Don't call it a Napa wine if it wasn't grown there

[Carolyn Tillie]

From an e-mail sent by the Napa Valley Vintner's Association:

Today the California State Supreme Court announced its decision in the Bronco vs. ABC Napa name protection case, to which the NVV is a party. The Court ruled unanimously in favor of the NVV stating, "California is recognized as a preeminent producer of wine, and the geographic source of its wines - reflecting the attributes of distinctive locales, particularly Napa Valley - forms a very significant basis upon which consumers worldwide evaluate expected quality when making a purchase."  The decision strengthens the integrity of U.S. wine labeling and affirms wine consumers' right to know the true origin of the wines they enjoy. Click here to read the full Supreme Court opinion.

The NVV is  pleased the Court concurred with our position. This decision reaffirms what we have contended all along, that labeling wine with the Napa Valley name without Napa Valley grapes, is wrong.  Those who engage in this practice have been put on notice. This ruling upholds the rights of consumers.  Click here for the NVV's official statement on the Court's decision and additional background information on the association's work on this issue.

The California Supreme Court battle is just one of many prongs in the NVV's ongoing Napa name protection efforts defined by its Statement of Principles. Those efforts include international trademark monitoring for misdescriptive labeling practices; the 100% Napa Valley  Certification Mark program; a consumer awareness campaign; and meetings with public officials in Washington, D.C. name protection work at the federal level. The NVV will keep members informed of developments in these efforts.

[Julia'sChild]

My guess is Franzia is going to appeal.

[Big Bunny]

Doesn't this imply no more "California Champagne"?

BB

[wnissen]

Doesn't this imply no more "California Champagne"?

No, because Champagne is explicitly a semi-generic according to the ATF, which basically means that almost any sparkling wine can be labeled Champagne. Until the U.S. comes to some sort of agreement with the E.U., that isn't going to change.

Still, the court ruling was a good thing. I actually don't mind if a winery makes some wines not from their namesake area, but the Bronco stuff was just an abuse. I'm sorry that this has been dragged out as long as it has, but the ruling is a step in the right direction.