at 1121 L St, Ste 304, Sacramento , 95814
CAWG is dedicated to advocating and promoting the interests of all California winegrape growers. CAWG’s history began more than 40 years ago when a small group of winegrape growers concerned about establishing fair prices for grapes established the Wine Grape Bargaining Association. Up until this time, winegrape growers did not have a statewide organization to focus exclusively on issues affecting their livelihood like other specialty crops did. While fair prices were the initial rallying cry, meetings with growers throughout the state showed a greater interest in creating a trade association to handle the growing spectrum of winegrape issues including pest and disease management, water use, marketing, uniform grade standards, promotion, education and research, and most of all, advocacy with state and federal lawmakers. A survey of the state’s winegrape growers was commissioned to determine if an organization had a chance to succeed. On December 16, 1974, Articles of Incorporation were created, and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) was established.
Today, CAWG holds a unique role in the winegrape industry; the association is the only statewide organization specifically focused on advocacy for all California winegrape growers. As the voice for the winegrape industry, CAWG helps to ensure the implementation of sound public policies through its vigilance and action on state and federal legislation, its advancement of sustainable farming practices, and promotion of education and research to enhance the California winegrape industry. CAWG keeps a close watch on the development and adoption of regulatory issues and, when necessary, engages with state agencies and departments to protect winegrape growers from burdensome rules and regulations. Since 1974, CAWG has been involved in numerous state and federal issues and initiatives, such as advocating for improvements in immigration and labor laws, increased funding for viticulture research and plants and pests management, availability of federal crop insurance for grapes, development and promotion of sustainable farming practices, and elimination of trade barriers. CAWG is also a co-sponsor of the largest industry meeting in the Western Hemisphere, the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. The Unified Symposium serves as an annual clearinghouse of information important to wine and grape industry professionals and attracts 14,000 attendees from all over the world. Providing Economic Contributions to California's Economy Today, the winegrape industry contributes to California's economy in diverse ways. It generates jobs, exports, tax revenues, tourism, and of course, outstanding wines. California is the fourth leading wine producer in the world behind only Italy, France and Spain. More than 110 varieties of winegrapes are grown in 49 out of California’s 58 counties covering approximately 600,000 acres of the state’s terrain. California’s winegrape industry also makes important contributions to the state’s economy by creating 330,000 full-time equivalent jobs. And, when you add tourism -- more than 20 million visitors annually to California wineries and vineyards – the economic gain for California is significant.
Our mission is to transform the hood for G.O.O.D. using urban agriculture as a tool for community engagement, empowerment and employment.
CAWG is dedicated to advocating and promoting the interests of all California winegrape growers. CAWG’s history began more than 40 years ago when a small group of winegrape growers concerned about establishing fair prices for grapes established the Wine Grape Bargaining Association. Up until this time, winegrape growers did not have a statewide organization to focus exclusively on issues affecting their livelihood like other specialty crops did. While fair prices were the initial rallying cry, meetings with growers throughout the state showed a greater interest in creating a trade association to handle the growing spectrum of winegrape issues including pest and disease management, water use, marketing, uniform grade standards, promotion, education and research, and most of all, advocacy with state and federal lawmakers. A survey of the state’s winegrape growers was commissioned to determine if an organization had a chance to succeed. On December 16, 1974, Articles of Incorporation were created, and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) was established.
Our mission is to promote and develop the interest of California women involved or interested in agriculture.