State Senator Chris Cabaldon, who represents Solano County and parts of Napa County, has been appointed chair of the Senate’s Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry. The announcement was made on Tuesday.
“Viticulture, winemaking, and wine tourism are essential drivers of California’s economic prosperity and contribute to making the state a top destination for millions of visitors annually,” said Cabaldon. “Our goal is to ensure that everyone involved in or affected by the wine industry has a voice in the legislative process.”
Cabaldon, who has a deep interest in the wine industry, passed multiple exams administered by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London last year. His studies covered key topics such as the eight main grape varieties, wine tasting techniques, and the environmental and cultivation factors that influence grape production.
In 2023, wine grapes generated $35,044,000 in crop value in Solano County, making it the fifth most profitable crop in the county. According to the 2023 Solano County Agriculture Report, red grape varieties accounted for 2,267 harvested acres, while white varieties totaled 1,727 acres. Notably, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were the top two varieties, with Chardonnay yielding 6,114 tons and Pinot Noir 6,097 tons. Malbec, however, was the most valuable grape variety per ton, fetching $2,247.
Cabaldon succeeds former State Senator Bill Dodd, who also represented Solano County and led the committee previously.
The Select Committee provides a platform for lawmakers to address critical issues impacting the wine industry, including climate change, wildfire risks, workforce challenges, and international competition. It also examines concerns such as retaliatory tariffs on California wine.
“The committee will focus on driving innovation in sustainability, enhancing competitiveness in the global market, and finding practical solutions to the challenges the industry faces,” said Dodd, who was reappointed as chair in 2019. The committee is a bipartisan body composed of senators from various regions of the state.
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