The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued an Industry Advisory (Tied House Advertising Exceptions Remain Subject to Specific Statutory Conditions) reminding licensees of tied-house laws that generally prohibit suppliers from giving things of value to retailers. The advisory reminds industry members that activities such as joint advertising between a supplier and a retailer where it is not expressly permitted by an exception in the ABC Act, or “pay to play” (whether directly or indirectly), have always been and continue to constitute violations of the tied-house laws. While it is unclear whether a specific event prompted the Department to issue the new advisory, the following passage suggests that partnerships or sponsorships related to the World Cup (and other future big events such as the 2028 LA Olympics) may have something to do with it: Business and Professions Code sections 25500 and 25502 … prohibit suppliers from furnishing, giving, or lending money to a ret

Par Then Bar Open Golf Tournament: Where Wine Industry Networking Meets Opportunity Beyond branding - connect with key decision-makers in a relaxed, high-impact setting Become a sponsor of the 6th Annual Par Then Bar Open® and showcase your brand to key players in the packaging and bottling industries. With multiple sponsorship levels available, this premier golf networking event delivers visibility, relationship-building, and lasting industry impact. Click on the flyer → for more information,  or contact Gisselle Aguilera at marketing@aps-pack.com or call at  707-799-7502. To learn more about the PTBO event, please visit our website at parthenbaropen.com!

POSTED BY  Theresa Barton Cray As we near the close of a challenging year for the alcohol beverage industry, suppliers are understandably looking for creative marketing campaigns to boost sales. Unfortunately, given the highly regulated world of alcohol beverage marketing, creative marketing ideas can sometimes hit the proverbial brick wall of regulatory restrictions. All is not lost, however, and there is still room for creativity provided suppliers work within the parameters of alcohol beverage regulations. To start, below are some common pitfalls that suppliers should avoid when marketing their alcoholic beverages in California and elsewhere. Retailer Partnerships Suppliers should closely examine any new marketing programs that involve or mention licensed alcohol beverage retailers. Partnerships with, or sponsorships of, retailers are in most cases going to run afoul of the tied-house laws in California, and in most other states, which prohibit suppliers from giving (directly

This November, growers and agricultural professionals will gather in San Luis Obispo for the 2025 Sustainable Ag Expo, an event designed to foster innovation, provide high-impact education, and create meaningful connections across the wine and agricultural industries. When/Where: Kick-Off Event - Monday, November 10, 5:00-7:00 pm  |  at Center of Effort Winery Trade Show & Seminars - Tuesday, November 11 & Wednesday, November 12, 7:00 am-5:00 pm  |  at Madonna Expo Center What to Expect The 2025 program offers a robust lineup of content focused on critical topics like climate resilience, automation, and workforce development, with 17 in-person seminars offering 20+ hours of CE credit. Two-day ticket holders also receive access to 13 online courses with an additional 10+ CE hours available from October 13–November 28. Even More Opportunities to Connect and Learn Kick-Off Event: The event begins with a special Monday Night Kick-Off hosted at Cen

Second-Year Sponsorship Highlights American Wine Industry’s Economic Impact and Community Building Mission  WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries, announced today its proud sponsorship of the 2025 Come Over October Congressional Wine Caucus press conference and reception, taking place on October 8th in Washington, D.C. This marks the second consecutive year WineAmerica has supported this important invitation-only industry event, demonstrating the organization’s continued commitment to fostering bipartisan support for America’s burgeoning wine industry.  The reception will showcase wines from across many states, celebrating the breadth, diversity and quality of American wine production from coast to coast. This comprehensive representation underscores the truly national scope of the American wine industry, which now includes 10,637 wine producers operating in every state. Economic Powerhouse Supporting American Communities WineAmerica&r

With the U.S. wine industry under pressure from declining sales, shifting consumer trends, and economic headwinds, Sonoma County’s vintners and grape growers are coming together in an unprecedented way to confront these challenges – and chart a positive path forward for the local industry. A steering committee of regional leaders has been formed to explore establishing the Sonoma County Wine Improvement District (WID) to provide stable, strategic funding for the long-term strength and sustainability of Sonoma County’s wine and agricultural economy.  The stakes are high. The marketplace is changing rapidly and maintaining the status quo is not an option. The wine industry is facing challenges like never before which must be addressed to reverse the decline and grow the overall wine category.  This effort is significant and grounded in a fundamental truth: grape growers and vintners are inextricably connected, and the success of one depends on the strength o

The clink of glasses, the warmth of late afternoon sun across the vines—these are the moments that define a winery. But digital marketers can get stuck in the rut of Facebook posts and Instagram stories that have become repetitive and rote. How do you translate the sensory magic of a tasting room into strategies that make visitors show up in person? Take a look at some marketing channels that are not as used by wineries, where old-school storytelling and next-gen tech converge to give you a competitive edge. Connected TV: Your Vineyard in 4K Another banner ad, another still photo, another yawn. Sometimes the channel itself can leave you feeling confined to content that lacks vitality. If you’re facing that, and you’ve got the budget, think about going big on video and distributing it via Connected TV.. Connected TV (CTV) lets you beam the romance of your winery directly into living rooms, framed by the cinematic power of streaming. Think smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV&

Par Then Bar Open Golf Tournament: Where Wine Industry Networking Meets Opportunity Beyond branding—connect with key decision-makers in a relaxed, high-impact setting The Par Then Bar Open® (PTBO) Golf Tournament, presented by APS Packaging & MBF North America, will be held on May 16, 2025, at Eagle Vines Golf Club in American Canyon. The tournament is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, so it is your chance to be part of an exclusive wine industry tradition that blends competition, camaraderie, and connection. This event is more than just a day on the greens—it’s a unique opportunity for wine industry vendors to build valuable relationships, enhance brand visibility, and foster meaningful relationships within the wine and spirits community.  Why Sponsor PTBO? Sponsoring PTBO isn’t just about having your logo on a sign—it’s about engaging directly with key decision-makers in a relaxed and social setting. With attendees ranging f

Sonoma County Winegrowers Focus on Creating Experiences to Engage New and Existing Wine Lovers SANTA ROSA, Calif. (January 17, 2025) – For over a decade, Sonoma County Winegrowers has been at the forefront of innovation, forging powerful partnerships with iconic brands like John Deere, Ford Pro, Wilbur Ellis, Landry’s, and the San Francisco Giants. As unveiled at this week’s annual Dollars & $ense meeting, held virtually, 2025 marks a year dedicated to “Renewing, Building, and Growing” these renowned programs, expanding their reach, amplifying the Sonoma County story, and setting new benchmarks in excellence. As Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers, started her presentation with a review of the past twelve years since she joined the organization, it was clear that the results in building the brand’s visibility over the years has been successful. From being world leaders in sustainability, to sports ma