AB 1585: Wine labeling: “American” or “United States” appellation.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, regulates the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and the granting of licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages within the state. A violation of the act is generally a misdemeanor.

The act imposes specified labeling requirements for containers of alcoholic beverages sold within this state, including prescribed requirements for the use of appellations from specified geographic regions in California. The act generally provides that these labeling requirements do not preclude the use of a label containing a truthful, nonmisleading appellation of origin or geographic description that complies with federal appellation law, except as specified.

Existing federal law authorizes the use of the appellation “American” if at least 75% of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the United States, as specified.

This bill, notwithstanding the above-described provisions and for wine bottled on or after July 1, 2027, would prohibit the use of the appellation “American” or “United States” on wine produced, bottled, labeled, offered for sale, or sold in California unless 100% of the wine is derived from grapes or agricultural products grown in the United States, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to seize any wine in California that is labeled or packaged in violation of this prohibition and would make related findings and declarations. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9 · Republican 5

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 23, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2. June 3, 2026Referred to Com. on G.O.
3. May 27, 2026In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
4. May 26, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 67. Noes 0. Page 5393.)
5. May 18, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
6. May 14, 2026From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).
7. May 14, 2026Coauthors revised.
8. May 6, 2026In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
9. April 23, 2026From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 18. Noes 0.) (April 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
10. April 9, 2026Re-referred to Com. on G.O.
11. April 8, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on G.O. Read second time and amended.
12. February 2, 2026Referred to Com. on G.O.