FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1812

C 404 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Concerning wine labels.

Sponsors: House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Newhouse, Conway, Chandler, Moeller and Sullivan).

House Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection

Background:

Manufacturers, producers, bottlers, and distributors of wine must put on packages information as to the identity and quality of the wine, alcoholic content, net contents, and the name of the producer, manufacturer, or bottler. By rule, the Liquor Control Board allows a wine to be labeled with an appellation of origin if at least 75 percent of its volume is derived from both fruit or other agricultural products grown in the place or region indicated. The wine must also conform to the requirements of the law of the place or region.

The federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) designates American viticultural areas (AVAs) to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. An AVA may be in one state or may cross state borders. The TTB has adopted rules specifying when certain appellations of origin may be used on a wine label. To use a label with the name of a state, at least 75 percent of the wine must be derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the state. To use an AVA label, at least 85 percent of the wine must be derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the AVA.

Summary:

Standards are placed on the use of the appellation of origin "Washington" claimed or implied anywhere on a wine label.

• If the label states "Washington," at least 95 percent of the grapes used in the production of the wine must have been grown in Washington.

• If the label states "Washington" and the name of an AVA located wholly within Washington, at least 95 percent of the grapes used in the production of the wine must have been grown in Washington.

• If the label states "Washington" and the name of an AVA located in both Washington and an adjoining state, at least 95 percent of the grapes used in the production of the wine must have been grown in the AVA or in Washington.

If the Director of the Department of Agriculture (Director) finds evidence of material damage, destruction, disease, or other loss to one or more vineyards in any American viticultural area (AVA), region, sub-region, or other discrete area, the Director must notify the Liquor Control Board (Board) and the Board may suspend the labeling standards with respect to the adversely affected area for a period of time as the Board reasonably may determine.

The provisions do not apply to wine produced with the addition of wine spirits, brandy, or alcohol.

The standards apply to wine made from grapes harvested after December 31, 2009.

Votes on Final Passage: