Wine Institute 2022 Year in Review

A message from the President & CEO

Wine Community Makes Strides Toward Normalcy

The past year brought us closer to pre-pandemic normalcy, which was a welcome development after a two-year rollercoaster ride and a multitude of necessary pivots. Though our wine community continues to face challenges in the marketplace and policy arena, I believe we are stronger and more united than ever. The future truly looks bright, especially given a strong 2022 harvest that promises to deliver memorable wines from across California.

This outlook is also reflected in a newly released economic impact report commissioned by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers. It shows 27% growth in statewide economic impact and 49% growth in national impact over the past six years. This robust expansion — during a challenging period that included a devastating pandemic — shows the strength and resilience of California wine as an economic engine. The data also reinforces the fact that wines from the Golden State are the ultimate value added sustainable agriculture product.

We are proud of these accomplishments that are due in part to the Craft Beverage Modernization Act, which reduced federal excise tax rates for every single winery, fostering investment and accelerating growth. It’s worth noting that this new year marks the sixth year of savings.

Throughout 2022, I was reminded of the importance of having a strong, articulated mission and a clear plan for achieving it:

  • Wine Institute’s top priority is to initiate and advocate public policy at the state, federal and international levels.
  • We actively engage and support members on a daily basis to ensure that their needs are met and their concerns are addressed.
  • We encourage and promote sustainable winegrowing and business practices to preserve our ability to responsibly produce world-class wine long into the future.
  • We initiate innovative international marketing efforts to drive California wine exports and maintain California wine as a leading global brand.
  • Our communications promote and protect the interests of our members while informing key audiences, with a unified voice about the benefits of California wine.

Our Year in Review demonstrates the continued commitment and dedication of Wine Institute’s teams — Federal and International Public Policy, State Relations, California State Relations, Legal, Environmental Affairs, International Marketing, Communications and Member Relations and Finance and Administration — to these priorities and actions. Together with our members, we have taken great strides in 2022. I invite you to read the following summary of the year’s accomplishments, and to share this report with your colleagues.

Wine Institute C.E.O. Robert Koch

Robert P. Koch
President and CEO

Download the Full Report