Sen. Dodd Introduces UC Davis Wine Sales Bill

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today to allow UC Davis to sell wine made by viticulture and enology students, which would otherwise go to waste. The proceeds would generate funds for the university.

“It has always struck me an as absolute waste to dump wine crafted by these promising young vintners,” Sen. Dodd said. “This bill allows them to instead bottle and sell it with the proceeds going back to the department. It’s a win-win situation that ensures students get to see their efforts come to fruition while supporting the program for future generations.”

UC Davis’ viticulture program was established in 1935 following the repeal of prohibition. It has since become a center for innovation and a model of sustainability. Historically, the university disposes of wine produced by students due to a quirk in state law. Senate Bill 918 continues earlier legislative efforts to change that, allowing the issuance of a sales license to a nonprofit entity to sell up to 20,000 gallons of wine a year.

“I’d like to thank Sen. Dodd for his continued support of our viticulture and enology program,” said David Block, department chair. “This bill is very important to the department.  As the most sustainable winery in the world, it doesn’t make sense for us to be pouring our wine down the drain year after year.  This will give us a much more sustainable means of disposing of our wine, and any income from the sales will be re-invested into our teaching, research, and extension programs to help us help the California grape and wine industry.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.