Instituting Change
Wine Institute announces new tools, promotions, seminars and shipping updates
San Francisco, Calif. -- In the midst of California wine month, the California Wine Institute (WI) has launched a new promotional website, revamped its online Greenhouse Gas Accounting Protocol and Calculator, added direct shipping information for two states and announced upcoming industry seminars. WI, which promotes the California industry and lobbies on its behalf, also elected 23 new winery and associate members, bringing total membership to 1,103.
The promotional website discovercaliforniawine.com went live Sept. 3. Designed to help consumers plan visits to the state's varied wine regions, it encourages searches by region, amenities, events and "green" wineries. Users can map and print driving directions for their personal wine touring itineraries. Member wineries are encouraged to promote their special events: Contact communications@wineinstitute.org to get listed.
The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) tool, developed in partnership with New Zealand Winegrowers, South Africa's Integrated Production of Wine program and the Winemakers' Federation of Australia, is free to industry members everywhere. The GHG tool allows wineries and vineyards to measure their carbon footprints, determine if a report on GHG emissions is required in 2009--in compliance with the 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act (AB32)--and if so, to generate that report for submission to the California Air Resources Board. Improvements are in process to improve the calculator's vineyard functions, and it will soon be integrated into the California Sustainable Winegrowing program. Download the protocol, calculator and user guide at wineinstitute.org/ghgprotocol.
Direct shipping updates
Starting Oct. 1, wineries that obtain a permit will be able to ship direct to consumers in Wisconsin. Wineries may ship as many as 12 cases per person per year. The permit fee is $100 per year, and shippers must pay state and local sales and excise taxes, as well as file reports. A $20 tax registration fee and a $1,000 minimum bond also are required. Expedite processing of the Business Tax Registration requirements by filing online. Applications are available at wineinstitute.shipcompliant.com.
Yesterday, WI posted a clarification of direct shipping requirements for Louisiana. "Louisiana regulations do not prohibit wineries with a relationship with a licensed wholesaler in Louisiana from (making) off-site, direct-to-consumer shipments," it states in part. Those shipments, however, are limited to labels that are "not consigned by contract to a licensed wholesaler in the quantity stated in the law. This is allowed even if the winery has other labels consigned to the wholesaler." Wineries that have a direct shippers permit may ship up to four cases per household per year of these labels, pay taxes and file reports. For more on this, visit: wineinstitute.shipcompliant.com.
Seminars scheduled
FedEx will hold a direct-to-consumer export seminar Oct. 9 in Napa. Senior Fed Ex representatives will explain how the company supports the wine industry, and how members can increase overseas business. Compliance, best practices and electronic shipping tools will be addressed, and Eric Pope, WI's regional director of emerging markets, will discuss opportunities in emerging wine markets. The free seminar includes breakfast and lunch. For information and registration, e-mail lgtormey@fedex.com.
Steve Gross, WI state relations director, will report on recent and upcoming changes in direct-shipping, and Tom Ourada of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue will explain Wisconsin's new regulations during a "virtual" seminar presented by ShipCompliant, consisting of a web conference and telephone conference call Oct 16. Register for the free seminar at shipcompliant.com/events.
Joining the club
Twenty-one wineries joined WI, and two allied businesses--Elypsis, Inc., Napa, Calif.; and Zork wine closures, Batavia, Ill.--became associate members.
The new winery members are Arietta, Delectus, Porter Family, Robert Craig and Truchard, all Napa County; Chasseur and Spann, Sonoma County; Asuncion Ridge, Eros and Minassian-Young, San Luis Obispo County; Cimarone, The Evening Land, Labyrinth and Terravant, Santa Barbara County; Harney Lane, Lange Twins and Tangles, San Joaquin County; Jason-Stephens, Santa Clara County; Terre Rouge/Easton Wines, Karly and Vino Noceto, Amador County.
Wine Institute will hold its winter Board of Directors meeting Dec. 6-8 in Pebble Beach.