WHEREAS, California wine has been a rich part of the Golden State’s economy and culture for more than 250 years, with distinctive and unique attributes; and

WHEREAS, The state’s wines play an important role in California’s iconic lifestyle, inspired by boundless optimism and endless miles of natural beauty; and

WHEREAS, California is long known for producing top-quality wines, encompassing more than 95 percent of the country’s wine exports; and

WHEREAS, California wineries are mainly family-owned businesses, many of which are proudly multigenerational and pass on time-honored traditions while taking advantage of new innovations, producing 81 percent of America’s wine; and

WHEREAS, California wine makes significant financial contributions to local communities, the state, and the country by supporting hundreds of thousands of quality jobs, bolstering economies through tourism and taxes, and enhancing communities through environmental stewardship and charitable giving; and

WHEREAS, The state’s vast wine community includes 6,200 bonded wineries and 5,900 winegrape growers, with winegrapes grown on 590,000 acres across 49 of the state’s 58 counties; and

WHEREAS, The state is proud to boast 154 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), showcasing the state’s diverse terroir and supporting nearly every kind of grape; and

WHEREAS, California is a known global leader in sustainability with vintners who pride themselves on being stewards of the land; and

WHEREAS, With the most comprehensive and widely adopted sustainability programs in the world, 90 percent of California wine is made in 250 certified sustainable wineries, and 70 percent of the state’s vineyard acreage is certified sustainable; and

WHEREAS, The dedication of California wineries to sustainability is reflected in their approach to producing wine with commitment, collaboration, innovation, investment, and leadership, all of which help to secure the future of the wine community for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, More than 100 wine varieties can be found across California, thanks to the state’s diverse terroir, which provides a perfect place to grow nearly every kind of grape. With this variety, California winemakers have the latitude to create complex single varietal wines, as well as interesting and expressive blends; and

WHEREAS, Pairing perfectly with the Golden State’s bounty of fresh, California-grown produce and inventive cuisine, as well as with food from around the world, California wines are made for connecting with family and friends over conversations, shared meals, and celebrations; now, therefore, be it