Sonoma County wine leaders are proposing a Wine Improvement District (WID) that would levy a 1–2 percent surcharge on tasting room visits, in-state wine club memberships, and every bottle sold at local wineries to fund collective marketing. Industry leaders formed a steering committee and cite WIDs already operating in Livermore Valley, Santa Barbara County, and Temecula. Many winery owners objected to the rollout and expressed surprise at public announcements without prior consultation. Separately, California Democrats introduced legislation to redraw congressional districts and bypass independent redistricting rules, prompting Republican opposition and a swift political confrontation in Sacramento.
Sonoma County's wine industry is facing significant challenges, in line with global declines in wine sales, and shifting consumer trends. Local vintners and grape growers are joining forces to explore a possible solution for the wine and ag sector. Industry leaders have formed a steering committee to explore creating a Sonoma County Wine Improvement District, or WID. A handful of California regions already have WIDs in place. Livermore Valley, Santa Barbara County and Temecula.
Under the proposed plan, consumers would pay 1 to 2 percent more for tasting room visits, wine club memberships within California, and every bottle purchased at a local winery. Supporters say the plan would provide much-needed collective marketing dollars to boost the industry, but many Sonoma County winery owners are not thrilled with the idea. But when Sonoma County announced its plan last month, winery owners didn't exactly pop the corks in celebration.
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