Celebrate California Wine Month and the State’s 175th Birthday throughout September

Toast the Golden State Wine Community’s
Past and Future at Events Across the State 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — This September there’s more than one reason to raise a glass. September 1 kicked off California Wine Month, officially designated by the California State Legislature as a statewide recognition of one of the world’s most iconic winegrowing regions. And on September 9, the Golden State marks its 175th birthday.

“California Wine Month is a celebration of the people, places and traditions that make our wines truly unique,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “California wine brings people together across cultures and generations, and behind every bottle is a community that supports more than 1.1 million U.S. jobs and contributes $170 billion to the economy. This month is a reminder of how deeply rooted wine is in our state’s identity and how vital it is to our future.”

Throughout September, wineries across the Golden State are hosting California Wine Month events and activities, from behind-the-scenes harvest tours and grape stomps to wine and food festivals.

“California Wine Month shines a light on the hard work and heritage of our state’s winegrowers, many of them multigenerational farmers who care deeply about their land, their communities and the future,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Wine connects people to California in a way that’s uniquely personal. Whether you’re walking a vineyard at harvest or enjoying a bottle at your table, you’re experiencing something truly rooted in our state’s culture and values.”

From vineyard to table, California wine brings out the best in local flavors, from Sonoma oysters to Santa Maria tri-tip. Back by popular demand, the “Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month” e-book offers delicious inspiration for pairing local wines with California’s seasonal bounty.

“California wine country is not one singular destination or experience,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “It’s the perfect blend of world-class wines, stunning landscapes and unforgettable hospitality. California welcomes visitors from around the world to explore our wine regions, where every tasting is a chance to connect, reflect and raise a glass to what makes the state special.”

10 Great Moments in California Wine History 

California’s wine community has come a long way during the last 175 years — and it’s just getting started. Here are some of the most memorable and impactful moments in the state’s wine history.

1850: California gains statehood. This sets the stage for the wine industry’s growth as Gold Rush migration to Northern California spurs demand and vineyard plantings.

1933: Prohibition is repealed, allowing wine sales to resume.

1934: Wine Institute is founded to support the California wine industry’s rebirth.

1960s-1970s: Wineries across California usher in a modern era, pairing innovation in winemaking with welcoming visitor experiences that set the stage for global recognition.

1967: Table wines outsell dessert wines by volume in the U.S. for the first time since Prohibition.

1976: At the Judgment of Paris, California wines beat France in a blind tasting, gaining worldwide recognition.

1993: Sales of wines labeled by grape name surpass generic wine sales in the U.S.

2002: Industry leaders introduce the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing.

2004: California Wine Month is established to celebrate the wine community’s cultural and economic contributions.

2005: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that states can’t favor local wineries over out-of-state ones when it comes to shipping wine directly to consumers. This gives wine lovers across the country better access to California wines.

California’s Next Gen Leaders Look to the Future 

As California reflects on 175 years of statehood, its wine community is also looking ahead. Rising leaders in the industry have thoughts to share about California wine’s future (spoiler alert: they’re pretty excited): 

“For over 60 years, my family has carried on the agricultural legacy of this 180-year-old estate — now in its third generation. At Alexander Valley Vineyards, we’re rooted in history but always looking forward, farming not just for wine, but for community. That’s why we’ve expanded into fresh produce with five acres of gardens that now supply local families, restaurants and visitors through our newest venture, Alexander Valley Farms. As we like to say: ‘May it go on forever.’ ”  

—Harry H. Wetzel, IV, head of operations/family partner, Alexander Valley Vineyards 

“For 175 years, California wines have enhanced the moments that matter in life — rooted in a deep sense of place and crafted with care. As we build on this legacy, we are proud to stand alongside the winemakers and stewards shaping the future where sustainability, innovation and connection remain at the heart of California wine for generations to come.” 

—Catherine Sullivan, interim general counsel, The Duckhorn Portfolio  

Discover more perspectives from the voices shaping the future of California wine here and join the conversation on Instagram (@California.Wines) as we explore what’s next for California wine. 

To find events, activities and experiences at California wineries throughout September, visit the Discover California Wines website.

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California Wine Month Partners
Ask about special activities and offers from California Wine Month restaurant, retail, association and organization partners. They include: Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions, California Grown, California Restaurant Foundation, Safeway and Visit California.  

About Wine Institute  

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. To learn more about California wines, visit Discover California Wines. 

Funding for the project was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.