California wine by assisting California wineries in entering and developing business in foreign markets and building the California brand abroad with the Export Program

  5. Actively engaging and supporting members by responding to industry issues and specific issues that may impact members’ business

Our Staff

We go where our members can’t—namely, all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the international arena–promoting and protecting the wine industry on a daily basis.

Meet our Staff

Our Members

Our Members

Wine Institute is the voice for California wine, representing nearly 1,000 wineries and affiliated businesses. Our 80-member board includes vintners–small, large and in between–representing each of California’s diverse winegrowing regions. The board is supported by the work of numerous committees and working groups.