What's Ahead for California Wine Law in 2023
Alcohol Beverage Team leader Michael Newman was interviewed by the North Bay Business Journal about key issues facing California's wine industry during the second half of the year. Mr. Newman commented on the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act, also known as the "Bottle Bill," which imposes California Redemption Value (CRV) labeling requirements on wine and distilled spirits beginning in 2025. He also talked about the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau's rulemaking initiative as well as emerging issues like the digital marketplace and third-party promotions.
Outlining the new requirements under the Bottle Bill, Mr. Newmain explained, "Beginning July 1, 2025, the CA CRV message is required to be on all wine and spirits containers offered for sale in CA regardless when the product was produced, bottled or labeled." With regard to the strictness of these requirements, he added: "Items without a CRV message can't be offered for sale in CA after this date. No exception is provided. CalRecycle does not appear willing to grant any exceptions."