Farmers markets can now offer wine tasting

CALIFORNIANS CAN SAMPLE FRUIT, cheese and veggies at a farmers market but not wine. Now, under a newly approved state law, small wineries that use only their own grapes will be allowed to offer tastings.

The legislation sailed through the state Assembly and a Senate committee. On July 8, Gov. Jerry Brown signed the bill into law. The bill also applies to cider makers. It is co-sponsored by the Family Winemakers of California and the Wine Institute.

“Like many products, wine is sold through sampling. Consumers want to decide if they like it, and if it is a good value,” says Paul Kronenberg, president of the Family Winemakers of California.

The new privilege provided under AB 2488 would be subject to a number of safeguards.

The bill gives market managers discretion on whether to allow tastings at their specific market. If approved by the market manager, only one winery on any given day could offer tastes.

The tastings occur in a cordoned off area of the market. The winegrower is limited to pour no more than 3 ounces of wine or cider per adult consumer.

The plan ran into some opposition. “California farmers markets are for fresh food, not wine tasting,” according to Alcohol Justice, a San Rafael advocacy group.