Three wine-related invoices await Newsom’s signature

The California legislature passed three bills this session that would benefit the state’s wine industry and are about to be signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

The measures are supported by the Wine Institute, the state’s main trading group for the industry.

The invoices include SB 19, sponsored by State Senator Steve Glazer, D-Orinda, which would allow wineries to open an additional tasting room off-site. State law restricts wineries to one offsite tasting room in addition to one at their production facility.

Another measure, AB 1267, would allow wineries and breweries to advertise and promote donations made to nonprofit groups from the proceeds of the sale of an alcoholic beverage. Jordan Cunningham Assembly Member R-San Luis Obispo sponsored this legislation.

The final room would allow winery patrons to bring their bottles to be refilled in the offsite tasting room of a participating winery. State law now only allows this filling at the production facilities of a winery. Assembly member Carlos Villapudua, D-Stockton, sponsored the bill.

Aperture Cellars acquires Farrow Ranch

Aperture Cellars has purchased the Farrow Ranch vineyards in the Alexander Valley as the Healdsburg winery expands its portfolio. The transaction closed on September 2 and the purchase price was not disclosed.

Carol Farrow had owned the property for more than three decades, as the fruits of the Bordeaux grape variety from the 75-acre vineyard became more prized by winemakers, including Jesse Katz of Aperture.

The acquisition will now bring Aperture’s land holdings to 120 acres. The estate will retain the services of Munselle Vineyard Management, which has been operating the hillside for seven years. She intends to make a single vineyard cabernet sauvignon for her label from the site.

“The first 100 point vineyard in Alexander Valley history, Farrow Ranch is considered a classic source of some of California’s best fruit. Simply put, the grapes grown here are some of the best in the world. I’ve been working with Farrow Ranch Fruits since 2010 with my critically acclaimed Devil Proof Malbecs, and I’m delighted to officially make this unique site a part of Aperture’s heritage, ”Katz said in a statement.

Banshee Wines launches a sparkling wine

Banshee Wines of Healdsburg, which cultivated a loyal following with its Pinot Noir, has now ventured into offering a sparkling wine.

The cellar will launch in a limited edition this fall its sparkling wine Ten of Cups made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. National expansion will begin in 2022 and bottles will be priced at $ 28.

Founded in 2009, Banshee has developed a loyal following of young consumers with its affordable Pinot Noir wines. Foley Family Wines of Santa Rosa bought the brand in 2018 and helped expand it. Alicia Sylvester joined Banshee as a winemaker earlier this year.

“We have defined our intentions to blend sparkling wine loyal to Sonoma County through Banshee’s strong relationships with the region’s high-quality wineries,” Sylvester said in a statement. “Ten of Cups is an exciting new addition to the Banshee portfolio; bright, vibrant and deliciously drinkable.

Compiled by Bill Swindell. Submit articles to [email protected].